Senior Pharmaceutical Formulation Scientist

Placements24; Richards Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

retirement contributions

Performance bonuses

Training and conferences

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Pharmaceutical Formulation Scientist to join its advanced drug development team in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. You will design, develop, and optimize novel dosage forms and delivery systems, translating early-stage candidates into viable products.

The role requires 5–7 years in solid dosage formulation development, proficiency in GMP, and strong analytical skills. Collaboration with internal/external teams and regulatory submissions are key aspects of the

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master's in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutics or related field.
• 5–7 years hands-on experience in pharmaceutical formulation development.
• In-depth knowledge of drug delivery, excipients, and solid dosage forms.
• Proficiency with GMP and regulatory requirements for drug development.
• Strong problem-solving and data analysis skills.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop innovative oral solid dosage forms (tablets, capsules) and other dosage forms.
• Select and characterize excipients to achieve product performance and stability.
• Conduct pre-formulation studies to assess drug substance properties.
• Optimize formulation processes (granulation, blending, compression, coating).
• Develop and validate analytical methods for materials and finished products.
• Collaborate with API development, analytical development, and CMC teams.
• Prepare technical reports, CMC documentation, and regulatory submissions.
• Stay updated on GMP guidelines and new formulation technologies.

Skills

Formulation development

Excipient science

Solid dosage forms

Analytical problem solving

Team collaboration

Education

Ph.D. or MSc in Pharmaceutical Sciences/Pharmaceutics/related field

Tools

HPLC

Dissolution testing

Particle size analysis

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the pharmaceutical industry dedicated to improving patient health, is seeking an experienced Senior Pharmaceutical Formulation Scientist to join their advanced drug development team in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal . This critical role involves the design, development, and optimization of novel drug delivery systems and dosage forms. You will leverage your deep understanding of pharmaceutical sciences to translate early-stage drug candidates into viable and effective therapeutic products. The ideal candidate possesses a strong background in formulation development, excipient science, and solid dosage form technologies, coupled with excellent analytical and problem-solving skills. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to life-changing medicines and advance your career in a leading pharmaceutical company. You will be integral to the formulation strategy of key pipeline assets.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop innovative oral solid dosage forms (e.g., tablets, capsules) and other relevant dosage forms.
• Select and characterize appropriate excipients to achieve desired drug product performance and stability.
• Conduct pre-formulation studies to understand drug substance properties and their impact on formulation.
• Optimize formulation processes using techniques such as granulation, blending, compression, and coating.
• Perform in-vitro dissolution testing and other bioequivalence studies.
• Develop and validate analytical methods for raw material and finished product testing.
• Troubleshoot formulation and manufacturing process issues, implementing effective solutions.
• Collaborate with internal teams (e.g., API development, analytical development, CMC) and external partners.
• Prepare and review technical reports, CMC documentation, and regulatory submissions.
• Stay current with industry trends, regulatory guidelines, and new technologies in pharmaceutical formulation.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutics, Chemistry, or a related field.
• A minimum of 5-7 years of hands-on experience in pharmaceutical formulation development, with a focus on solid dosage forms.
• In-depth knowledge of drug delivery principles, excipient functionality, and material science.
• Proficiency with common pharmaceutical processing equipment and analytical instrumentation (e.g., HPLC, dissolution apparatus, particle size analyzers).
• Strong understanding of GMP principles and regulatory requirements for drug development.
• Excellent problem-solving, critical thinking, and data analysis skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in a team.
• Experience with novel drug delivery technologies (e.g., controlled release, bioavailability enhancement) is a plus.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet project deadlines.
• Experience in writing technical reports and contributing to regulatory filings.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement contributions, and performance bonuses. They are committed to employee growth and provide opportunities for continuous learning, advanced training, and participation in scientific conferences. The working environment in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal is stimulating and collaborative, fostering a culture of innovation and scientific excellence. Career progression opportunities are available within a growing and dynamic organization. We believe in promoting a diverse and inclusive workforce.