Senior Pharmaceutical Development Scientist (Remote)

Placements24; Soweto; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Home office stipend

Mentorship & training

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Pharmaceutical Development Scientist for a fully remote position. You will advance drug candidates through development, focusing on formulation, process optimization, and manufacturing strategies, leading cross-functional teams in a virtual environment.

The role requires a PhD and 7+ years in drug development, with strong knowledge of cGMP and regulatory guidelines. You will collaborate with international experts and contribute to strategic planning and

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 7 years of progressive experience in pharmaceutical product development and process optimization.
• Proven expertise in solid dosage forms, parenteral products, biologics, or drug delivery systems.
• Experience leading development projects and providing scientific guidance.
• Strong knowledge of cGMP, ICH guidelines, and regulatory requirements for drug development.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and experimental design skills.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication with ability to present complex data.
• Ability to work independently in a fully remote, collaborative team.
• Experience with statistical software and process modeling is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead and contribute to development of manufacturing processes for pharmaceutical products.
• Design and execute formulation studies including solid dosage, sterile, or biologics.
• Perform pre-formulation studies and develop drug delivery systems.
• Optimize and troubleshoot manufacturing processes to improve yield and quality.
• Develop and validate analytical methods for materials and finished products.
• Prepare technical reports, development summaries, and regulatory submissions.
• Collaborate with analytical development, QA, and regulatory in a remote setting.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to strategic direction of the department.
• Stay current with literature, technologies, and regulatory trends in pharmaceutical development.

Skills

Leadership in projects

Remote collaboration

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Education

Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences or related

Tools

Statistical software

Process modeling

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading global pharmaceutical company, is seeking an accomplished Senior Pharmaceutical Development Scientist to join their innovative research and development division. This position is a fully remote opportunity, enabling top talent to contribute from anywhere. You will play a key role in advancing drug candidates through the development pipeline, focusing on process optimization, formulation, and manufacturing strategies. This role demands a deep scientific understanding, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to lead complex projects in a virtual environment. As a remote-first team member, you will collaborate with international experts, leveraging cutting-edge technologies to drive the development of novel therapeutics. If you are a seasoned scientist looking for a challenging and rewarding remote role with significant impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and contribute to the development of robust and scalable manufacturing processes for pharmaceutical products.
• Design and execute studies related to formulation development, including solid dosage forms, sterile products, or biologics.
• Conduct pre-formulation studies, assess drug substance characteristics, and develop suitable drug delivery systems.
• Optimize and troubleshoot manufacturing processes to improve yield, efficiency, and product quality.
• Develop and validate analytical methods for raw materials, intermediates, and finished products.
• Prepare comprehensive technical reports, development summaries, and regulatory submission documents.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including analytical development, quality assurance, and regulatory affairs, in a remote setting.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to the strategic direction of the development department.
• Stay current with scientific literature, new technologies, and regulatory trends in pharmaceutical development.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in pharmaceutical product development and process optimization.
• Proven expertise in at least one key area such as solid dosage forms, parenteral products, biologics, or drug delivery systems.
• Demonstrated experience in leading development projects and providing scientific guidance.
• Strong knowledge of cGMP, ICH guidelines, and regulatory requirements for drug development.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and experimental design skills.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex scientific data clearly.
• Proven ability to work independently, manage multiple projects, and thrive in a fully remote, collaborative team.
• Experience with statistical software and process modeling is a plus.

Benefits

Our client offers an exceptional compensation package, including a highly competitive salary, significant performance-based bonuses, and stock options. We provide comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, robust retirement planning options, and generous paid time off. Professional growth is supported through continuous learning opportunities, internal and external training programs, and mentorship. This remote role includes a generous stipend for home office setup and technology to ensure seamless productivity and connectivity. We foster an innovative and inclusive culture that prioritizes work-life balance and employee well-being.