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Preformulation Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Catalent, Inc.

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 ...

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Preformulation information

See California salary details

$24

$36

$47

How much do preformulation jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for preformulation in California is $36.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29.66 and $41.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

What are popular job titles related to Preformulation jobs in California? For Preformulation jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Preformulation jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Preformulation jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Preformulation jobs? Cities in California with the most Preformulation job openings:
Preformulation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Preformulation job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 90% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,972 per year, or $36.5 per hour.
Scientist II, Drug Product

Scientist II, Drug Product

Revolution Medicines

Redwood City, CA

Other

Re-posted 20 days ago

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.

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