Sterling Pharmaceuticals is inviting applications for the position of Pharmaceutical Formulation Scientist in Birmingham, United Kingdom. This is a permanent, on-site opportunity within the Research & Development (R&D) department for candidates with experience in pharmaceutical formulation development, analytical testing, and stability studies.

The selected candidate will contribute to the development and optimization of high-quality oral liquid formulations and topical semi-solid medicines, including solutions, suspensions, creams, and ointments.

Job Details

• Company Name: Sterling Pharmaceuticals
• Job Title: Pharmaceutical Formulation Scientist
• Department: Research & Development (R&D)
• Job Location: Birmingham, United Kingdom
• Job Type: Permanent
• Work Mode: On-site
• Reporting To: R&D Manager
• Required Experience: 2–3 years in pharmaceutical formulation development
• Qualification: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline
• Application Email: a.shenoy@sprd.co.uk
• Walk-in Interview: Not mentioned in the recruitment advertisement

About the Job

The Pharmaceutical Formulation Scientist will be responsible for developing, optimizing, and evaluating pharmaceutical formulations to meet quality, stability, and performance requirements. The role involves laboratory-scale and bench-scale formulation trials, physical characterization, regulatory research, and technical documentation.

Candidates should have practical experience in oral liquid and topical semi-solid dosage forms, along with a sound understanding of pharmaceutical testing methods and relevant regulatory guidelines.

Key Responsibilities

1. Pharmaceutical Formulation Development

• Lead the design and optimization of new pharmaceutical formulations.
• Develop oral liquid dosage forms, including solutions and suspensions.
• Develop topical semi-solid formulations, including creams and ointments.
• Evaluate formulation performance, stability, and product quality.

2. Batch Manufacturing and Formulation Trials

• Independently execute bench-scale and laboratory-scale batches.
• Assess formulation viability, stability, and scalability.
• Identify formulation challenges and optimize manufacturing parameters.

3. Physical Testing and Characterization

• Perform physical testing of raw materials and finished pharmaceutical products.
• Conduct accurate weighing and measurements of pH, viscosity, and density.
• Perform particle-size analysis using appropriate analytical instruments.
• Interpret test results and evaluate formulation characteristics.
• Tabulate, review, and evaluate stability study data.

4. Regulatory Research

• Source and review product information, including Patient Information Leaflets (PILs), Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPCs), and Public Assessment Reports (PARs).
• Use information from MHRA, EMA, and FDA databases to guide formulation development.
• Review reference product literature to support development targets.

5. Technical Documentation

• Apply ICH Q8 pharmaceutical development principles.
• Draft and review Product Development Reports (PDRs).
• Prepare and review stability study protocols.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and technical documentation.

Educational Qualifications and Experience

Applicants should possess a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, or a related scientific field.

Required experience and technical skills:

• Approximately 2–3 years of hands-on experience in pharmaceutical formulation development.
• Practical knowledge of oral liquid and topical semi-solid dosage forms.
• Understanding of physical testing methodologies and particle-size analysis.
• Knowledge of pharmaceutical stability studies and data interpretation.
• Familiarity with ICH, MHRA, EMA, and FDA guidelines.
• Ability to interpret reference product information and regulatory documentation.

Technical Skills Required

Candidates should demonstrate proficiency in the following areas:

• Oral liquid formulation development
• Pharmaceutical suspensions and solutions
• Cream and ointment formulation
• pH, viscosity, and density testing
• Particle-size analysis
• Stability testing and data evaluation
• Pharmaceutical development documentation
• Microsoft Word for technical writing
• Microsoft Excel for data analysis and chart preparation
• Cross-functional collaboration with Analytical, Quality Assurance (QA), and Regulatory Affairs teams

How to Apply

Interested and eligible candidates can submit their updated CV to the recruitment email address provided in the advertisement.

Email: a.shenoy@sprd.co.uk

Applicants should highlight their relevant formulation development experience, analytical testing skills, stability study knowledge, and experience with oral liquid or topical semi-solid dosage forms.

Important: The position is based on-site in Birmingham, UK. Candidates should verify the employer’s details, eligibility requirements, and any applicable UK work authorization requirements before proceeding with an application.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What qualifications are required for the Pharmaceutical Formulation Scientist position?

Candidates should have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline, along with relevant formulation development experience.

2. What formulation development experience is required for this role?

The advertisement specifies approximately 2–3 years of hands-on R&D experience developing oral liquid formulations, such as solutions and suspensions, and topical semi-solid formulations, such as creams and ointments.

3. Which analytical tests are important for this position?

Important tests include pH measurement, viscosity testing, density measurement, particle-size analysis, and the evaluation of stability data. These tests help assess formulation characteristics, quality, and performance.

4. Which regulatory guidelines and technical documents should applicants understand?

Applicants should have working knowledge of ICH, MHRA, EMA, and FDA guidelines. Familiarity with ICH Q8, Patient Information Leaflets (PILs), Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPCs), Public Assessment Reports (PARs), Product Development Reports (PDRs), and stability study protocols is beneficial.

5. How can candidates apply, and is this a walk-in interview?

Candidates can send their updated CV to a.shenoy@sprd.co.uk. The advertisement does not specify a walk-in interview date, interview time, or venue; therefore, applicants should apply by email and confirm the recruitment process directly with the employer.