Senior Pharmaceutical Research Scientist - Formulation Development

Placements24; Midrand; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Professional development

Retirement savings plan

Life insurance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Pharmaceutical Research Scientist for our client in Midrand, Gauteng. You will lead formulation development for small molecules and biologics, shaping drug discovery through preclinical stages with a focus on innovative formulation strategies.

Ideal candidates hold a PhD or MSc in Pharmaceutical Sciences or related field, with 5–7 years of relevant experience and strong analytical method development skills.

Qualifications

• PhD or MSc in Pharmaceutical Sciences or related field required.
• 5–7 years of progressive formulation development experience.
• Experience with dosage forms: oral solids, injectables, topical.
• Proficient in HPLC, GC, MS, UV-Vis and dissolution testing.
• Experience in GLP and GMP environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute complex formulation development projects for small molecules and biologics.
• Design and optimize pre-formulation studies, including solubility, stability, and compatibility assessments.
• Develop and validate analytical methods for drug product characterization and quality control.
• Conduct in vivo studies to evaluate drug delivery and pharmacokinetic profiles.
• Troubleshoot formulation issues and provide scientific guidance for process development and scale-up.
• Prepare and review technical reports, research protocols, and regulatory submission documents.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to the overall scientific strategy of the research department.
• Stay abreast of the latest scientific literature, industry trends, and regulatory guidelines relevant to pharmaceutical formulation.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, manufacturing, and regulatory affairs.

Education

PhD or MSc in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field

Tools

HPLC

GC

MS

UV-Vis

Dissolution testing

GLP/GMP experience

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading innovator in the pharmaceutical sector, is seeking a highly experienced and motivated Senior Pharmaceutical Research Scientist to join their dynamic team in Midrand, Gauteng. This pivotal role involves contributing to the cutting edge of drug discovery and development, focusing on innovative formulation strategies for novel therapeutic agents. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of pharmaceutical sciences, a passion for scientific inquiry, and a proven track record in leading research projects from concept to preclinical stages. You will be instrumental in shaping the future of our client's product pipeline, working within a state-of-the-art facility and collaborating with a multidisciplinary team of experts. This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact in the pharmaceutical industry and advance your career within a globally recognized organization. We are committed to fostering a culture of collaboration, scientific excellence, and continuous learning, ensuring our employees have the resources and support needed to thrive.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and execute complex formulation development projects for small molecules and biologics.
• Design and optimize pre-formulation studies, including solubility, stability, and compatibility assessments.
• Develop and validate analytical methods for drug product characterization and quality control.
• Conduct in vivo studies to evaluate drug delivery and pharmacokinetic profiles.
• Troubleshoot formulation issues and provide scientific guidance for process development and scale-up.
• Prepare and review technical reports, research protocols, and regulatory submission documents.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to the overall scientific strategy of the research department.
• Stay abreast of the latest scientific literature, industry trends, and regulatory guidelines relevant to pharmaceutical formulation.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, manufacturing, and regulatory affairs.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 5-7 years of progressive experience in pharmaceutical formulation development, with a strong emphasis on preclinical drug product design.
• Demonstrated expertise in various dosage forms, including oral solids, injectables, and topical preparations.
• Proficiency in analytical techniques such as HPLC, GC, MS, UV-Vis, and dissolution testing.
• Experience with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) environments.
• Strong understanding of drug delivery systems, pharmacokinetics, and bioavailability enhancement strategies.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet strict deadlines.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex scientific data clearly and concisely.
• Proficiency in data analysis software and electronic laboratory notebooks.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive compensation package, including an attractive annual salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Employees benefit from comprehensive health insurance, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• We provide a generous paid time off policy, including vacation days, sick leave, and public holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning are abundant, with support for conference attendance and further education.
• A robust retirement savings plan and life insurance are also provided.

Join a collaborative and innovative work environment where your contributions are valued and recognized, fostering a rewarding career path within the pharmaceutical industry in Midrand, Gauteng.