General Information Title: Senior Scientist – Formulation Development Department: Formulation Development Site: Guildford, UK Reporting To: Associate director – Formulation Development
Position Summary – To design and develop dosage forms as per the client’s TTP within the set timeline and oversee laboratory operational activities of the UK Formulation Development team Essential Functions
Lead and oversee experimental activities within assigned projects, ensuring alignment with study plans, SOPs, agreed timelines, and MedPharm’s Quality Management System (QMS), while considering resource availability.These include but are not limited to the following:
Provide expert guidance on the selection and preparation of solvent systems and execution of saturated solubility experiments.
Lead the design and development of formulations for assigned projects, ensuring scientific rigor and alignment with project objectives.
Manufacture and aliquoting of formulations for stability studies.
Characterisation of formulations during the development phase and on developmental stability studies
Analyse and interpret study data to inform formulation strategy and decision-making.
Schedule and oversee laboratory work, ensuring efficient resource allocation.
Lead and mentor team members through various stages of formulation development.
Maintain effective communication with Study Director, Technical Oversights, and Project Managers.
Contribute to Formulation Development updates in collaboration with internal stakeholders.
Maintain operational expertise on equipment used in the laboratory and troubleshooting. Train other team members on equipment use.
Maintain training records and review the training records of direct reports, where applicable.
Ensure all activities comply with Health & Safety policies and COSHH regulations.
Supervisory responsibilities:
Provide effective line management through regular one-to-ones, performance reviews, and oversight of staff training and development.
Key Relationship:
Laboratory staff in Formulation development, Process Development and Analytical
Heads of Departments
Study Directors
Laboratory Technicians
Project managers
Planning team
3rd Party suppliers and vendors
Education and Experience
Degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, or related field (MSc/PhD preferred)
Proven experience in formulation development
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of Formulation Science
Knowledge of dosage forms including creams, ointments, gels, suspensions.
Cosmetic development (Preferred but not essential)
Experience in pre-formulation and formulation development.
Ability to work to tight deadlines.
A methodical approach to work and highly organised.
Ability to work independently and contribute to the team.
Good communication skills (written and oral).
IT literate.
Ability to multi-task, manage time efficiently and prioritise.
Physical Demands and Work Environment While performing the duties of this job, there may be certain physical demands required for the position.
For example:
Regular standing for extended periods while conducting laboratory experiments and processes.
Frequent manual handling of laboratory glassware, raw materials, and small-scale manufacturing components.
Occasional lifting of items up to 10–15 kg, such as chemical containers or pieces of equipment.
Repetitive movements associated with routine laboratory procedures.
Other Duties You may be asked to take on any other responsibilities or tasks that are within your skills and abilities whenever reasonably asked.
Limitations and Disclaimer The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the position. The Company is committed to making reasonable adjustments to the workplace to ensure the role is accessible to all candidates, including those with disabilities. To perform the job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently.