Senior Pharmaceutical Formulation Scientist

Placements24; Pietermaritzburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Conferences

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Pharmaceutical Formulation Scientist for a leading pharmaceutical innovator in Pietermaritzburg. You will design, develop, and optimize solid dosage forms, lead pre‑formulation studies, and select excipients to enhance therapeutic efficacy.

The role sits in a collaborative R&D team with GMP-compliant labs, offers a hybrid work model, opportunities for professional growth, and involvement in regulatory filings and product development.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 6 years of hands-on experience in pharmaceutical formulation development, with a strong focus on solid oral dosage forms.
• Proven expertise in pre-formulation, excipient selection, formulation design, and process development.
• Proficiency in utilizing various analytical techniques for characterization (e.g., DSC, TGA, XRPD, dissolution testing).
• Solid understanding of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and regulatory requirements for drug product development.
• Excellent experimental design, data analysis, and interpretation skills.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and a proactive approach to challenges.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to present scientific data clearly.
• Experience working in Pietermaritzburg or willingness to relocate is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the formulation development of new drug products, from pre-formulation studies through to process optimization for clinical trial materials and commercial manufacturing.
• Design and execute experiments to evaluate drug solubility, stability, compatibility, and pharmacokinetic profiles.
• Develop and characterize various dosage forms, including tablets, capsules, and potentially other advanced delivery systems.
• Conduct pre-formulation studies to understand drug substance properties and select appropriate excipients.
• Perform hands‑on laboratory work, including wet chemistry, solid‑state characterization, and dissolution testing.
• Develop and validate analytical methods for formulation analysis in collaboration with analytical development teams.
• Troubleshoot formulation‑related issues encountered during development and scale‑up.
• Prepare comprehensive formulation development reports, technical summaries, and sections for regulatory filings.
• Collaborate effectively with project teams, including R&D, analytical development, manufacturing, and regulatory affairs.
• Stay current with scientific literature, emerging technologies, and regulatory guidelines in pharmaceutical formulation.

Skills

Formulation development

Pre-formulation

Analytical techniques

Dissolution testing

Data analysis

Education

Master's or PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering

Tools

DSC

TGA

XRPD

Dissolution testing equipment

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading pharmaceutical innovator, is actively recruiting a Senior Pharmaceutical Formulation Scientist for their state-of-the-art facility in Pietermaritzburg. This pivotal role is responsible for the design, development, and optimization of novel drug formulations to enhance therapeutic efficacy and patient compliance. The successful candidate will possess extensive expertise in formulation science, pre-formulation studies, and solid dosage form development. Joining our client provides a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research and development within a company renowned for its commitment to scientific excellence and employee growth in the KwaZulu-Natal region. You will be instrumental in advancing the company's pipeline of innovative medicines. The hybrid work model ensures a dynamic blend of in-office laboratory work and focused remote analysis, promoting both productivity and work-life integration.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the formulation development of new drug products, from pre-formulation studies through to process optimization for clinical trial materials and commercial manufacturing.
• Design and execute experiments to evaluate drug solubility, stability, compatibility, and pharmacokinetic profiles.
• Develop and characterize various dosage forms, including tablets, capsules, and potentially other advanced delivery systems.
• Conduct pre-formulation studies to understand drug substance properties and select appropriate excipients.
• Perform hands‑on laboratory work, including wet chemistry, solid‑state characterization, and dissolution testing.
• Develop and validate analytical methods for formulation analysis in collaboration with analytical development teams.
• Troubleshoot formulation‑related issues encountered during development and scale‑up.
• Prepare comprehensive formulation development reports, technical summaries, and sections for regulatory filings.
• Collaborate effectively with project teams, including R&D, analytical development, manufacturing, and regulatory affairs.
• Stay current with scientific literature, emerging technologies, and regulatory guidelines in pharmaceutical formulation.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 6 years of hands‑on experience in pharmaceutical formulation development, with a strong focus on solid oral dosage forms.
• Proven expertise in pre‑formulation, excipient selection, formulation design, and process development.
• Proficiency in utilizing various analytical techniques for characterization (e.g., DSC, TGA, XRPD, dissolution testing).
• Solid understanding of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and regulatory requirements for drug product development.
• Excellent experimental design, data analysis, and interpretation skills.
• Strong problem‑solving abilities and a proactive approach to challenges.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to present scientific data clearly.
• Experience working in Pietermaritzburg or willingness to relocate is preferred.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance‑based incentive programs.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• Retirement savings plan with generous company contributions.
• Opportunities for professional growth, attending scientific conferences, and further training.
• A collaborative and innovative research environment.
• Hybrid work model supporting work‑life balance.
• Generous paid time off and holiday benefits.