Senior Pharmaceutical Formulation Scientist (Remote)

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Remote-friendly environment

Paid time off

Access to research tools

Job summary

Placements24 invites a Senior Pharmaceutical Formulation Scientist for a fully remote role based in South Africa. You will design and develop formulations for small and large molecules, perform pre-formulation studies, and lead DoE-based optimization with cross‑functional teams.

The ideal candidate holds a PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences or a related field, with at least 6 years in industry formulation development including solid dosage forms and parenteral products, and a solid GMP/CMC

Qualifications

• PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutics, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• 6+ years in industry formulation development.
• Experience with solid dosage forms and parenteral products.
• Familiarity with GMP/CMC and regulatory expectations.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop formulations for oral solids, injectables, and topicals.
• Conduct pre-formulation studies on drug substances and excipients.
• Lead DoE-based formulation development and optimization.
• Support technology transfer to manufacturing sites with compliant documentation.
• Prepare development reports and CMC documentation.
• Present findings to internal teams and external partners.

Skills

Problem-solving

Autonomy

Communication

Education

PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences or related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized leader in pharmaceutical development, is seeking an accomplished Senior Pharmaceutical Formulation Scientist to join their innovative team. This is a fully remote position, enabling you to contribute your expertise from anywhere in South Africa. You will be at the forefront of designing and developing novel drug delivery systems and robust formulations for both small and large molecules. This role requires a deep understanding of pre-formulation, formulation development, process scale-up, and technology transfer. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including analytical development, regulatory affairs, and manufacturing, to ensure successful product development and commercialization. The ideal candidate possesses a strong scientific background, excellent problem-solving skills, and a proven ability to work autonomously in a remote setting. We are committed to fostering a collaborative and supportive remote work environment, ensuring you have the resources and opportunities to thrive. Your work will directly impact the availability of life-changing medications to patients worldwide.

Key Responsibilities

Design, develop, and optimize pharmaceutical formulations for various dosage forms (e.g., oral solids, injectables, topicals). Conduct pre-formulation studies to characterize drug substances and excipients. Perform compatibility studies, stability testing, and develop accelerated stability protocols. Utilize DoE (Design of Experiments) principles for efficient formulation development and optimization. Investigate and troubleshoot formulation-related issues during development and scale-up. Collaborate with analytical teams to define critical quality attributes (CQAs) and analytical methods. Support technology transfer activities to manufacturing sites, ensuring successful process implementation. Prepare comprehensive formulation development reports, protocols, and CMC (Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls) documentation. Stay current with scientific literature, industry trends, and regulatory guidelines related to drug formulation. Present findings and project updates to internal teams and external partners. Ensure all activities comply with company policies, GMP guidelines, and safety regulations.

Requirements

PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutics, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field. Minimum of 6 years of hands-on experience in pharmaceutical formulation development in the industry. Demonstrated expertise in various dosage forms, including solid dosage forms and parenteral products. Proficiency with formulation development equipment and analytical techniques relevant to drug product characterization. Strong understanding of material science, excipient functionality, and drug delivery principles. Experience with regulatory requirements (e.g., FDA, EMA, SAHPRA) and CMC documentation is essential. Proven ability to work independently, manage priorities, and meet project deadlines in a remote environment. Excellent problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication skills. Experience with QbD (Quality by Design) principles is highly desirable. A passion for innovation and a commitment to advancing pharmaceutical science.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health insurance, and a retirement savings plan.
• You will have access to cutting-edge research tools and technologies, along with opportunities for professional growth and career advancement.
• This fully remote role provides exceptional work-life balance and the flexibility to work from your preferred location.
• We provide a supportive and collaborative team environment, dedicated to scientific excellence.
• Generous paid time off and performance-based incentives are also included.