ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Formulation Development Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

fairlife

Sr Director, Product Development

Chicago, IL · On-site

Lead formulation development addressing challenges such as viscosity, sedimentation, flavor masking, heat stability, and protein solubility. * Oversee bench-top, pilot, and commercial scale-up ...

Weiman Products LLC

Manager, R&D Lab

Champaign, IL · On-site

... formulation work through bench execution, sample preparation, and testing as needed. The position ... D organization and collaborates as needed with Quality and Regulatory to ensure compliant, well ...

MyGradJob

Senior Scientist

North Chicago, IL

$88K - $120.20K/yr

The incumbent will participate in the development of parenteral formulation for monoclonal antibodies and antibody drug conjugates, * Independently design and execute studies evaluating the stability ...

millenniumsoft

Analytical Chemist

Vernon Hills, IL · On-site

The projects and activities include supporting formulation development, method development/validation, stability analysis, and research sample analysis. Required Competencies: Education: BS/MS/PhD in ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsFormulation Development JobsFormulation Development Jobs in Illinois

Formulation Development information

See Illinois salary details

$13

$22

$40

How much do formulation development jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for formulation development in Illinois is $22.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.69 and $22.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To excel in Formulation Development, a solid background in chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, or related fields, often with a relevant degree, is essential. Experience with analytical instruments, formulation software, and knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) or regulatory guidelines are typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective cross-functional communication set top performers apart. These skills ensure the creation of safe, effective, and compliant products that meet both scientific and regulatory standards.

What are some common challenges faced in a Formulation Development role, and how are they typically addressed?

Professionals in Formulation Development often encounter challenges such as ensuring product stability, achieving desired drug release profiles, and scaling up formulations from the laboratory to manufacturing. These challenges are typically addressed by conducting thorough pre-formulation studies, collaborating closely with analytical and process engineers, and performing iterative testing to optimize formulations. Teamwork and effective communication with quality assurance and regulatory teams are also crucial to ensure products meet both efficacy and compliance standards.

What is formulation development?

Formulation development is the process of designing and optimizing the composition of a pharmaceutical product, such as a tablet, capsule, or injectable, to ensure its safety, efficacy, and stability. This involves selecting appropriate active ingredients, excipients, and delivery methods to achieve the desired therapeutic effect. Professionals in formulation development work to address challenges like solubility, bioavailability, and manufacturability, while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Their work is essential for turning a drug candidate into a viable, market-ready product.

What is the difference between Formulation Development vs Formulation Scientist?

AspectFormulation DevelopmentFormulation Scientist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Pharmacy, Chemistry, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Pharmacy, Chemistry, or related fields
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, pharmaceutical companies, R&D departmentsResearch labs, pharmaceutical companies, R&D departments
Industry UsageDesigning and optimizing drug formulations for productionDeveloping and testing drug formulations, conducting experiments

Formulation Development focuses on designing and optimizing drug formulations for manufacturing, while Formulation Scientists conduct experiments and testing to develop these formulations. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and work environments, but their specific responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

What are the most commonly searched types of Formulation Development jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Formulation Development jobs in Illinois are:
What are popular job titles related to Formulation Development jobs in Illinois? For Formulation Development jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Formulation Development jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Formulation Development jobs in Illinois are:
Formulation Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Formulation Development job openings in Illinois as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Internship, 84% Full Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,017 per year, or $22.1 per hour.

R&D Pharmaceutical Formulation Scientist

Meds

Elmhurst, IL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Meds.com is a rapidly growing consumer technology firm operating a suite of healthcare businesses, including our flagship brand BlueChew. Our mission is to better patients' lives through innovative healthcare solutions. With a team of 300 professionals across various specialties, we've built scalable pharmacy, telemedicine, and e-commerce platforms using cutting-edge technology. As we continue our accelerated growth trajectory, we're launching new products to expand our patient base and accelerate growth. Join us in tackling exciting challenges at the intersection of healthcare and technology. 

BlueChew is looking for a hands-on R&D Formulation Scientist to drive the next generation of products. Based out of our state-of-the-art laboratory located within our company-owned pharmacy in Elmhurst, IL, you will be the bridge between initial concept and commercial scalability. 

You won't just be tweaking existing formulas; you will be experimenting with novel delivery systems, improving taste profiles, and ensuring the stability and efficacy of medications that reach hundreds of thousands of users. 

Join our team in Elmhurst, IL - we're looking for someone who truly values and enjoys working in the lab, not just tolerates it. 

What You'll Do

  • Formulation Development: Lead the end-to-end development of new products, focusing on active ingredient compatibility, texture, and flavor masking. 

  • Portfolio Support: Optimize and scale existing formulations to improve stability and patient experience. 

  • Bench-to-Pilot Scaling: Develop compounding protocols and manufacturing processes that can transition seamlessly from the R&D lab to large-scale pharmacy production. 

  • Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all formulations meet USP <795> (non-sterile compounding) and USP <797> standards where applicable, maintaining meticulous documentation for quality assurance. 

  • Analytical Testing: Conduct and oversee stability testing, dissolution studies, and ingredient assays to ensure product integrity. 

  • Take ownership of projects from concept through pilot scale, ensuring smooth transfer to production and clear communication with cross-functional teams 

  • Utilize analytical tools (e.g. HPLC, dissolution testing) to generate meaningful insights that guide formulation decisions and scale-up readiness 

  • Work across multiple oral dosage forms – including chewables, gummies and ODT’s to improve taste, texture and patient experience 

  • Apply practical, hands-on problem solving to overcome formulation challenges, using data and experimentation rather than theoretical approaches 

  • Vendor Collaboration: Partner with raw material suppliers to source high-quality APIs and excipients, staying ahead of industry trends in pharmaceutical compounding. 

Regulatory Compliance:  

  • Ensure all formulations comply with regulatory standards and guidelines.  

  • Understand 21 CFR FDA drug compliance requirements  

Testing and Analysis:  

  • Perform HPLC stability testing, dissolution testing, and other necessary tests to ensure the efficacy and safety of formulations.  

  • Create prototypes and samples for further testing and evaluation.  

  • Analyze data and interpret results to guide formulation development.  

  • Document all experiments and results accurately and comprehensively.  

Quality Control and Assurance:  

  • Ensure all formulations meet internal quality standards.  

  • Implement and maintain quality control processes throughout the formulation development phase.   

Collaboration and Communication:  

  • Work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, including quality control, regulatory affairs, and production.  

  • Communicate project status, challenges, and results to stakeholders effectively. 

  • Stay updated with the latest advancements in pharmaceutical formulation and regulatory requirements.  

Project Management:  

  • Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timelines and budgets are met. • Identify potential risks and develop mitigation strategies.  

  • Prepare project reports and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.  

Qualifications 

  • Education: BS, MS, or PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field. 

  • Experience: 3–6 years of experience in pharmaceutical formulation or compounding (R&D setting preferred). 

  • Chewable Expertise: Specific experience with chewable tablets, gummies, or oral disintegrating tablets (ODTs) is a major plus. 

  • Technical Knowledge: Deep understanding of excipient functionality, flavor chemistry, and the physical chemistry of solid dosage forms. 

  • Regulatory Familiarity: Knowledge of FDA regulations and USP compounding standards. 

  • The Startup Mindset: You are comfortable working in a fast-paced environment where priorities can shift, and you enjoy the "build" phase of a product. 

Work Environment 

  • Laboratory and office settings.  

  • May require handling of hazardous materials and adherence to safety protocols.  

  • Collaboration with team members and departments to achieve project goals. 

We are looking for top talent that wants to make a measurable impact in an exciting, fast-paced environment in our Elmhurst, IL Lab (fully onsite). 
 
 
 
#LI-RG1