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Formulation Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Every day, we rise to the challenge to make a difference and here's how the Lead Formulation Scientist will make an impact: Key responsibilities for this role include: * Provide technical support of ...

The R&D Staff Scientist is responsible for developing new compound solutions, working closely with ... Extensive knowledge of the formulation and application of polyolefin materials * Six Sigma (DMAIC ...

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Formulation Scientist information

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How much do formulation scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for formulation 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 Scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Formulation Scientist, you need a strong background in chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, or a related field, usually supported by at least a bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation, analytical techniques (such as HPLC or GC), and regulatory guidelines is essential, and relevant certifications like Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) can be advantageous. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help distinguish outstanding performers. These competencies are crucial for developing safe, effective products and ensuring compliance with industry standards.

What are Formulation Scientists?

Formulation Scientists are professionals who develop and optimize the composition of products such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, or chemicals to ensure their safety, stability, and effectiveness. They work with various ingredients, testing how they interact and perform under different conditions. Their work includes designing experiments, analyzing data, and ensuring that products meet regulatory and quality standards. Formulation Scientists often collaborate with engineers, chemists, and other scientists throughout the product development process.

What are some common challenges a Formulation Scientist faces when developing new products?

Formulation Scientists often encounter challenges such as ensuring product stability, optimizing ingredient compatibility, and meeting strict regulatory standards. Balancing the desired efficacy and sensory attributes of a formulation while maintaining cost-effectiveness can require extensive experimentation and problem-solving. Additionally, working closely with cross-functional teams like analytical chemistry, quality assurance, and manufacturing is essential to address scale-up issues and ensure a seamless transition from lab to production.

What is the difference between Formulation Scientist vs Chemist?

AspectFormulation ScientistChemist
Required CredentialsBachelor’s or Master’s in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related fieldsBachelor’s or Master’s in Chemistry or related fields
Work EnvironmentLaboratories focused on product development, formulation, and testingResearch labs, manufacturing, or quality control settings
Industry UsagePharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food, and chemical industriesBroadly across chemical manufacturing, research, and academia

Formulation Scientists specialize in developing and optimizing product formulations, often working closely with R&D teams to create new products. Chemists have a broader scope, including analyzing substances, conducting experiments, and understanding chemical properties. While both roles require chemistry knowledge and lab skills, Formulation Scientists focus more on product development and application-specific formulations, whereas Chemists may work on fundamental research or quality analysis.

What Is a Formulation Scientist?

A formulation scientist designs, develops, tests, and evaluates products. Their job duties involve blending and mixing chemical components to create effective products, often for the pharmaceutical or cosmetics industries. Formulation scientists play an integral role in the product development process by implementing testing procedures, inspecting manufacturing approaches, and creating detailed reports to fix errors and promote improvements. To become a formulation scientist, you need a bachelor’s degree in chemistry or a related field, although many also pursue master’s degrees or a doctorate.

How much does a formulation scientist make?

The average salary for a formulation scientist in New Jersey is approximately $80,000 to $110,000 per year, depending on experience, education, and the specific industry. Salaries can vary based on the complexity of formulations, certifications, and company size.

How much do Pfizer formulation scientists make?

Pfizer formulation scientists typically earn an average salary ranging from $80,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Senior roles or those with specialized skills may earn higher salaries, and benefits often include health insurance and bonuses.

What do formulation scientists do?

Formulation scientists develop and optimize the composition of products such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food items to ensure safety, stability, and effectiveness. They use laboratory techniques, analytical tools, and scientific principles to create formulations that meet regulatory standards and consumer needs.
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Infographic showing various Formulation Scientist job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,236 per year, or $37.6 per hour.
Scientist II, PharmDev Formulation

Scientist II, PharmDev Formulation

PCI Pharma Services

Bedford, NH • On-site

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago


PCI Pharma Services rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

379th of 518 rated manufacturers


Job description

Life changing therapies. Global impact. Bridge to thousands of biopharma companies and their patients.


We are PCI.


Our investment is in People who make an impact, drive progress and create a better tomorrow. Our strategy includes building teams across our global network to pioneer and shape the future of PCI.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Scientist II position is a key collaborator of the Formulation Development team in Pharmaceutical Development department within a fast-paced, expanding CDMO. This job will require both support and leadership in hands-on experimentation, testing, and strategic technical project management to support clients.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Leads Formulation Development projects for various modalities, serving as the technical lead and SME for formulation and process design activities.
  • Supports more complex Formulation Development projects as a collaborator, working with a senior scientist to achieve project milestones
  • Executes and analyze experiments to achieve project milestones without supervision.
  • Develops and implements phase-appropriate formulation development strategies aligned with program objectives and regulatory expectations.
  • Acts as a Formulation Development representative on internal and client-facing project calls, providing technical updates and strategic input.
  • Demonstrates proficiency in formulation design for both small molecules and biologics, analytical data interpretation and trending.
  • Develops and optimizes formulations for high-potency compounds, including antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and other complex modalities.
  • Supports technology transfer activities and assists in scale-up or manufacturing transitions as a formulation SME.
  • Performs analytical testing within Pharmaceutical Development laboratory to support formulation development, such as HPLC/UPLC, Capillary Electrophoresis, UV-Vis spectroscopy, FlowCam, Karl Fischer titration, DSC/FDM, and other related assays to confirm acceptance criteria as part of formulation development activities.
  • Troubleshoot formulation, analytical and process challenges and proposes scientifically sound corrective actions.
  • Responsible for proper maintenance, calibration, and cleanliness of laboratory instruments and equipment.
  • Performs or assists in routine facilities cleaning and equipment upkeep as required.
  • Authors and reviews Formulation Development records, protocols, and reports to ensure technical accuracy and compliance with quality standards and client demand.
  • Reviews executed documentation for accuracy and completeness prior to submission to management.
  • Drafts and maintains Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and related controlled documents for Pharmaceutical Development operations.
  • Provides training, technical guidance, and mentorship to junior scientists and laboratory staff.
  • Collaborates cross-functionally with internal stakeholders including Manufacturing Technical Services (MTS), and Operations, as well as external client teams, to ensure alignment and successful project execution.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required:

  • BS/MS in Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or other related fields required with 5+ years' experience in pharmaceutical development or CDMO industry
  • Advanced Degree in (PhD) in Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or other related fields preferred with 0-3 years' experience in pharmaceutical development or CDMO industry.
  • A strong foundation in clinical-phase development and analytical characterization of drug products, including biologics and other complex modalities
  • In-depth knowledge of biopharmaceutical and/or medical product regulation, formulation, filtration, filling, and lyophilization operations
  • Experience with MS Office (Word/Excel/Teams/PowerPoint/SharePoint), SmartSheets, LabX, and Empower

Preferred:

  • Detail oriented and a results-driven team player
  • Ability to work in a dynamic, fast-paced work environment
  • Honesty, integrity, respect and courtesy with all colleagues
  • Creative with the ability to work with minimal supervision and balance with independent thinking
  • Resilient through operational and organizational change

#LI-AK2

Join us and be part of building the bridge between life changing therapies and patients. Let's talk future

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement:
PCI Pharma Services is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We do not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, marital or domestic or civil union status, familial status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, disability, military eligibility or veteran status, or any other protected status.

At PCI, Equity and Inclusion are at the core of our company's purpose: Together, delivering life-changing therapies. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive workplace by holding ourselves accountable to the highest standards of understanding, fairness, respect, and equal opportunity - at every level. We envision a PCI community where everyone can belong and grow, and we strive to bring this vision to reality by continuously and intentionally assessing our people practices, policies and programs, marketing approach, and workplace culture.


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