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Principal Formulation Chemist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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How much do principal formulation chemist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal formulation chemist in the United States is $87,733.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,000.00 and $110,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a principal formulation chemist?

A Principal Formulation Chemist is a senior-level scientist responsible for developing and optimizing chemical formulations, often for products such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, or industrial materials. They lead research projects, oversee laboratory teams, and ensure that formulations meet regulatory, safety, and performance standards. In addition to hands-on experimentation, they collaborate with cross-functional teams, contribute to innovation, and mentor junior chemists. Their expertise is crucial for troubleshooting formulation issues and guiding products from concept through to commercialization.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a principal formulation chemist?

A Principal Formulation Chemist requires advanced knowledge in chemistry, formulation science, and analytical techniques, typically supported by a PhD or master's degree and extensive industry experience. Expertise in laboratory instrumentation, software for data analysis (such as LIMS), and familiarity with regulatory guidelines like GMP are essential. Strong problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills help them manage projects and mentor junior staff. These skills ensure the development of safe, effective products and drive innovation while maintaining compliance and team effectiveness.

What are some common challenges faced by a principal formulation chemist, and how can one overcome them?

A Principal Formulation Chemist often encounters challenges such as troubleshooting complex formulation issues, balancing innovative product development with regulatory compliance, and managing tight project timelines. Overcoming these challenges requires strong problem-solving skills, a deep understanding of both raw materials and end-product requirements, and effective collaboration with cross-functional teams like R&D, quality assurance, and manufacturing. Staying up-to-date with industry best practices and maintaining clear communication with stakeholders also helps ensure project success and continuous professional growth.

What are popular job titles related to Principal Formulation Chemist jobs?

For Principal Formulation Chemist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Principal Formulation Chemist job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $87,733 per year, or $42.2 per hour.

Senior or Principal Scientist, Formulation and Process Development

Minneapolis, MN โ€ข Remote

Celcuity
11 - 50 employees

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

We are seeking a Senior or Principal Scientist, Formulation and Process Development, who will report to the Director, Pharmaceutical Development. You will focus on leading formulation and process development work supporting Celcuity’s drug product development and product lifecycle management. The Sr./Principal Scientist role will join a collaborative Pharmaceutical Development group focused on advancing Celcuity’s lead drug candidates. The Sr./Principal Scientist will lead formulation and process development projects for novel formulations targeted toward existing and new indications, as well as projects supporting Celcuity’s existing oncology drug product.


Responsibilities:

  • Lead projects to support development of novel and existing formulations, spanning the product lifecycle including pre-formulation, dosage form selection, formulation development, process development, and manufacturing scale-up.
  • Design, execute, and interpret formulation and process development experiments in an outsourced environment at contract laboratories and CDMOs.
  • Identify and vet new contract organizations to support formulation and process development.
  • Help define & execute the project plans for formulation lifecycle management.
  • Support writing technical sections for intellectual property and regulatory filings.
  • Develop and maintain an in-depth knowledge of formulation development trends, techniques, and technologies.
  • Serve as a subject matter expert for formulation development within the Pharmaceutical Development group and the broader Celcuity team.
  • Summarize, document, and present information to subgroup, group, and cross-functional audiences.
  • Other duties as assigned.


Qualifications:

  • Ph.D/M.S./B.S. in Pharmaceutical Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biochemical Engineering, or related fields.
  • 7+ years of experience in pharmaceutical development (preferred 4+ years industry experience for Ph.D; 5+ years for M.S.; 7+ years for B.S.).
  • Demonstrated experience with formulation development and drug product development, preferably for small molecule drugs.
  • Deep understanding of formulation techniques & considerations for sterile, parenteral dosage forms. Knowledge of other dosage forms (e.g., for ophthalmic or oral) is beneficial.
  • Experience with drug device combination products for injectable drug products (e.g., prefilled syringes, autoinjectors) is preferred. Knowledge of other dosage form delivery techniques (e.g., for ophthalmic) is beneficial.
  • Technical expertise in formulation strategies and processes specifically tailored to poorly water-soluble APIs is preferred. Subject matter expertise in one or more of these areas is highly desirable:
    • Nano-milling and nanosuspension formulation.
    • Micro/nano-emulsions.
    • Salt formation and salt screening/selection.
    • Complexation and co-solvency using cyclodextrins or co-solvents.
    • Lyophilization
  • Experience with physicochemical characterization methods for drug substances and drug products.
  • Experience with preclinical study support and early-stage formulation development.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with ability to influence and build credibility at all levels.
  • Strong interpersonal skills for interacting with colleagues across various levels and functions.
  • Attention to detail and ability to manage multiple processes and documentation requirements.
  • Strong technical and analytical skills with advanced knowledge in MS Office products.
  • Ability to work in a team or independently as required.
  • Outstanding organizational skills with the ability to prioritize.
  • Demonstrated independent and sound decision-making skills; ability to think critically and make decisions in a fast-paced environment.
  • Flexible and willing to learn; able to adapt to business and site needs in a dynamic environment.
  • Maintain a positive, approachable and professional attitude.


About Us:

Celcuity is a commercial biotechnology company pursuing development of targeted therapies for treatment of multiple solid tumor indications. The company's first FDA-approved product is REVTORPYK (gedatolisib), a potent, pan-PI3K and mTORC1/2 inhibitor that comprehensively blockades the PAM pathway.  REVTORPYK is approved to treat adults with HR+/HER2- advanced breast cancer that progressed on prior endocrine therapy in the metastatic setting.

The Phase 3 VIKTORIA-2 trial is evaluating gedatolisib in combination with palbociclib and either fulvestrant or letrozole for the first-line treatment of HR+/HER2- locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer. A Phase 1/2 clinical trial evaluating gedatolisib in combination with darolutamide in patients with metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer, is ongoing.


Celcuity is an Equal-Opportunity Employer.

Celcuity is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices, and we strive to provide employees with total compensation packages that are competitive. For this role, the anticipated base pay range is $150,000 - $175,000 DOE. The exact base pay offered for this role will depend on various factors, including but not limited to the candidate’s geography, qualifications, skills, and experience.

The successful candidate will be eligible for an annual performance incentive bonus and a new hire equity package. Celcuity also offers various benefits offerings, including, but not limited to, medical, dental, vision insurance, 401(k) match, PTO, and paid holidays.


Notice to Recruiters/Staffing Agencies 

Recruiters and staffing agencies should not contact Celcuity through this page. All recruitment vendors (search firms, recruitment agencies, and staffing companies) are prohibited from contacting our hiring manager(s), executive team members, or employees directly.

We require that all recruiters and staffing agencies have a fully executed, formal written agreement on file. Celcuity’s receipt or acceptance of an unsolicited resume submitted by a vendor organization to this website or employee does not constitute an actual or implied contract between Celcuity and such organization and will be considered unsolicited. Celcuity will not be responsible for related fees.