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Principal Formulation Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Principal Accountabilities * Developing pharmaceutical products, leading to successful ANDA filings ... Designing, formulation and process development for various drug from project initiation to ...

$150 - $200/hr

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 ...

$200 - $250/hr

Serve as a principal-level LAI formulation scientist, providing scientific leadership for the design, development, and lifecycle management of long-acting injectable drug products, including depot ...

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Principal Formulation Scientist information

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$68.5K

$144K

$190.5K

How much do principal formulation scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal formulation scientist in the United States is $144,009.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $117,500.00 and $169,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a principal formulation scientist do?

A Principal Formulation Scientist is responsible for developing and optimizing pharmaceutical formulations, ensuring that drugs are delivered safely and effectively to patients. They lead research projects, design experiments, and oversee the scaling up of formulations from the laboratory to manufacturing. Additionally, they collaborate with cross-functional teams, manage regulatory documentation, and mentor junior scientists. Their expertise is crucial in bringing new medicines to market and improving existing drug products.

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

To excel as a Principal Formulation Scientist, you need advanced knowledge in pharmaceutical sciences, chemistry, or a related field, often supported by a PhD and substantial industry experience. Proficiency with formulation development tools, analytical instrumentation, and regulatory documentation systems is crucial. Strong project management, leadership, and problem-solving skills, along with effective communication, set top professionals apart. These competencies are vital for ensuring innovative, compliant, and commercially viable pharmaceutical product development.

How does a principal formulation scientist typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during product development?

As a Principal Formulation Scientist, you will regularly work alongside colleagues in analytical chemistry, regulatory affairs, manufacturing, and quality assurance to develop and optimize formulations. Collaboration often involves participating in project meetings, sharing technical insights, and troubleshooting challenges that arise during scale-up or stability testing. Effective communication and teamwork are crucial, as your expertise will guide decision-making throughout the product lifecycle, ensuring formulations meet both regulatory standards and market needs.

What is the difference between Principal Formulation Scientist vs Formulation Scientist?

AspectPrincipal Formulation ScientistFormulation Scientist
CredentialsBachelor's/Master's/PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, or related fieldsBachelor's/Master's in similar fields
Work EnvironmentLead formulation development teams, oversee project strategiesAssist in formulation development, execute experiments
Industry UsageUsed in pharmaceutical, biotech, and biotech-related industriesCommonly employed in similar industries for entry to mid-level roles

The main difference between a Principal Formulation Scientist and a Formulation Scientist lies in their level of responsibility and experience. The Principal role involves leadership, strategic planning, and oversight of formulation projects, while the Formulation Scientist focuses on executing experiments and supporting development tasks. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and are integral to pharmaceutical and biotech companies, but the Principal position is more senior and managerial in scope.

What cities are hiring for Principal Formulation Scientist jobs?

Cities with the most Principal Formulation Scientist job openings:

What states have the most Principal Formulation Scientist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Principal Formulation Scientist jobs include:

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

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

Infographic showing various Principal Formulation Scientist job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $144,009 per year, or $69.2 per hour.

Formulation Scientist (Solid Orals)

Chantilly, VA • On-site

$100K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

Description:

Granules Pharmaceuticals Inc., (GPI) is a subsidiary of Granules India LTD.  Over the past 34 years, we have worked towards strengthening our core and we are currently the 10th fastest growing generic pharma company in the US!

With our sites in Chantilly and Manassas, Virginia, we have R&D through manufacturing and packaging of our medicines including pulsatile drug release in tablet and capsule dosage form, orally disintegrating modified release tablets (XR, MR, ER), modified release suspension and controlled substances capabilities in an abuse deterrent technology platform.

We are dedicated to excellence in manufacturing, quality, and commercialization of generic drugs to give customers reliable and affordable options. 


Job Summary

  • Under general direction, manages, plans, and executes projects for product development.
  • Under limited direction and supervision, carries out design and development of solid oral dosage forms using quality by design (QbD concept) through ANDA filing and/or product launch.
  • Under limited direction and supervision, carries out design and development of complex oral dosage forms using QbD concepts through ANDA filing and/or product launch.
  • Develops and executes formulation strategies related to product development (i.e., project planning and timelines, experimental design, data evaluation, formulation of relevant and scientifically based conclusions
  • Coordinates studies with other technical groups (i.e., Analytical Sciences, Biopharmaceutics, Legal, Regulatory & Tech Services).
  • Maintains a high level of expertise within the field and develops new technologies and concepts to be applied in the development of oral controlled release drug products.
  • Participates as a project leader, manager and/or ad hoc member in Product Development efforts, and identifies, analyzes and suggests corrective actions to optimize R&D processes, technology and regulatory compliance issues.


Principal Accountabilities

  • Developing pharmaceutical products, leading to successful ANDA filings and approval in a timely manner.
  • Managing and scheduling multiple projects, setting objectives, prioritizing activities to meet the milestones in a fast-paced environment.
  • Designing, formulation and process development for various drug from project initiation to commercialization by following appropriate GMP regulations and safety requirements.
  • Participate in the set-up and operation of pilot scale equipment and instrumentation for the completion of small production runs in collaboration with the R&D technician.
  • Design and conduct pre-formulation and formulation studies, process development and optimization of prescription dosage form designs and ANDA oral Dosage forms using DOE
  • Perform Literature search and Evaluate patents to develop non-infringing strategies
  • Preparation of product manufacturing, batch records and protocols for different product development stages, including from R&D prototype formulations to process validations following SOPs and procedures, ensuring the detailed record and data keeping.
  • Utilize formulation techniques, processing equipment and unit operations including Wurster Coating, Tablet Coating, Compression, Blending, Encapsulation, HPLC, Spectrophotometry, Dissolution, Viscometer to develop Bio-Equivalent products
  • Review Analytical Data, draft SOP’s, Process Evaluation protocols, IQ, OQ, PQ protocols and GMP Manufacturing Batch records, Packaging Batch Records.
  • Characterization of APIs, excipients and in process products; analysis of in-process samples or in-process products based on protocols and QbD concept, preparing various formulation samples to support cross-functional programs as needs.
  • Completes documentation associated with manufacturing processes (e.g. batch record, protocols, and logbooks) with detail and accuracy.
  • Establishing documentation management systems for CMC development and meeting FDA GMP, regulatory requirement, and FDA onsite inspections.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of IVIVC, QbD and Design of Experiments (DOE).
  • Ensuring all regulatory documents in compliance with SOPs, FDA Regulations, and cGMP policy where applicable.
  • Knowledge of manufacturing regulatory programs and objectives (cGMP, CFR 210 and 211).
  • Maintaining compliance with GMP, SOPs and DEA regulations.
  • Coordinate with Regulatory Affairs, Operations, QC/QA and Supply Departments to ensure that projects are planned and executed in a timely manner.


Management Responsibility

The Senior Scientist leads the assigned projects and guides the operation of the product development ranging from selection of staff, choice of methods, purchase of equipment, quality assurance, quality control, safety, hours of operation, scheduling of staff, and utilization management.


Reports to

Sr. Vice President, R&D

Requirements:

Minimum Requirements


Knowledge & Skills Good communication skills, critical thinking, flexibility, time management, self-motivation.
Minimum Experience & Education

  • Ph.D. in pharmaceutical sciences with minimum of 2 years' experience OR;
  • Masters in pharmaceutical sciences with minimum of 5 year' experience in generic product development, with emphasis in solid/liquid orals or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Disclaimer: The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.


We believe in fair and transparent pay practices. Actual compensation is determined based on relevant experience, qualifications, skills, and internal equity.