Senior Research Scientist - Pharmaceutical Development

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Research Scientist in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, to lead formulation development and product characterization within the Pharmaceutical Development department. You will design and execute studies across drug formulations, delivery systems, and analytical characterization, working with cross-functional teams to advance drug candidates.

The role requires a PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences and 5+ years of experience, with GMP/GLP experience and strong communication

Qualifications

• PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences or related discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in pharmaceutical formulation development and product characterization.
• Experience with GMP/GLP and regulatory guidelines (FDA/EMA) is essential.
• Strong analytical chemistry knowledge and demonstrated problem-solving.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize drug formulations for various routes of administration.
• Characterize drug substances and formulated products using analytical techniques.
• Plan and execute stability studies to determine shelf-life and storage conditions.
• Support scale-up of manufacturing from laboratory to pilot scale.
• Collaborate with regulatory affairs to ensure compliance with guidelines and submissions.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to technical reports and publications.
• Stay updated on industry trends and regulatory changes.

Education

Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences

Tools

HPLC

GC

MS

Spectroscopy

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic and innovative pharmaceutical company, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Research Scientist to join their Pharmaceutical Development department in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal . This role is essential for the advancement of novel drug candidates from discovery through to clinical trials. You will be responsible for designing and executing studies related to drug formulation, drug delivery systems, and product characterization. The ideal candidate possesses a strong background in pharmaceutical sciences, with expertise in formulation development, analytical chemistry, and preclinical/clinical study support. You will work in a collaborative environment with cross-functional teams, contributing significantly to the company's R&D pipeline and bringing life-changing medicines to patients.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize drug formulations for various routes of administration (e.g., oral, parenteral, topical).
• Characterize drug substances and formulated products using a range of analytical techniques (e.g., HPLC, GC, MS, spectroscopy).
• Plan and execute stability studies to determine shelf-life and storage conditions for drug products.
• Support the scale-up of manufacturing processes from laboratory to pilot scale.
• Collaborate with regulatory affairs to ensure compliance with relevant guidelines and submission requirements.
• Troubleshoot formulation and analytical issues, providing effective solutions.
• Mentor junior scientists and research associates, guiding their technical development.
• Contribute to the preparation of technical reports, regulatory documents, and scientific publications.
• Stay updated on industry trends, new technologies, and regulatory changes in pharmaceutical development.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in pharmaceutical formulation development and product characterization.
• Proven expertise in various dosage forms and drug delivery technologies.
• Strong knowledge of analytical techniques used for pharmaceutical characterization.
• Experience with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) is essential.
• Familiarity with drug development processes and regulatory guidelines (e.g., FDA, EMA).
• Excellent problem-solving, critical thinking, and project management skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present scientific data effectively.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and retirement plans, along with generous paid time off. You will also have access to continuous learning opportunities, including training programs and conference attendance, supporting your professional growth. This role in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal , provides the chance to work on cutting-edge pharmaceutical development projects in a supportive and innovative environment. Join a dedicated team focused on developing therapies that significantly improve patient health and well-being.