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Director Drug Product Formulation Development Jobs

Sr. Scientist 1

Novato, CA

$107K - $146K/yr

This role may be fulfilled as a subject matter expert (SME) in drug product formulation development or as a Drug Product Partner Team Lead. The Drug Product Partner Team is responsible for all ...

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Director Drug Product Formulation Development information

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$73K

$163.7K

$244.5K

How much do director drug product formulation development jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for director drug product formulation development in the United States is $163,684.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $131,500.00 and $185,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Director of Drug Product Formulation Development do?

A Director of Drug Product Formulation Development leads teams responsible for designing and optimizing pharmaceutical formulations, ensuring that drugs are safe, effective, and manufacturable at scale. This role involves overseeing the development of drug products from early-stage research through to clinical trials and commercial manufacturing. The director collaborates with cross-functional teams, manages regulatory compliance, and ensures that product development aligns with company goals and industry standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Director of Drug Product Formulation Development, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director of Drug Product Formulation Development, you need an advanced degree in pharmaceutical sciences or a related field, extensive experience in formulation development, and a deep understanding of regulatory requirements. Familiarity with analytical instrumentation, formulation software, and quality management systems, as well as certifications like PMP or Six Sigma, are highly beneficial. Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and cross-functional communication skills set outstanding candidates apart. These competencies ensure the successful development, optimization, and regulatory approval of drug products in a highly competitive and regulated environment.

What are some typical challenges faced by a Director of Drug Product Formulation Development, and how are they addressed within the team?

A Director of Drug Product Formulation Development often encounters challenges such as balancing innovative formulation approaches with regulatory compliance, managing cross-functional timelines, and ensuring scalability from laboratory to commercial manufacturing. Addressing these challenges typically involves close collaboration with analytical, regulatory, and manufacturing teams to align goals and troubleshoot issues early. Open communication, regular project reviews, and fostering a culture of continuous learning help the team adapt quickly to evolving project requirements and industry standards.
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What states have the most Director Drug Product Formulation Development jobs? States with the most job openings for Director Drug Product Formulation Development jobs include:
Principal Scientist I, Formulation Development

Principal Scientist I, Formulation Development

AbbVie

Cambridge, MA • On-site

$164K - $236K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago


AbbVie rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 95 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 71 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

Company Description
AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines and solutions that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas - immunology, oncology, neuroscience, and eye care - and products and services in our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and Tik Tok.
Job Description
Key Responsibilities
  • Function as a principal investigator, generating original technical ideas & search or development strategies.
  • Generate new scientific proposals & lead those efforts.
  • Anticipate & critically evaluate scientific or regulatory advances or competitive threats & respond with appropriate new strategies.
  • Independently responsible for project science with area of expertise on 1 or more project teams.
  • Primary author of publications, presentations, regulatory documents & /or primary inventor of patents.
  • Present at leading scientific conferences.
  • Understand & adhere to corporate standards regarding code of conduct, safety, appropriate handling of materials, controlled drug & radioactive compounds, GxP compliance, & animal care.
  • Mentor a team & evaluate performance.

Qualifications
Education & Experience
Must possess a MS in Pharmaceutical Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or other related field & 3 years as a drug product formulation scientist working with a pharmaceutical company. Of industry work experience required, must have 3 years: (i) performing design development, leading projects & providing innovation of (a) multi particulate system (mini tablets, drug layering), (b) modified release formulation with ASD, (c) bi-layer/tri-layer tablets, & (d) other nonconventional oral delivery systems; (ii) managing clinical supply manufacturing & other activities to support clinical studies at different stages; (iii) performing GMP activities for both documentation & manufacturing activities; (iv) supporting regulatory filings, including authorizing, reviewing & approving; (v) conducting DOE & performing statistical analysis for pharmaceutical drug product development; & (vi) using PBPK modeling as a tool to guide formulation development.
Alternatively, would accept PhD in Pharmaceutical Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or other related field & 1 year as a drug product formulation scientist working with a pharmaceutical company. Of industry work experience required, must have 1 year: (i) performing design development, leading projects & providing innovation of (a) multi particulate system (mini tablets, drug layering), (b) modified release formulation with ASD, (c) bi-layer/tri-layer tablets, & (d) other nonconventional oral delivery systems; (ii) managing clinical supply manufacturing & other activities to support clinical studies at different stages; (iii) performing GMP activities for both documentation & manufacturing activities; (iv) supporting regulatory filings, including authorizing, reviewing & approving; (v) conducting DOE & performing statistical analysis for pharmaceutical drug product development; & (vi) using PBPK modeling as a tool to guide formulation development.
Work experience may be gained concurrently. Will accept reasonable combination of education, training & work experience.
Additional Information
Salary Range: $164,439.50 - $236,500.00 per year.
Apply online at https://careers.abbvie.com/en or send resume to Job.opportunity.abbvie@abbvie.com. Refer to Req ID: REF49787Q
We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick), medical/dental/vision insurance and 401(k) to eligible employees. This job is eligible to participate in our short-term and long-term incentive programs.
AbbVie is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives, serving our community, and embracing diversity and inclusion. It is AbbVie's policy to employ qualified persons of the greatest ability without discrimination against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy), physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, status as a protected veteran, or any other legally protected group status.
AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives and serving our community. Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled.
US & Puerto Rico only - to learn more, visit https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/equal-employment-opportunity-employer.html
US & Puerto Rico applicants seeking a reasonable accommodation, click here to learn more:
https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/reasonable-accommodations.html

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About AbbVie

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas: immunology, oncology, neuroscience, eye care, virology, women's health, and gastroenterology, in addition to products and services across its Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

Industry

Scientific research and development services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

North Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

2013