Principal Scientist - Pharmaceutical Development

Our client is seeking a highly experienced Principal Scientist to spearhead pharmaceutical development initiatives in Cape Town . This senior role will focus on guiding the formulation, characterization, and scale-up of new drug candidates, ensuring compliance with rigorous regulatory standards. You will play a critical role in shaping the company's pipeline, working closely with multidisciplinary teams including discovery research, clinical operations, and manufacturing.

The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of drug development processes and a proven track record of successfully bringing pharmaceutical products from concept to clinical trials, contributing to advancements in healthcare within the Western Cape .

• Lead the strategic planning and execution of pre-formulation and formulation development for novel small molecule and biologic drug candidates.
• Oversee the design and conduct of stability studies, drug product characterization, and process optimization experiments.
• Collaborate with analytical chemistry teams to develop and validate appropriate analytical methods for drug substance and drug product testing.
• Provide scientific leadership and mentorship to a team of formulation scientists and technicians in our Cape Town facility.
• Ensure all development activities adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and relevant regulatory guidelines, interacting with regulatory bodies as needed.

• Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Extensive experience (10+ years) in pharmaceutical product development, with a strong focus on formulation and manufacturing sciences.
• In-depth knowledge of regulatory requirements (e.g., FDA, EMA) and GMP principles.
• Proven experience managing complex projects and leading scientific teams in a pharmaceutical R&D setting.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills, with a strong aptitude for scientific rigor.

• Exceptional executive-level salary and performance bonuses.
• Comprehensive health insurance, including specialized care.
• Generous relocation assistance for qualified candidates moving to Cape Town .
• Support for continuing education and professional certifications.
• A culture of innovation and commitment to improving patient lives through advanced therapies.