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 ...
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 ...
Senior Scientist, Analytical Development, Manager
San Diego, CA · On-site
$97K - $132K/yr
Medical
Dental
Vision
PTO
Senior Scientist, Analytical Development, Manager About Site Catalent's San Diego, CA site is an early-phase development facility supporting small-molecule and peptide programs from preformulation ...
Senior Scientist, Analytical Development, Manager
San Diego, CA · On-site
$97K - $132K/yr
Medical
Dental
Vision
PTO
Senior Scientist, Analytical Development, Manager About Site Catalent's San Diego, CA site is an early-phase development facility supporting small-molecule and peptide programs from preformulation ...
Associate Scientist, Product Development
San Diego, CA · On-site
Medical
Dental
Vision
PTO
Associate Scientist, Product Development About Site Catalent's San Diego, CA site is an early-phase development facility supporting small-molecule and peptide programs from preformulation through ...
Associate Scientist, Product Development
San Diego, CA · On-site
Medical
Dental
Vision
PTO
Associate Scientist, Product Development About Site Catalent's San Diego, CA site is an early-phase development facility supporting small-molecule and peptide programs from preformulation through ...
QA Associate I, Manufacturing
San Diego, CA · On-site
$60K - $70K/yr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Retirement
PTO
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
Medical
Dental
Vision
Retirement
PTO
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 ...
Associate Scientist, Product Development
Medical
Dental
Vision
PTO
Associate Scientist, Product Development About Site Catalent's San Diego, CA site is an earlyphase development facility supporting smallmolecule and peptide programs from preformulation through cGMP ...
Associate Scientist, Product Development
Medical
Dental
Vision
PTO
Associate Scientist, Product Development About Site Catalent's San Diego, CA site is an earlyphase development facility supporting smallmolecule and peptide programs from preformulation through cGMP ...
Principal Scientist, Pharmaceutical Development
San Diego, CA · On-site
Medical
Dental
Vision
Retirement
PTO
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 ...
Principal Scientist, Pharmaceutical Development
San Diego, CA · On-site
Medical
Dental
Vision
Retirement
PTO
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 ...
Principal Scientist - Solubility Enhancement Technologies
Franklin Township, NJ · On-site
$100 - $130/hr
PTO
Collaborate with the preformulation team to characterize materials using DSC, TGA, XRPD, SEM, and hot‑stage microscopy; interpret data and apply findings to formulation strategy. * Author ...
New
Principal Scientist - Solubility Enhancement Technologies
Franklin Township, NJ · On-site
$100 - $130/hr
PTO
Collaborate with the preformulation team to characterize materials using DSC, TGA, XRPD, SEM, and hot‑stage microscopy; interpret data and apply findings to formulation strategy. * Author ...
New
Principal Scientist, Pharmaceutical Development
San Diego, CA · On-site
Medical
Dental
Vision
Retirement
PTO
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 ...
Principal Scientist, Pharmaceutical Development
San Diego, CA · On-site
Medical
Dental
Vision
Retirement
PTO
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 ...
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 ...
Postdoctoral Research Associate
Tucson, AZ · On-site
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
PTO
... Preformulation, Repurposing and Delivery (D-PReD) research laboratory at the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, R. K. Coit College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona seeks a postdoctoral ...
Postdoctoral Research Associate
Tucson, AZ · On-site
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
PTO
... Preformulation, Repurposing and Delivery (D-PReD) research laboratory at the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, R. K. Coit College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona seeks a postdoctoral ...
Lab Assistant (Intern), Laboratory Operations
San Diego, CA · On-site
$20/hr
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 ...
Lab Assistant (Intern), Laboratory Operations
San Diego, CA · On-site
$20/hr
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 3, Analytical Development
San Diego, CA · On-site
$115K - $125K/yr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Retirement
PTO
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 3, Analytical Development
San Diego, CA · On-site
$115K - $125K/yr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Retirement
PTO
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 ...
QA Associate I, Manufacturing
San Diego, CA · On-site
$60K - $70K/yr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Retirement
PTO
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
Medical
Dental
Vision
Retirement
PTO
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
Washroom Operator I
San Diego, CA · On-site
Medical
Dental
Vision
PTO
Washroom Operator I About Site Catalent's San Diego, CA site is an earlyphase development facility supporting smallmolecule and peptide programs from preformulation through cGMP clinical ...
Washroom Operator I
San Diego, CA · On-site
Medical
Dental
Vision
PTO
Washroom Operator I About Site Catalent's San Diego, CA site is an earlyphase development facility supporting smallmolecule and peptide programs from preformulation through cGMP clinical ...
Senior Scientist, Analytical Development, Manager
San Diego, CA · On-site
$97K - $132K/yr
Medical
Dental
Vision
PTO
Senior Scientist, Analytical Development, Manager About Site Catalent's San Diego, CA site is an earlyphase development facility supporting smallmolecule and peptide programs from preformulation ...
Senior Scientist, Analytical Development, Manager
San Diego, CA · On-site
$97K - $132K/yr
Medical
Dental
Vision
PTO
Senior Scientist, Analytical Development, Manager About Site Catalent's San Diego, CA site is an earlyphase development facility supporting smallmolecule and peptide programs from preformulation ...
Scientist I, 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 I, 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 salary details
$24.76 - $26.92
10% of jobs
$26.92 - $29.09
13% of jobs
$30.17 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$29.09 - $31.25
5% of jobs
$31.25 - $33.41
4% of jobs
$33.41 - $35.58
4% of jobs
$35.58 - $37.74
3% of jobs
$37.74 - $39.90
9% of jobs
The median wage is $40.08 / hr.
$39.90 - $42.07
27% of jobs
$42.13 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$42.07 - $44.23
17% of jobs
$44.23 - $46.39
4% of jobs
$46.39 - $48.56
4% of jobs
$24
$37
$48
How much do preformulation jobs pay per hour?
What is a preformulation?
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 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 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 cities are hiring for Preformulation jobs?
Cities with the most Preformulation job openings:
What states have the most Preformulation jobs?
States with the most job openings for Preformulation jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Preformulation jobs look for?
The top searched job categories for Preformulation jobs are:

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.
D. with 0-2 years of experience or a bachelor's/master's degree with appropriate experience in the pharmaceutical/biotech industry settings.
Academic or research experience relevant to drug product development, formulation, pharmaceutical sciences, or small molecule development is preferred.
Knowledge of solid oral dosage forms, formulation principles, and pharmaceutical manufacturing processes gained through graduate research, coursework, internships, or related training is desirable.
Familiarity with formulation and process development concepts for small molecule drug products is preferred.
Basic understanding of pharmaceutical development, CMC principles, and global regulatory guidelines, including ICH guidelines, is desirable.
Exposure to working in multidisciplinary or collaborative research environments, including interactions with internal or external scientific partners, is a plus.
Strong scientific, technical writing, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Demonstrated ability to analyze experimental data, draw scientifically sound conclusions, and communicate results effectively.
Ability to learn quickly, manage multiple priorities, and work effectively 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.