NextPharma
Scientist Formulation Development
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Scientist Formulation Development
Senior Formulation Scientist – Clinical Manufacturing & Development
We are one of the leading European contract manufacturers in the pharmaceutical, biotech, and healthcare sectors, with over 2,250 employees across Germany, France, Finland, Norway, and the UK. At NextPharma, our fast-paced environment is driven by innovation, collaboration, and a shared passion for delivering excellent global service. We believe that passion for formulation science fuels outstanding results.
Job Purpose
This role offers the opportunity to contribute across three critical areas:
- Clinical manufacturing
- Development of innovative formulations
- Hands-on laboratory work within our development environment
We seek a pharmaceutical scientist passionate about formulated product development, with experience in cGMP environments, regulated by the FDA and MHRA. The ideal candidate will thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced setting, driving complex formulations from development through to clinical manufacture. Experience with lipid-based formulations and/or hot melt extrusion is highly advantageous.
Reporting to: Formulation Development Manager
Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities
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Formulation & Process Development
- Drive the design and development of formulations and manufacturing processes for encapsulated drug products, ensuring alignment with target product profiles and project objectives.
- Lead experimental planning, design, execution, and reporting, maintaining high scientific standards and adherence to timelines.
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Stakeholder & Client Engagement
- Serve as a key point of contact for assigned projects, proactively engaging with clients and internal stakeholders to resolve challenges and ensure successful delivery.
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Data & Decision-Making
- Demonstrate accountability in data interpretation, providing clear conclusions and well-justified recommendations to advance projects.
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Manufacturing Process Optimisation
- Drive process development, including optimisation, scale-up, and robustness studies for clinical and commercial manufacture.
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Regulatory & Quality Compliance
- Take responsibility for GMP-compliant manufacture of technical and clinical batches, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
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Technology Transfer & Knowledge Sharing
- Facilitate technology transfer from development to commercial manufacturing.
- Provide technical support to Manufacturing, troubleshooting and optimising processes through root cause analysis.
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Team Leadership & Mentorship
- Contribute to a high-performing team culture, mentoring colleagues, and fostering knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.
Person Profile: Ideal Candidate Expectations
The perfect Formulation Scientist will embody the following qualities:
Core Attributes
- Resilience & Adaptability: Thrives under pressure, embracing challenges with a proactive, solutions-focused mindset.
- Integrity & Accountability: Acts with confidence, clear communication, and ownership of decisions—learning from mistakes constructively.
- Judgement & Prioritisation: Makes timely, informed decisions and maintains focus on critical priorities.
- Analytical Thinking: Applies structured problem-solving and data-driven approaches to overcome technical challenges.
- Continuous Improvement: Seeks opportunities to enhance processes, ways of working, and technical innovations.
- Growth Mindset: Demonstrates curiosity, openness to feedback, and commitment to personal and professional development.
Workstyle & Collaboration
- Thrives in a dynamic, collaborative team environment, contributing energy and enthusiasm to shared goals.
Employment Flexibility
- Willingness to work flexible hours, including extended periods when project demands arise.
Required Skills & Experience
Essential Qualifications
- A BSc (or equivalent) in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, or a related discipline.
- Proven pharmaceutical/biotech industry experience, with a deep understanding of drug development environments.
- Strong formuncanulation development experience, preferably with liquid-filled hard capsules.
- Demonstrated ability to deliver R&D projects from concept to completion, addressing formulation and drug delivery challenges.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English for technical reports and presentations.
- Self-motivated and proactive, capable of working independently while taking ownership of deliverables.
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Preferred Traits
- A PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, or a related field.
- 2+ years’ technical experience in formulation and drug delivery.
- Experience in end-to-end product development within a regulated pharmaceutical environment.
- Expertise in lipid-based formulations, bioavailability enhancement, or advanced drug delivery systems.
- Hands-on knowledge of cGMP and GLP standards with practical application in daily work.
Technical & Soft Skill Proficiencies
- Digital & Data Literacy: Proficiency in Microsoft Office and advanced digital tools, with strong data analysis, management, and presentation skills.
- Scientific Writing: Exceptional ability to interpret and communicate analytical/experimental data effectively.
- Cross-Functional Communication: Confident user engagement with clients and multi-disciplinary teams (verbal, written, and presentations).
- Leadership & Mentorship: Ability to coach, nurture, and lead less experienced colleagues in a collaborative environment.
Equal Opportunities Statement
NextPharma is an equal opportunities employer. We actively encourage applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates, regardless of:
- Sex
- Race
- Age
- Disability
- Sexual orientation
- Pregnancy or maternity
- Religion or belief
- Marriage or civil partnership
Remuneration & Benefits
- Competitive basic salary: £DOE (Dependent on Experience)
- Private Medical Insurance
- Health Cash Plan
- Contributory pension scheme
- Life Insurance
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