Senior Pharmaceutical Formulation And Development Scientist

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonuses

Equity options

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Holidays

Conference funding

Training opportunities

Wellness programs

Employee assistance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Formulation Scientist to drive drug product development in Durban. You will design and optimize drug formulations, perform pre-formulation studies, and lead scale-up and technology transfer with cross-functional teams.

The role requires a PhD/ MSc in a relevant field, 6+ years of hands-on experience, and strong expertise in dosage forms, GMP, and regulatory requirements. A data-driven, collaborative scientist will thrive in our state-of-the-art facility.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutics, Chemistry or related field.
• Minimum of 6 years hands-on experience in pharmaceutical formulation development.
• Proven expertise in designing and developing various dosage forms (tablets, capsules, injectables, topical).
• Strong understanding of physical chemistry, polymer science, and material science as applied to drug delivery.
• Proficiency in laboratory techniques for formulation development, characterization, and stability testing.
• Experience with GMP and regulatory requirements for drug product development.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and a data-driven approach to formulation challenges.
• Strong written and oral communication skills; ability to present complex information clearly.
• Proficiency in statistics software and formulation modeling tools.
• Ability to lead projects within a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize oral solid dosage forms, sterile injectables, or other drug delivery systems.
• Conduct pre-formulation studies to characterize drug substances and excipients, including solubility, stability, and compatibility.
• Investigate and select excipients to achieve desired product performance, stability, and manufacturability.
• Develop robust analytical methods for drug product characterization and quality control.
• Oversee formulation development activities, including experimentation, data analysis, and interpretation.
• Lead scale-up activities and technology transfer to manufacturing sites, ensuring process validation.
• Troubleshoot formulation and manufacturing issues with scientific solutions.
• Collaborate with analytical development, process engineering, and regulatory teams.
• Prepare technical reports and documentation for regulatory submissions.
• Stay updated on regulatory trends and evolving formulation technologies.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Data-driven

Scientific writing

Team leadership

Problem solving

Communication

Education

PhD or MSc in Pharmaceutical Sciences/Pharmaceutics/Chemistry

Tools

Statistical analysis software

Formulation modeling software

Job description

Senior Formulation Scientist - Drug Product Development

About the Role Our client, a globally recognized pharmaceutical research and development company, is seeking a highly accomplished Senior Formulation Scientist to contribute to their innovative drug product development efforts in Durban. This role is central to transforming novel drug candidates into safe, effective, and stable pharmaceutical products. The Senior Formulation Scientist will be responsible for designing, developing, and optimizing drug formulations, leading pre-formulation studies, and ensuring successful scale-up and technology transfer. This is a fantastic opportunity for a scientist passionate about drug delivery and product innovation to work in a state-of-the-art facility with a collaborative and forward-thinking team. The ideal candidate will possess extensive knowledge of formulation principles, excipient selection, and drug product characterization techniques. We foster a culture of scientific excellence and provide ample opportunities for professional growth in Durban, aiming to advance therapeutic solutions. The vibrant city of Durban offers a unique coastal lifestyle and a growing hub for scientific innovation, making it an ideal location for this exciting career opportunity. Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize oral solid dosage forms, sterile injectables, or other drug delivery systems.
• Conduct pre-formulation studies to characterize drug substances and excipients, including solubility, stability, and compatibility.
• Investigate and select appropriate excipients to achieve desired drug product performance, stability, and manufacturability.
• Develop robust analytical methods for drug product characterization and quality control.
• Oversee formulation development activities, including experimentation, data analysis, and interpretation.
• Lead scale-up activities and technology transfer to manufacturing sites, ensuring successful process validation.
• Troubleshoot formulation and manufacturing issues, providing scientific expertise and solutions.
• Collaborate closely with analytical development, process engineering, and regulatory affairs teams.
• Prepare comprehensive technical reports, development summaries, and documentation for regulatory submissions.
• Stay abreast of the latest scientific advancements, technologies, and regulatory trends in drug formulation.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutics, Chemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of hands-on experience in pharmaceutical formulation development.
• Proven expertise in designing and developing various dosage forms (e.g., tablets, capsules, injectables, topical).
• Strong understanding of physical chemistry, polymer science, and material science as applied to drug delivery.
• Proficiency in laboratory techniques for formulation development, characterization, and stability testing.
• Experience with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and regulatory requirements for drug product development.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and a scientific, data-driven approach to formulation challenges.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to present complex scientific information clearly.
• Proficiency in relevant software, including statistical analysis tools and formulation modeling software.
• Ability to work independently and lead projects within a multidisciplinary team environment.

Benefits Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, including performance bonuses and equity options, along with comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance. We provide a generous retirement savings plan, ample paid time off, and paid holidays. Opportunities for professional growth are abundant, with funding for conferences, workshops, and advanced training. Employees enjoy access to state-of-the-art research facilities in Durban, a supportive and collaborative work environment, and clear pathways for career advancement. Additionally, we offer wellness programs, employee assistance services, and a commitment to fostering work-life balance. This role in Durban presents a unique chance to be at the forefront of pharmaceutical innovation and contribute to improving global health outcomes.