Preformulation and formulation development * Manufacturing process development * Process scale-up, technology transfer, and process optimization * Process validation and commercial manufacturing ...
Preformulation and formulation development * Manufacturing process development * Process scale-up, technology transfer, and process optimization * Process validation and commercial manufacturing ...
Preformulation and formulation development. * Manufacturing process development. * Process scale-up, technology transfer, and process optimization. * Process validation and commercial manufacturing ...
Preformulation and formulation development. * Manufacturing process development. * Process scale-up, technology transfer, and process optimization. * Process validation and commercial manufacturing ...
Experience with compendial and separation methods (chromatography, electrophoresis) supporting preformulation, formulation development and development stability are required. * Self-starter with ...
Experience with compendial and separation methods (chromatography, electrophoresis) supporting preformulation, formulation development and development stability are required. * Self-starter with ...
Scientist 1, Analytical Development
San Diego, CA · On-site
$78K - $85K/yr
This facility offers an array of services that support oral and injectable dosage forms that include preformulation testing, formulation and analytical development, cGMP manufacturing and clinical ...
Scientist 1, Analytical Development
San Diego, CA · On-site
$78K - $85K/yr
This facility offers an array of services that support oral and injectable dosage forms that include preformulation testing, formulation and analytical development, cGMP manufacturing and clinical ...
Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) to investigate and resolve complex technical issues across preformulation, formulation, analytical, and manufacturing activities; drive root cause analysis and ...
Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) to investigate and resolve complex technical issues across preformulation, formulation, analytical, and manufacturing activities; drive root cause analysis and ...
Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) to investigate and resolve complex technical issues across preformulation, formulation, analytical, and manufacturing activities; drive root cause analysis and ...
Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) to investigate and resolve complex technical issues across preformulation, formulation, analytical, and manufacturing activities; drive root cause analysis and ...
Associate Director, Formulation Development
San Diego, CA · On-site
$175K - $195K/yr
Define and execute formulation development and process optimization activities (e.g., preformulation, prototype development, DoE/QbD) to enable scale-up, GMP manufacture, packaging/labeling, and ...
Quick apply
Associate Director, Formulation Development
San Diego, CA · On-site
$175K - $195K/yr
Define and execute formulation development and process optimization activities (e.g., preformulation, prototype development, DoE/QbD) to enable scale-up, GMP manufacture, packaging/labeling, and ...
Scientist 3, Analytical Development
San Diego, CA · On-site
$115K - $125K/yr
This facility offers an array of services that support oral and injectable dosage forms that include preformulation testing, formulation and analytical development, cGMP manufacturing and clinical ...
New
Scientist 3, Analytical Development
San Diego, CA · On-site
$115K - $125K/yr
This facility offers an array of services that support oral and injectable dosage forms that include preformulation testing, formulation and analytical development, cGMP manufacturing and clinical ...
New
Scientist II, Drug Product
Redwood City, CA · On-site
Preformulation and formulation development. * Manufacturing process development. * Process scale-up, technology transfer, and process optimization. * Process validation and commercial manufacturing ...
Scientist II, Drug Product
Redwood City, CA · On-site
Preformulation and formulation development. * Manufacturing process development. * Process scale-up, technology transfer, and process optimization. * Process validation and commercial manufacturing ...
Manufacturing Technician I (1st Shift: M-F 7:30am-4:00pm)
San Diego, CA · On-site
$40K - $46K/yr
This facility offers an array of services that support oral and injectable dosage forms that include preformulation testing, formulation and analytical development, cGMP manufacturing and clinical ...
Manufacturing Technician I (1st Shift: M-F 7:30am-4:00pm)
San Diego, CA · On-site
$40K - $46K/yr
This facility offers an array of services that support oral and injectable dosage forms that include preformulation testing, formulation and analytical development, cGMP manufacturing and clinical ...
Experience with compendial and separation methods (chromatography, electrophoresis) supporting preformulation, formulation development and development stability are required. * Self-starter with ...
Experience with compendial and separation methods (chromatography, electrophoresis) supporting preformulation, formulation development and development stability are required. * Self-starter with ...
QA Associate I, Manufacturing
San Diego, CA · On-site
$60K - $70K/yr
This facility offers an array of services that support oral and injectable dosage forms that include preformulation testing, formulation and analytical development, cGMP manufacturing and clinical ...
QA Associate I, Manufacturing
San Diego, CA · On-site
$60K - $70K/yr
This facility offers an array of services that support oral and injectable dosage forms that include preformulation testing, formulation and analytical development, cGMP manufacturing and clinical ...
Sr. Research Associate
San Carlos, CA · On-site
As part of the Product Development/Analytical group this position will support preformulation, formulation, analytical method development and product characterization using a variety of analytical ...
Sr. Research Associate
San Carlos, CA · On-site
As part of the Product Development/Analytical group this position will support preformulation, formulation, analytical method development and product characterization using a variety of analytical ...
Manufacturing Technician I (1st Shift: M-F 7:30am-4:00pm)
San Diego, CA · On-site
$40K - $46K/yr
This facility offers an array of services that support oral and injectable dosage forms that include preformulation testing, formulation and analytical development, cGMP manufacturing and clinical ...
Manufacturing Technician I (1st Shift: M-F 7:30am-4:00pm)
San Diego, CA · On-site
$40K - $46K/yr
This facility offers an array of services that support oral and injectable dosage forms that include preformulation testing, formulation and analytical development, cGMP manufacturing and clinical ...
Experience with compendial and separation methods (chromatography, electrophoresis) supporting preformulation, formulation development and development stability are required. * Self-starter with ...
Experience with compendial and separation methods (chromatography, electrophoresis) supporting preformulation, formulation development and development stability are required. * Self-starter with ...
QA Associate I, Manufacturing
$60K - $70K/yr
This facility offers an array of services that support oral and injectable dosage forms that include preformulation testing, formulation and analytical development, cGMP manufacturing and clinical ...
QA Associate I, Manufacturing
$60K - $70K/yr
This facility offers an array of services that support oral and injectable dosage forms that include preformulation testing, formulation and analytical development, cGMP manufacturing and clinical ...
Scientist II, Drug Product
Redwood City, CA · On-site
Preformulation and formulation development * Manufacturing process development * Process scale-up, technology transfer, and process optimization * Process validation and commercial manufacturing ...
Scientist II, Drug Product
Redwood City, CA · On-site
Preformulation and formulation development * Manufacturing process development * Process scale-up, technology transfer, and process optimization * Process validation and commercial manufacturing ...
Preformulation information
See California salary details
$24.25 - $26.36
10% of jobs
$26.36 - $28.48
13% of jobs
$29.54 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$28.48 - $30.60
5% of jobs
$30.60 - $32.72
4% of jobs
$32.72 - $34.84
4% of jobs
$34.84 - $36.96
3% of jobs
$36.96 - $39.08
9% of jobs
The median wage is $39.24 / hr.
$39.08 - $41.19
27% of jobs
$41.26 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$41.19 - $43.31
17% of jobs
$43.31 - $45.43
4% of jobs
$45.43 - $47.55
4% of jobs
$24
$36
$47
How much do preformulation jobs pay per hour?
What is a Preformulation job?
A Preformulation job involves studying the physical, chemical, and biological properties of drug compounds to guide formulation development. Scientists in this role assess solubility, stability, and compatibility with excipients to ensure the drug's efficacy and manufacturability. Their work helps optimize formulation strategies, reducing risks in later development stages. Preformulation specialists collaborate with analytical, formulation, and regulatory teams to support drug development from early research to clinical trials.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Preformulation position, and why are they important?
To succeed in a Preformulation role, you need a solid foundation in pharmaceutical sciences, physical chemistry, and analytical techniques, typically supported by a relevant degree (such as pharmacy, chemistry, or pharmaceutical sciences). Experience with laboratory instrumentation like HPLC, DSC, and particle size analyzers, as well as familiarity with regulatory guidelines (e.g., ICH, FDA), is essential. Strong problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills set outstanding candidates apart, as they frequently collaborate across R&D, formulation, and analytical teams. These competencies are vital because preformulation scientists lay the groundwork for successful drug development by characterizing compounds and anticipating formulation challenges early in the process.
What are some typical responsibilities of a Preformulation scientist in a pharmaceutical company?
Preformulation scientists are responsible for investigating and characterizing the physical and chemical properties of drug candidates to inform formulation strategies. They conduct experiments to assess solubility, stability, compatibility, and other key parameters, often collaborating closely with formulation development, analytical, and process engineering teams. Daily tasks may include designing experiments, analyzing data, preparing technical reports, and presenting findings in multidisciplinary meetings. This role is critical for de-risking the formulation process, ensuring optimal drug performance, and facilitating smooth project progression from preclinical through to clinical development.
- Protein Scientist
- Internship Protein Purification Scientist
- Senior Membrane Scientist
- Freelance Computational Chemistry Phd
- Research Scientist Chemistry
- Temporary Biofuel Research Scientist
- Internship Bioinformatics Data Scientist
- Flex Next Generation Sequencing Scientist
- Antibody Drug Conjugate
- Senior Associate Scientist

Job description
The Opportunity:
The successful candidate will contribute to formulation and process development activities from early-stage through late-stage clinical/commercial development, working closely with cross-functional partners and CDMOs to ensure robust, scalable, and compliant drug product manufacturing processes.
Key Responsibilities:
Contribute to drug product development activities for new chemical entities (NCEs) from early development through late-stage clinical development, with exposure to commercialization activities.
Design and execute drug product development and manufacturing activities for solid oral dosage forms, including:
Preformulation and formulation development
Manufacturing process development
Process scale-up, technology transfer, and process optimization
Process validation and commercial manufacturing support
Support outsourced development and GMP drug product manufacturing activities at CDMOs including manufacturing oversight and troubleshooting.
Design and execute experiments, analyze and interpret data and present results and conclusions to project teams.
Work independently with limited supervision to conduct appropriate research and troubleshoot technical challenges, escalating complex issues as needed.
Author and contribute to CMC documentation for regulatory submissions (e.g., INDs, NDAs, MAAs) and internal technical reports.
Collaborate cross-functionally within CMC team (Clinical Supply, Analytical Development/QC, Quality Assurance, Drug Substance, Regulatory Affairs, and Project Management) and at enterprise level research/clinical/commercial teams to support aligned development strategy and execution.
Travel up to 20% to CRO/CDMO sites to support and oversee development and manufacturing operations.
Required Skills, Experience and Education:
A degree in Pharmaceutical Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or closely related field is desirable.
Ph.D. with minimum of 3+ years of experience or a bachelor's/master's degree with appropriate experience in the pharmaceutical/biotech industry settings.
Experience supporting drug product development and manufacturing for small molecules.
Demonstrated experience in solid oral dosage formulation and process development for small molecules.
Experience working with external partners (CDMOs/CROs) and overseeing outsourced development and manufacturing activities.
Working knowledge of global regulatory expectations, including ICH guidelines and FDA, EMA, PMDA etc. requirements.
Experience contributing to CMC regulatory filings is desirable.
Strong technical writing, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and thrive in a fast-paced, innovation-driven collaborative environment.
Preferred Skills:
Ph.D. degree in Pharmaceutical Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or closely related field is desirable.