Senior Pharmaceutical Scientist - Formulation Development

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

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Competitive salary + bonus

Medical, pension & life insurance

Generous annual leave & sick leave

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Johannesburg is seeking a Senior Pharmaceutical Scientist to lead formulation development from concept to commercialization. You will drive the design of dosage forms, oversee analytical method development, and ensure GMP-compliant execution within a dynamic R&D environment.

The role requires a Ph.D. or Master’s in a related field, 7+ years in pharmaceutical formulation, strong knowledge of ICH guidelines, and hands-on experience with HPLC, DSC, and other characterization

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in pharmaceutical formulation development.
• Extensive knowledge of GMP regulations and ICH guidelines relevant to drug product development.
• Proficiency in analytical techniques (HPLC, dissolution testing, DSC, TGA) for product characterization.
• Experience with solid dosage forms and controlled-release technologies is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, execution, and optimization of drug formulation strategies for various dosage forms (oral, injectable, topical).
• Conduct pre-formulation studies, including physicochemical characterization of APIs.
• Develop and validate analytical methods for characterizing and testing drug product stability.
• Oversee the scale-up of formulations from laboratory bench to pilot plant production.
• Collaborate with regulatory affairs, manufacturing, and quality assurance to ensure compliance and successful product launch.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to the technical growth of the formulation development department.

Education

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

Tools

HPLC

Dissolution testing

DSC

TGA

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an accomplished Senior Pharmaceutical Scientist to spearhead formulation development projects in Johannesburg . You will play a pivotal role in the discovery and development of innovative drug products, from early-stage research through to commercialization. This position offers a unique opportunity to work within a dynamic research and development environment, contributing to the creation of life-changing therapies. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of pharmaceutical sciences and a passion for driving scientific excellence in a collaborative setting, influencing the future of healthcare products developed within the region.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, execution, and optimization of drug formulation strategies for various dosage forms (oral, injectable, topical).
• Conduct comprehensive pre-formulation studies, including physicochemical characterization of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs).
• Develop and validate analytical methods for characterizing and testing drug product stability.
• Oversee the scale-up of formulations from laboratory bench to pilot plant production.
• Collaborate closely with regulatory affairs, manufacturing, and quality assurance teams to ensure compliance and successful product launch.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to the technical growth of the formulation development department.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in pharmaceutical formulation development , with a proven track record of successful drug product development.
• Extensive knowledge of GMP regulations and ICH guidelines relevant to drug product development.
• Proficiency in various analytical techniques (e.g., HPLC, dissolution testing, DSC, TGA) for product characterization.
• Experience with solid dosage forms and controlled-release technologies is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Highly competitive annual salary and performance bonus.
• Comprehensive medical, pension, and life insurance benefits.
• Generous annual leave allowance and paid sick leave.
• Opportunities for professional development, including conference attendance and advanced training.
• Hybrid work model balancing office-based R&D with remote flexibility for focused work.