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Preformulation Jobs (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

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$24

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How much do preformulation jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for preformulation in the United States is $37.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30.29 and $42.07 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.

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Preformulation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Preformulation job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 90% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,584 per year, or $37.3 per hour.
Associate Director, Formulation Development

Associate Director, Formulation Development

VIKING THERAPEUTICS INC

San Diego, CA • On-site

$175K - $195K/yr

Full-time

Posted 11 hours ago

Job description

Description:

The Associate Director, Formulation Development, assists in the design and development of drug delivery systems, specifically for oral dosage forms and injectables to advance Viking Therapeutics’ pipeline. This role partners closely with internal discovery and development teams and with external CRO/CDMO organizations to drive programs from early development through late-stage clinical development and, as needed, toward commercialization readiness. The Associate Director will translate physicochemical properties and target product profiles into phase-appropriate formulation strategies, evaluating options and designing robust formulations across development stages. This position has responsibility for formulation strategy, process development, and manufacturing support, with an emphasis on oral solid dosage forms and injectable drug products (including subcutaneous presentations). The role will contribute to programs spanning Viking’s portfolio, including small molecule therapies and peptide-based therapies, and will apply life-cycle management principles to enable scalable, reliable, and patient-appropriate dosage forms.


Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The main responsibilities of this role include:

  • Lead governance of external CRO/CDMO partners for formulation and drug product development based on modality fit, technical capability, quality systems, and delivery performance.
  • Develop RFPs/SOWs and evaluate technical proposals to ensure alignment with target product profile (TPP), CQA/CPP strategy, timelines, and budget.
  • 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 stability programs.
  • Own drug product development history and CMC documentation (development reports, control strategy, specifications, tech transfer packages) to support IND-enabling work, clinical supply, and lifecycle improvements.
  • Partner cross-functionally (CMC, Analytical, Nonclinical, Clinical Ops, QA, Regulatory, and Supply Chain) to align formulation strategy, risk mitigation, and stage-appropriate deliverables.
  • Author, review, and approve drug product CMC sections for IND/CTA submissions and amendments (e.g., 3.2.P), including comparability, change controls, and regulatory responses.
  • Maintain current knowledge of regulatory requirements, USP/ICH/FDA expectations, and cGMP requirements to ensure compliant, robust, and scalable drug product processes.
  • Communicate data-driven recommendations through protocols, reports, and presentations; present development strategy, risks, and tradeoffs to technical and executive stakeholders.
  • Drive execution in a fast-paced biotech environment, emphasizing scientific rigor, collaboration, and continuous improvement to advance programs to the clinic.
  • Other duties as assigned.
Requirements:

Education and Experience

  • Ph.D. or M.S. in chemistry, chemical engineering, pharmaceutical science, or related discipline
  • At least 10 years of industry experience (title for this position will be commensurate with the candidate’s experience and qualifications)


Knowledge and Skills

  • Highly familiar with current formulation principles and industry practices.
  • Extensive process development/ optimization, scale-up and process validation expertise, with emphasis on solid oral dosage forms.
  • Experience with injectable formulations and modern enabling technologies is a plus.
  • Track record of accomplishment in managing CMC drug product projects at early and late development stages.
  • Experience enabling external CRO/CDMO to achieve project goals on time and under budget.
  • Strong written and communication skills, good problem-solving abilities, and an ability to work effectively with a diverse team of co-workers in a dynamic environment.

Travel Requirements

Approximate travel: less than 10% of the time


VIKING THERAPEUTICS

Viking Therapeutics, Inc., is committed to equal opportunity in the terms and conditions of employment for all employees and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity or gender expression, national origin, disability or veteran status. Viking Therapeutics also complies with all applicable national, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration and Nationality Act and IRCA.


Notice to Agency and Search Firm Representatives

Viking Therapeutics, Inc. is not accepting unsolicited resumes from agencies and/or search firms for this job posting. Resumes submitted to any Viking employee by a third-party agency and/or search firm without a valid written & signed search agreement, and assignment of specific position, will become the sole property of Viking Therapeutics, Inc. No fee will be paid if a candidate is hired for this position as a result of an unsolicited agency or search firm referral.


Salary Description

$175,000.00 - $195,000.00 annual salary