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Formulation Development Jobs in Massachusetts (NOW HIRING)

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Formulation Development information

See Massachusetts salary details

$15

$24

$45

How much do formulation development jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for formulation development in Massachusetts is $24.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.95 and $24.95 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 popular job titles related to Formulation Development jobs in Massachusetts? For Formulation Development jobs in Massachusetts, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Formulation Development job openings in Massachusetts as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Internship, 84% Full Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,863 per year, or $24.9 per hour.
Scientist, Formulation Development

Scientist, Formulation Development

Alkermes

Waltham, MA

$136/hr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

We are seeking a highly motivated Scientist to join our Formulation Development group. In this role, you will design, execute, and interpret laboratorybased formulation and materials characterization experiments to support smallmolecule drug product development across clinical stages. You will contribute to technical innovation, build product and process understanding, and collaborate closely with crossfunctional development teams in a collaborative, inclusive environment.

Why join Team Alkermes?

Alkermes applies its decades of deep neuroscience expertise to develop medicines designed to help people living with complex and difficult-to-treat psychiatric and neurological disorders. A global biopharmaceutical company, headquartered in Ireland with U.S. locations in Massachusetts and Ohio, we seek to make a meaningful difference in the way people manage their diseases. We have a portfolio of proprietary commercial products for the treatment of alcohol dependence, opioid dependence, schizophrenia, bipolar I disorder and narcolepsy, and a pipeline of clinical and preclinical candidates in development for various psychiatric and neurological disorders.

We are proud to have been recognized as an employer of choice by many national organizations. In 2024 and 2025, we were certified as a Great Place to Work in the U.S. and named one of Massachusetts' Top Places to Work by the Boston Globe, a Best Place to Work in Greater Cincinnati by the Cincinnati Business Courier and recognized as a Best Place to Work in BioPharma by Fortune Magazine. 

Alkermes, Inc. is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any qualified applicant or employee because of race, creed, color, age, national origin, ancestry, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender expression and identity, disability, genetic information, veteran status, military status, application for military service or any other characteristic protected by local, state or federal law.  Alkermes also complies with all work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration and Nationality Act and IRCA.  Alkermes is an E-Verify employer.

Basic Qualifications:

Ph.D. / M.S. / B.S. in Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Materials Science, or a related field, with 0-3 / 6+ / 10+ years of pharmaceutical development experience, respectively.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with or exposure to modifiedrelease (e.g., extendedrelease, controlledrelease) formulation development.

  • Experience or exposure to Process Analytical Technology (PAT), and/or chemometrics.

  • Comfort expanding beyond core expertise to integrate new tools, techniques, or disciplines in support of development programs.

  • Demonstrated curiosity, creativity, and initiative in identifying opportunities for innovation or improved development approaches.

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $136, 727 to $149,400. In addition, this position is eligible for an annual performance pay bonus.  Exact compensation may vary based on skills, training, knowledge, and experience. Alkermes offers a competitive benefits package.  Additional details can be found on our careers website: www.alkermes.com/careers#working-here  

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  • Design, execute, and interpret laboratory experiments supporting smallmolecule formulation development across early and late stages.
  • Apply materials science, drug substance and drug product characterization principles, and pharmaceutical unit operations to meet clinical and project deliverables.
  • Execute and interpret materials testing and formulation studies to deepen product and process understanding and expand internal knowledge.
  • Ability to independently compile experimental data and interpretation into thorough, highquality technical reports suitable for project and regulatory use
  • Support strategic project planning and execution, balancing nearterm deliverables with longerterm development objectives.
  • Collaborate effectively within Pharmaceutical Development and crossfunctional project teams, fostering a culture of diversity, inclusion, and belonging.
  • Maintain and grow scientific and technical expertise, and proactively contribute ideas for new studies, approaches, or development strategies.