Senior Pharmaceutical Formulations Chemist

Placements24; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health & wellness benefits

Professional development

Access to advanced lab facilities

Inclusive work culture

Job summary

Placements24 in Bloemfontein offers a Senior Pharmaceutical Formulations Chemist role within a leading pharmaceutical company. You will lead formulation development, ensure stability and bioavailability, and collaborate with scientists to drive drug product innovation.

The ideal candidate holds a PhD in Pharmaceutical Chemistry and at least 7 years of hands-on experience in formulation development, with GMP knowledge and excellent communication.

Qualifications

• PhD in Pharmaceutical Chemistry or related field.
• Minimum 7 years hands-on experience in pharmaceutical formulation development.
• Strong understanding of GMP guidelines and drug development processes.
• Proficiency with analytical techniques including HPLC, GC, DSC, TGA, XRD, and spectroscopy.

Responsibilities

• Lead chemical characterization and formulation development of new drug substances and excipients.
• Design and conduct experiments to optimize drug formulations for various dosage forms.
• Investigate formulation challenges related to stability, solubility, and compatibility.
• Develop and validate analytical methods for drug product quality and performance.
• Perform physicochemical testing of materials, intermediates, and finished products.
• Conduct pre-formulation studies on solid-state properties of APIs.
• Collaborate with analytical chemists, formulation scientists, and process engineers.
• Prepare detailed technical reports and documentation for regulatory submissions.
• Mentor junior chemists and provide technical guidance within the team.
• Stay updated on literature, patents, and industry trends in pharmaceutical chemistry.

Skills

Analytical chemistry

Formulation development

Team collaboration

Education

PhD in Pharmaceutical Chemistry

Tools

HPLC

GC

DSC

TGA

XRD

Spectroscopy

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a respected pharmaceutical company, is actively seeking a Senior Pharmaceutical Formulations Chemist to join their dedicated research and development team in Bloemfontein, Free State . This role is central to the innovation and development of new drug products. You will be responsible for the chemical aspects of formulation design, ensuring stability, bioavailability, and efficacy. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in physical chemistry, analytical chemistry, and extensive experience in pharmaceutical formulation development. You will work within a state-of-the-art laboratory environment, collaborating with a multidisciplinary team of scientists and technicians. This is a key position for an experienced chemist passionate about advancing pharmaceutical science and contributing to the development of life‑saving therapies. Join our client in Bloemfontein and play a vital part in shaping the future of medicine.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the chemical characterization and formulation development of new drug substances and excipients.
• Design and conduct experiments to optimize drug formulations for various dosage forms (e.g., tablets, capsules, injectables, topical).
• Investigate and resolve formulation‑related challenges, including issues with stability, solubility, and compatibility.
• Develop and validate analytical methods for assessing drug product quality, purity, and performance.
• Perform physicochemical testing of raw materials, intermediates, and finished products.
• Conduct pre‑formulation studies to understand the solid‑state properties of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).
• Collaborate with analytical chemists, formulation scientists, and process engineers to ensure successful product development.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, development summaries, and documentation for regulatory submissions.
• Stay updated on the latest scientific literature, patents, and industry trends in pharmaceutical chemistry and formulation.
• Mentor junior chemists and provide technical guidance within the formulation development team.

Requirements

• PhD in Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, or a related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of hands‑on experience in pharmaceutical formulation development and characterization.
• Deep understanding of drug delivery systems, excipient science, and physicochemical principles.
• Proficiency in various analytical techniques such as HPLC, GC, DSC, TGA, XRD, and spectroscopy.
• Experience with solid‑state characterization of APIs.
• Strong problem‑solving abilities and a meticulous approach to experimental design and execution.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to document scientific findings effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and manage projects independently.
• Familiarity with GMP guidelines and regulatory requirements for drug development.
• Experience with formulation of complex dosage forms is a plus.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health and wellness benefits, and a robust retirement savings plan.
• Opportunities for continuous learning, professional development, and attendance at leading scientific conferences are provided.
• You will have access to advanced laboratory facilities and cutting‑edge analytical instrumentation.
• Our client is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive work culture.
• Advance your career in pharmaceutical chemistry within a dynamic team in Bloemfontein .