Senior Pharmaceutical Formulations Chemist

Placements24; East London; On-site; ZAR 850,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Modern laboratory facilities

Career progression opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in East London, Eastern Cape, seeks a Senior Pharmaceutical Formulations Chemist to join its R&D team. You will design, develop, and optimize dosage forms, ensuring stability, bioavailability, and regulatory compliance.

This hands-on role requires expertise in formulation science, analytical method development, and mentoring junior chemists. You will guide projects from concept through to regulatory documentation in a dynamic pharmaceutical environment.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in pharmaceutical formulation development.
• Strong knowledge of excipients and their role in formulation.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize pharmaceutical formulations for various dosage forms (tablets, capsules, injectables, topicals).
• Conduct physicochemical characterization of drug substances and formulated products.
• Develop and validate analytical methods for testing raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products.
• Perform stability studies according to ICH guidelines and analyze results for shelf-life.
• Mentor and guide junior chemists and collaborate with QA/QC teams.

Skills

Formulation development

Pre-formulation studies

HPLC

GC

FTIR

UV-Vis

Dissolution testing

Regulatory familiarity

Education

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

Tools

HPLC

GC

FTIR

UV-Vis

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic and growing pharmaceutical company, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Pharmaceutical Formulations Chemist to join their dedicated Research and Development team in East London, Eastern Cape, ZA . This role is central to the innovation and development of novel drug delivery systems and finished pharmaceutical products. The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in formulation science, physicochemical characterization, and analytical method development. You will be responsible for designing, developing, and optimizing various dosage forms, ensuring their stability, bioavailability, and efficacy. This hands‑on laboratory-based position requires a strong scientific background, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple formulation projects concurrently. We are looking for a passionate scientist eager to contribute to the advancement of pharmaceutical product development. This is a key role within our client's R&D operations in East London , focusing on creating cutting‑edge formulations that meet unmet medical needs. As a Senior Chemist, you will also guide junior colleagues and contribute to strategic R&D planning, ensuring a high standard of scientific output and project execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize pharmaceutical formulations for various dosage forms (e.g., tablets, capsules, injectables, topicals).
• Conduct physicochemical characterization of drug substances and formulated products.
• Develop and validate analytical methods for testing raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products.
• Perform stability studies according to ICH guidelines and analyze results to determine shelf-life.
• Investigate and troubleshoot formulation‑related issues encountered during development and manufacturing.
• Prepare detailed development reports, technical documentation, and regulatory submission materials.
• Collaborate closely with analytical development, process development, and quality control teams.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in formulation science, drug delivery technologies, and relevant regulatory requirements.
• Manage laboratory activities, including equipment maintenance and inventory of materials.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior chemists and technicians within the East London R&D department.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in pharmaceutical formulation development.
• Proven expertise in pre‑formulation studies, formulation design, and optimization of solid, liquid, and/or sterile dosage forms.
• Strong knowledge of pharmaceutical excipients and their role in formulation.
• Proficiency in analytical techniques such as HPLC, GC, FTIR, UV‑Vis spectroscopy, and dissolution testing.
• Experience with stability testing programs and data analysis.
• Familiarity with regulatory guidelines (e.g., ICH, FDA) related to product development and manufacturing.
• Excellent problem‑solving abilities and a scientific approach to experimental design.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to document research findings effectively.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a laboratory setting in East London .

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, comprehensive health, and wellness benefits, retirement plan contributions, and opportunities for professional growth and advancement.
• Employees will have access to modern laboratory facilities and cutting‑edge formulation technologies.
• The company fosters a collaborative and innovative work environment, encouraging scientific curiosity and personal development.
• Located in East London , this role provides a stable and engaging career path within the pharmaceutical industry, contributing to the development of life‑changing medicines.