Senior Pharmaceutical Formulations Scientist

Placements24; Vereeniging; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site at modern facility

Health benefits & retirement plan

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Pharmaceutical Formulations Scientist for our client in Vereeniging, Gauteng. You will design, develop, and optimize drug formulations for small molecules and biologics, lead pre-formulation studies, and ensure robust product stability.

The role requires a PhD or MSc, 7+ years in formulation development, knowledge of GMP, and strong communication and leadership skills. On-site at a modern research facility with competitive benefits.

Qualifications

• PhD or Master's degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutics, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in pharmaceutical formulation development, with a focus on solid dosage forms and/or parenteral products.
• Extensive knowledge of formulation science, drug delivery technologies, and excipient compatibility.
• Proficiency in analytical techniques relevant to drug product characterization and stability testing.
• Experience with GMP manufacturing principles and regulatory requirements for drug product development.
• Demonstrated ability to independently design, execute, and interpret complex formulation studies.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop innovative pharmaceutical formulations for small molecules and biologics.
• Conduct pre-formulation studies, including characterization of APIs and excipients.
• Evaluate drug product stability and bioavailability improvement strategies.
• Develop and optimize manufacturing processes for new drug formulations.
• Perform analytical characterization of drug products using analytical techniques.
• Prepare and review formulation development reports and regulatory submission documents.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including analytical development, manufacturing, and regulatory affairs.
• Troubleshoot formulation and process-related issues and identify root causes.
• Stay abreast of new technologies and industry trends in pharmaceutical formulation.
• Mentor junior scientists and provide technical guidance to the team.

Skills

Formulation development

GMP knowledge

Regulatory submission

Analytical techniques

Education

PhD or MSc in Pharmaceutical Sciences/Pharmaceutics/Chemical Engineering

Tools

HPLC

DSC

TGA

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized leader in pharmaceutical development, is seeking a highly qualified Senior Pharmaceutical Formulations Scientist to contribute to their innovative research and development efforts in Vereeniging, Gauteng . This senior role is pivotal in designing, developing, and optimizing novel drug delivery systems and formulations for a wide range of therapeutic areas. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of formulation science principles, drug stability, and pre-formulation studies. This position offers a challenging yet rewarding opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects and significantly impact the development pipeline of new medicines. We are looking for a driven individual with a proven track record in formulation development and a passion for scientific excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop innovative pharmaceutical formulations (e.g., oral solid dosage forms, injectables, topicals) for small molecules and biologics.
• Conduct pre-formulation studies, including characterization of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and excipients.
• Evaluate drug product stability, solubility enhancement techniques, and bioavailability improvement strategies.
• Develop and optimize manufacturing processes for new drug formulations, including granulation, blending, compression, coating, and sterile filling.
• Perform physical and chemical characterization of drug products using various analytical techniques (e.g., HPLC, dissolution, DSC, TGA).
• Prepare and review formulation development reports, batch records, and regulatory submission documents (e.g., IND, NDA).
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including analytical development, manufacturing, and regulatory affairs.
• Troubleshoot formulation and process-related issues, identifying root causes and implementing solutions.
• Stay abreast of new technologies, scientific literature, and industry trends in pharmaceutical formulation.
• Mentor junior scientists and provide technical guidance to the formulation development team.

Requirements

• PhD or Master's degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutics, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in pharmaceutical formulation development, with a strong focus on solid dosage forms and/or parenteral products.
• Extensive knowledge of formulation science, drug delivery technologies, and excipient compatibility.
• Proficiency in analytical techniques relevant to drug product characterization and stability testing.
• Experience with GMP manufacturing principles and regulatory requirements for drug product development.
• Demonstrated ability to independently design, execute, and interpret complex formulation studies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience in preparing regulatory documents.
• Strong leadership and team collaboration skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Experience with specialized delivery systems (e.g., sustained release, targeted delivery) is a plus.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary, comprehensive health benefits package, and retirement savings plan. We provide exceptional opportunities for professional development, including access to advanced training and conferences. The role is based at our state-of-the-art research facility in Vereeniging, Gauteng . We are committed to fostering a collaborative work environment that encourages innovation and rewards performance. This on-site position is crucial for direct involvement in laboratory work and team collaboration.