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Formulation Development Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Catalent, Inc.

Development Scientist I

Greenville, NC · On-site

Development Scientist I Position Summary: * Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm EST * This ... Solve formulation and process problems. * Author SOP's, IQ/OQ/PQ documents, development and ...

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How much do formulation development scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for formulation development scientist in the United States is $37.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.24 and $43.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Formulation Development Scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Formulation Development Scientist, you need a strong background in chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, or chemical engineering, often supported by an advanced degree. Expertise in analytical techniques, process development tools, and regulatory compliance systems such as GMP and ICH guidelines is crucial. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help you excel in cross-functional teams and troubleshoot complex formulation challenges. These competencies are vital for developing safe, effective, and scalable pharmaceutical products that meet industry standards.

What does a Formulation Development Scientist do?

A Formulation Development Scientist is responsible for designing and optimizing the composition of pharmaceutical products, such as tablets, capsules, creams, or injectables. They work to ensure that drugs are effective, stable, and safe for patient use by selecting appropriate ingredients and determining the best manufacturing processes. These scientists conduct experiments, analyze data, and collaborate with other departments to meet regulatory and quality standards. Their work is crucial in bringing new medications from the lab to the market.

What is the difference between Formulation Development Scientist vs Formulation Chemist?

AspectFormulation Development ScientistFormulation Chemist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, pharmaceutical or biotech companiesResearch labs, pharmaceutical or biotech companies
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in R&D departments focusing on product developmentUsed in R&D for formulation and product stability testing
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a Formulation Development Scientist and a Formulation Chemist lies in their scope of work. The Scientist typically oversees the entire formulation development process, including experimental design and optimization, while the Chemist focuses more on laboratory testing and formulation adjustments. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and are integral to pharmaceutical R&D teams, but the Scientist often has a broader strategic role in product development.

What are some common challenges faced by Formulation Development Scientists during the product development process?

Formulation Development Scientists often encounter challenges such as optimizing the stability and efficacy of a formulation, balancing the selection of excipients, and scaling up from lab to manufacturing while maintaining product quality. They must also navigate regulatory requirements, troubleshoot unexpected physical or chemical changes, and collaborate closely with cross-functional teams like analytical, regulatory, and manufacturing. Successfully addressing these challenges requires strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication within multidisciplinary teams.
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Formulation Development Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Formulation Development Scientist job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,236 per year, or $37.6 per hour.

Scientist, Biologics Formulation

Varda Space Industries

El Segundo, CA

$100K - $140K/yr

Other

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

About This Role

Our pharmaceutical team is looking for a highly motivated early-career Scientist to join our Biologics Formulation team. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to next-generation protein formulation development while working with cutting-edge high-throughput automation technologies in a fast-paced startup environment.

As a Scientist, you will execute and optimize protein formulation protocols across liquid and solid dosage forms, supporting the development of high concentration biologics and advanced systems. You will play a key role in establishing automated workflows and maintaining robust data management practices as the team scales its capabilities.

ResponsibilitiesFormulation Development & Execution
  • Execute protein formulation experiments for liquid and solid dosage forms, including excipient screening, pH optimization, and stability assessment
  • Prepare and characterize high concentration protein formulations and evaluate formulation stability under various conditions
  • Support development of advanced formulation
  • Perform routine analytical characterization using techniques such as DLS, DSF, CE, and spectroscopy
High-Throughput Automation & Data Management
  • Develop, optimize, and validate automated liquid handling protocols for high-throughput formulation screening
  • Program and maintain automated equipment workflows, troubleshoot technical issues, and implement process improvements
  • Design and execute plate-based experimental layouts for parallel formulation studies
  • Maintain comprehensive electronic laboratory notebook (ELN) documentation with rigorous data integrity standards
  • Organize, analyze, and visualize large datasets from high-throughput experiments using appropriate software tools
Collaboration & Communication
  • Work independently on assigned projects while maintaining clear communication with team members
  • Present experimental results and progress updates in team meetings
  • Contribute to technical reports, SOPs, and regulatory documentation
  • Adapt quickly to changing priorities and deliver results within startup timelines
Basic Qualifications
  • PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomaterials, Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline
  • Hands-on experience with protein formulation and characterization techniques
  • Strong foundation in protein chemistry and physical biochemistry principles
  • Proficiency with data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, GraphPad Prism, Python, or R)
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently with strong organizational skills Experience with electronic lab notebooks and structured data management
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Preferred Skills And Experience
  • Industry experience in biopharmaceutical formulation development
  • Experience with liquid handling automation platforms (e.g., Tecan, Hamilton, Beckman) 
  • Familiarity with protein crystallization techniques
  • Knowledge of lyophilization, spray drying, or other solid-state processing methods 
  • Experience in startup or fast-paced R&D environments
  • Programming experience for data analysis and visualization (Python, MATLAB, or similar)
What We Offer
  • Opportunity to work at the intersection of biotechnology and space manufacturing
  • Hands-on experience establishing high-throughput formulation capabilities
  • Collaborative team environment with mentorship from senior scientists
  • Professional development opportunities in a rapidly growing company
Pay Range
  • Salary range: $100,000 - $140,000/per year
  • This role is on-site in El Segundo, CA
  • Leveling and base salary is determined by job-related skills, education level, experience level, and job performance
  • You will be eligible for long-term incentives in the form of stock options and/or long-term cash awards

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