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Principal Scientist Drug Formulation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Principal Scientist, Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics Description Boehringer Ingelheim is seeking an enthusiastic, creative and highly motivated Principal Scientist to join the neutralizing ...

Learn more at www.cresilon.com The R&D Manager/Principal Scientist - Polymer Formulation will lead the design, development, and implementation of novel formulations and polymer materials for use in ...

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Principal Scientist Drug Formulation information

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$68.5K

$144K

$190.5K

How much do principal scientist drug formulation jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal scientist drug formulation 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 scientist drug formulation do?

A Principal Scientist in Drug Formulation leads the development and optimization of pharmaceutical formulations to ensure drugs are safe, effective, and stable. They design experiments, oversee laboratory work, and collaborate with cross-functional teams such as chemistry, engineering, and regulatory affairs. Their responsibilities also include troubleshooting formulation issues, scaling up production processes, and ensuring compliance with industry regulations. Principal Scientists often mentor junior staff and contribute to strategic decisions in drug development projects.

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

To excel as a Principal Scientist in Drug Formulation, you need advanced knowledge in pharmaceutical sciences, chemistry, or related fields—often with a PhD—and substantial experience in drug delivery and formulation development. Expertise in analytical instrumentation, formulation software, and regulatory compliance systems is typically required, along with familiarity with GMP and ICH guidelines. Strong problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills distinguish top performers, enabling them to manage teams and collaborate across disciplines. These skills ensure the successful design and optimization of drug formulations that meet safety, efficacy, and regulatory standards.

What are some typical challenges a principal scientist drug formulation faces when leading cross-functional projects?

Principal Scientists in Drug Formulation often encounter challenges such as balancing the scientific rigor of formulation development with project timelines and budget constraints. Coordinating efforts between teams—such as analytical chemistry, manufacturing, and regulatory affairs—requires strong communication and project management skills. Additionally, adapting to evolving regulatory requirements and ensuring scalability from laboratory to production can be complex. Successfully navigating these challenges is critical for advancing drug candidates efficiently through the development pipeline.

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

AspectPrincipal Scientist Drug FormulationSenior Scientist Drug Formulation
CredentialsAdvanced degree (PhD or equivalent), extensive experienceMaster's or PhD, significant industry experience
Work EnvironmentLeadership roles, project oversight, cross-functional collaborationHands-on research, experimental design, data analysis
Employer & Industry UsagePharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, R&D divisionsResearch labs, development teams within pharma
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding senior roles, leadership scopeTechnical responsibilities, research focus

The Principal Scientist Drug Formulation typically holds a senior, leadership-oriented position with strategic responsibilities, while the Senior Scientist Drug Formulation focuses more on technical research and experimental work. Both roles require strong scientific credentials and industry experience, but the principal role emphasizes project management and cross-team coordination.

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

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

Infographic showing various Principal Scientist Drug Formulation job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $144,009 per year, or $69.2 per hour.

Principal Scientist, Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics

On-site

Other

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Principal Scientist, Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics Description

Boehringer Ingelheim is seeking an enthusiastic, creative and highly motivated Principal Scientist to join the neutralizing antibody (nAb) group in Drug Metabolism & Pharmacokinetics (DMPK) at our US headquarters in Ridgefield, CT. The main responsibility of this position is to develop cell based and competitive ligand binding assays to evaluate neutralization activity of anti-drug antibodies in clinical samples, in support of clinical immunogenicity assessments.

As an employee of Boehringer Ingelheim, you will actively contribute to the discovery, development and delivery of our products to our patients and customers. Our global presence provides opportunity for all employees to collaborate internationally, offering visibility and opportunity to directly contribute to the companies´ success. We realize that our strength and competitive advantage lie with our people. We support our employees in a number of ways to foster a healthy working environment, meaningful work, mobility, networking and work-life balance. Our competitive compensation and benefit programs reflect Boehringer Ingelheim´s high regard for our employees.

Duties & Responsibilities
  • Independently designs and performs scientific experiments with a predefined goal including developing new methodologies; Protocols and or test procedures that contribute to core group/research goals and reflect expert knowledge; Direct and oversee experimental designs and results of technicians and junior level scientists
  • Serve as scientific monitor for assay performance and project management at external CROs.
  • Contributes to defining R&D team goals and collaborates with scientists within and outside functional area in achieving them; Assumes departmental responsibility for projects or has ability to participate as representative on multiple project teams and contribute to defining expertise-related aspects of overall program goals
  • Prepares clear technical reports, publications and oral presentations. Independently communicates results in the form of reports and or presentations; Delivers updates to senior level management in context of overall project goals
  • Demonstrates an expertise in a specific project-relevant area or technology; Provides guidance and expertise to advance specific projects or evaluates and proposes new technologies and concepts in support of multiple projects
  • Develops broad knowledge in field of expertise, including the ability to interpret current literature relevant to R&D projects, and visibility outside of functional area
  • Assumes responsibility for direct reports as needed including recruiting, managing, mentoring and developing scientific staff
  • Complies with all applicable regulations; Ensures that work performed in area of responsibility is conducted in a safe and compliant manner; Maintains proper records in accordance with SOPs and policies
  • Contributes to departmental administration; Demonstrates fiscal responsibility with respect to cost of experiments, technology, external collaborations, and travel
Requirements
  • Ph.D. Degree or equivalent with at least five (5+) years related experience in a related field; or equivalent
  • At least three (3+) years direct hands-on experience developing, optimizing, and validating nAb assays for clinical sample analysis in a regulated bioanalytical environment
  • Demonstrated experience conducting clinical nAb assay development, validation and sample analysis at a CRO, or directly overseeing and managing these activities at a CRO
  • Demonstrated expertise in developing novel in vitro cell-based and ligand-binding immunoassays to support regulated bioanalytical testing for late-stage clinical studies (Phase III-IV)
  • Demonstrated expertise in the validation of bioanalytical immunoassay methods for biologics, peptides, and advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs) in a regulated GLP/GCP environment
  • Comprehensive knowledge of global regulatory guidance and industry best practices related to the development, validation, and application of bioanalytical immunoassays, with demonstrated experience applying these standards in support of clinical programs
  • Demonstrated proficiency with multiple analytical platforms, including EnVision, SpectraMax, MSD, flow cytometry and related technologies
  • Ability to independently operate, troubleshoot, and maintain laboratory instrumentation and equipment
  • Strong scientific problem-solving, critical thinking, and decision-making skills
  • Excellent oral, written, and presentation communication skills with the ability to communicate complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences
  • Proven ability to work effectively as a collaborative team player within a matrixed, cross-functional environment
  • Ability to build productive partnerships and communicate effectively across interdisciplinary teams, including research, clinical, regulatory, and external collaborators
  • Appropriate level of understanding of applicable regulations
  • Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing in an interdisciplinary environment
Compensation Data

The base salary range for this position is $140,800.00 to $211,200.00 USD. The position may be eligible for a role specific discretionary bonus, relocation, and/or other compensation elements. We continuously review market data and may adjust salary ranges as needed in the future. Actual compensation will be based on job-related factors such as skills, experience, and qualifications, and other factors permitted by law.

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