Senior Pharmaceutical Formulation Scientist

Placements24; LegKraal Gate; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 in Mahikeng seeks a Senior Pharmaceutical Formulation Scientist to lead the design, development, and optimization of drug delivery systems and dosage forms.

The role requires hands-on laboratory work, close collaboration with R&D and manufacturing teams, and a proven track record in formulation development, analytical characterization, and scale‑up to production.

Relocation assistance may be provided for exceptional candidates, with a challenging and rewarding work environment.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutics, Chemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in pharmaceutical formulation development.
• Strong understanding of physical chemistry, material science, and drug delivery principles.
• Experience with various dosage forms and manufacturing processes.
• Proficiency in formulation characterization techniques and analytical method development.
• Excellent problem-solving, critical thinking, and experimental design skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for technical reporting and presentations.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop novel pharmaceutical formulations (e.g., tablets, capsules, injectables, topicals) for various therapeutic areas.
• Conduct pre-formulation studies, including API characterization, excipient compatibility, and stability testing.
• Optimize formulations to enhance drug solubility, bioavailability, stability, and manufacturability.
• Develop and validate analytical methods for formulation characterization and quality control.
• Scale-up formulations from laboratory bench to pilot and commercial manufacturing processes.
• Collaborate with analytical development, manufacturing, and regulatory affairs teams to ensure successful product development.
• Stay current with advancements in drug delivery technologies, formulation science, and relevant regulatory guidelines.

Skills

Formulation development

Physical chemistry

Material science

Drug delivery principles

Analytical method development

Problem-solving

Communication

Education

Ph.D. or Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences/Pharmaceutics/Chemistry or related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly experienced Senior Pharmaceutical Formulation Scientist to join their Product Development department in Mahikeng . This role is instrumental in the design, development, and optimization of innovative drug delivery systems and dosage forms. You will leverage your deep scientific knowledge to create stable, effective, and bioavailable pharmaceutical products. This on-site position requires hands‑on laboratory work and close collaboration with R&D and manufacturing teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop novel pharmaceutical formulations (e.g., tablets, capsules, injectables, topicals) for various therapeutic areas.
• Conduct pre-formulation studies, including API characterization, excipient compatibility, and stability testing.
• Optimize formulations to enhance drug solubility, bioavailability, stability, and manufacturability.
• Develop and validate analytical methods for formulation characterization and quality control.
• Scale‑up formulations from laboratory bench to pilot and commercial manufacturing processes.
• Collaborate with analytical development, manufacturing, and regulatory affairs teams to ensure successful product development.
• Stay current with advancements in drug delivery technologies, formulation science, and relevant regulatory guidelines.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutics, Chemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands‑on experience in pharmaceutical formulation development.
• Strong understanding of physical chemistry, material science, and drug delivery principles.
• Experience with various dosage forms and manufacturing processes.
• Proficiency in formulation characterization techniques and analytical method development.
• Excellent problem‑solving, critical thinking, and experimental design skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for technical reporting and presentations.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and an attractive bonus structure.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Opportunities for professional growth, attending scientific conferences, and publishing research.
• Access to state-of-the‑art formulation and analytical equipment.
• Relocation assistance may be provided for exceptional candidates.
• A challenging and rewarding work environment in Mahikeng .