Senior Research Scientist - Pharmaceutical Development

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Retirement savings plan

Conference attendance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Research Scientist in Sandton to lead pharmaceutical formulation development and delivery-system optimization in a cutting-edge lab. You will drive discovery and translation of drug candidates, collaborating with chemists, biologists and clinical researchers to advance projects through development stages.

The role demands a PhD with 7+ years in pharma R&D, strong analytical skills, and deep knowledge of GMP and regulatory expectations.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in pharmaceutical R&D, with a focus on formulation development.
• Demonstrated expertise in various drug delivery systems (e.g., oral, injectable, topical) and related analytical techniques.
• Strong understanding of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and regulatory requirements (e.g., GMP).
• Proficiency in laboratory techniques such as HPLC, GC, dissolution testing, and microscopy.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct experiments for the development of novel pharmaceutical formulations and drug delivery systems.
• Characterize the physicochemical properties of drug candidates and excipients using advanced analytical techniques.
• Optimize formulation processes to ensure product stability, efficacy, and bioavailability.
• Collaborate with preclinical and clinical teams to advance drug candidates through the development pipeline.
• Prepare comprehensive technical reports, regulatory documentation, and research publications.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to the scientific leadership of the R&D department.

Skills

Leadership

Regulatory knowledge

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences

Chemistry or Chemical Engineering related PhD

Tools

HPLC

GC

Dissolution testing

Microscopy

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Research Scientist to join their dynamic pharmaceutical development team in Sandton . This role is pivotal in driving the discovery and formulation of new drug candidates, contributing significantly to the advancement of therapeutic treatments. You will work within a cutting-edge laboratory environment, collaborating with a multidisciplinary team of chemists, biologists, and clinical researchers. This is an exceptional opportunity to make a substantial impact on patient health and contribute to groundbreaking pharmaceutical research in a leading center.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and conduct experiments for the development of novel pharmaceutical formulations and drug delivery systems.
• Characterize the physicochemical properties of drug candidates and excipients using advanced analytical techniques.
• Optimize formulation processes to ensure product stability, efficacy, and bioavailability.
• Collaborate with preclinical and clinical teams to advance drug candidates through the development pipeline.
• Prepare comprehensive technical reports, regulatory documentation, and research publications.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to the scientific leadership of the R&D department.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in pharmaceutical R&D , with a focus on formulation development.
• Demonstrated expertise in various drug delivery systems (e.g., oral, injectable, topical) and related analytical techniques.
• Strong understanding of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and regulatory requirements (e.g., GMP).
• Proficiency in laboratory techniques such as HPLC, GC, dissolution testing, and microscopy.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance-based incentive programs.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• Generous paid time off and retirement savings plan.
• Opportunities for continuous learning, professional development, and conference attendance.
• State-of-the-art research facilities and equipment in Sandton .