Scientist Formulation Development in Livingston

Reporting to the Formulation Development Manager, this role offers an opportunity to contribute across three critical areas: clinical manufacturing, development of innovative formulations, and execution of hands‑on laboratory work within the development environment. We seek a candidate with a strong pharmaceutical background and a passion for formulation science, ideally with experience in a cGMP environment within FDA and MHRA‑regulated settings. The successful candidate will thrive in a collaborative, fast‑paced environment and play an active role in advancing complex formulations from development through to clinical manufacture. Experience with lipid‑based formulations and/or hot melt extrusion is advantageous.

Key responsibilities and accountabilities:

• Take ownership of the design and development of formulations and associated manufacturing processes for encapsulated drug products, ensuring alignment with the target product profile and project objectives.
• Act as a key point of contact for assigned projects, proactively engaging with clients and internal stakeholders to drive progress, resolve challenges, and ensure successful delivery.
• Lead the planning, design, execution, and reporting of experimental work, ensuring activities are delivered to a high scientific standard and within agreed timelines.
• Demonstrate accountability for data interpretation and decision‑making, providing clear conclusions and well‑justified recommendations to advance projects.
• Drive manufacturing process development, including optimisation, scale‑up, and robustness studies to enable successful clinical and commercial manufacture.
• Take responsibility for the preparation of high‑quality client documentation, including protocols, technical reports, and batch records.
• Own the delivery of small‑scale GMP manufacture of technical and clinical batches, ensuring compliance with regulatory and quality standards.
• Play an active role in technology transfer activities, ensuring formulations and processes are successfully translated into commercial manufacturing environments.
• Provide expert technical support to Manufacturing, leading or contributing to troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and process optimisation initiatives.
• Contribute to a high‑performing team environment by mentoring and developing less experienced colleagues, fostering engagement, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement.

Person Profile:

• Demonstrate resilience and composure, thriving under pressure and embracing challenges with a proactive, solutions‑focused mindset.
• Act with integrity and accountability, communicating facts clearly and constructively, building trust with colleagues and clients, and taking ownership of decisions and outcomes – including learning from mistakes.
• Exhibit sound judgement and decision‑making, drawing on data, experience, and insight to make timely, well‑informed choices that move projects forward.
• Take ownership of priorities, driving focus on what matters most, effectively managing time and resources while removing barriers to progress and maintaining project momentum.
• Apply strong analytical thinking and structured problem‑solving skills, using data‑driven approaches to overcome complex challenges and deliver effective, practical solutions.
• Embrace continuous improvement, actively seeking opportunities to enhance processes, ways of working, and technical approaches.
• Demonstrate a growth mindset, showing curiosity, openness to feedback, and a commitment to ongoing personal and professional development.
• Thrive in a dynamic, collaborative, and energised team environment, contributing positively to team culture and bringing enthusiasm to shared goals.

Personal Situation:

• Flexible and able to work extended hours when required.

Specific Job Skills:

Required:

• Minimum of a BSc (or equivalent) in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, or a related discipline.
• Proven experience within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry, with a strong understanding of drug development environments.
• Experience in oral formulation development, preferably including liquid‑filled hard capsules.
• Demonstrated track record of successfully delivering R&D projects from concept through to completion, with a clear understanding of formulation and drug delivery challenges.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English, with the ability to produce high‑quality technical reports and deliver clear, impactful presentations.
• A self‑motivated and proactive approach, with the ability to work independently while taking ownership of deliverables.

Desired:

• PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, or a related discipline.
• 2+ years’ technical experience in formulation and drug delivery within the pharmaceutical industry.
• Experience of end-to-end product development within a regulated pharmaceutical environment.
• Expertise in lipid‑based formulations, bioavailability enhancement technologies, and/or advanced drug delivery approaches.
• A broad, working knowledge of cGMP and GLP environments, with practical experience applying these standards in day‑to‑day activities.

Digital & Data Skills:

• Proficient in MS Office and modern digital tools, with the ability to analyse, manage, and present data effectively.

Technical Writing & Data Interpretation:

• Strong scientific writing skills with the ability to interpret and clearly communicate analytical and experimental data.

Communication & Stakeholder Engagement:

• Confident communicator able to engage effectively with clients and cross‑functional teams across multiple formats.

Leadership & People Development:

• Ability to lead, coach, and mentor others while contributing to a collaborative, high‑performing team environment.