Senior Pharmaceutical Formulations Scientist

Placements24; Mossel Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 1,990,000 - 2,985,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonuses

Equity options

Home office stipend

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Generous annual leave and sick days

Learning and development opportunities

401k with employer matching

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Pharmaceutical Formulations Scientist for a fully remote role. You will design, develop, and optimize drug formulations for small molecules and biologics, focusing on excipients, stability, and regulatory-ready documentation.

Lead pre-formulation work, analytical method development, and technology transfer to manufacturing. PhD and 7+ years in formulation development are required; strong communication in a distributed team is essential.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in related field and 7+ years in formulation development.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop innovative pharmaceutical formulations for various dosage forms.

Skills

Formulation development

Analytical methods

Stability studies

Regulatory knowledge

Biologics formulation

Project management

Scientific communication

Education

PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences

Tools

DSC

TGA

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering pharmaceutical research organization, is seeking a highly innovative Senior Pharmaceutical Formulations Scientist to join their advanced drug development team. This position is fully remote, allowing you to contribute your expertise from anywhere. You will be instrumental in designing, developing, and optimizing novel drug delivery systems and pharmaceutical formulations for both small molecules and biologics. This role demands a deep understanding of formulation science, excipient compatibility, drug stability, and the ability to translate complex scientific concepts into viable product candidates. The ideal candidate is a proactive problem-solver with excellent communication and collaboration skills, essential for success in a distributed team environment. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of medicine through cutting-edge formulation development.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop innovative pharmaceutical formulations (e.g., oral solid dosage forms, parenteral, topical, inhaled) for new chemical entities and existing drugs.
• Conduct pre-formulation studies, including solubility, stability, and compatibility assessments.
• Characterize drug products using various analytical techniques (e.g., particle size analysis, dissolution testing, DSC, TGA).
• Develop and validate analytical methods for formulation analysis.
• Optimize formulations to enhance bioavailability, stability, and patient compliance.
• Oversee pilot-scale formulation manufacturing and support technology transfer to manufacturing sites.
• Prepare detailed development reports, study protocols, and regulatory submission documents.
• Collaborate closely with medicinal chemists, analytical scientists, and clinical teams.
• Stay current with advancements in formulation science, drug delivery technologies, and relevant regulatory guidelines.
• Troubleshoot formulation-related challenges and propose effective solutions.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutics, Chemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in pharmaceutical formulation development.
• Proven expertise in developing various dosage forms, with a strong understanding of excipient functionality.
• Hands-on experience with laboratory equipment for formulation development and characterization.
• Knowledge of drug stability principles and accelerated stability study design.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements (e.g., FDA, EMA) for drug product development.
• Excellent scientific judgment, problem-solving abilities, and attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex data clearly.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage projects effectively in a remote setting.
• Experience with biologics formulation is a plus.

Benefits

• Our client provides a competitive salary, performance bonuses, and equity options.
• As a fully remote role, we offer the flexibility to work from home with a dedicated home office stipend.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance are provided.
• A generous annual leave policy and paid sick days ensure work-life balance.
• Opportunities for continuous learning through conferences, workshops, and online courses are supported.
• A 401k plan with employer matching is available.
• Our client fosters an innovative and collaborative culture, empowering employees to make a significant impact on patient lives.