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- Tasks: Lead and deliver innovative formulation projects while mentoring junior scientists.
- Company: Agile, science-led pharmaceutical consultancy with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Flexible remote work, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with clear progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in pharmaceutical development and enjoy diverse challenges.
- Qualifications: PhD or MSc with extensive industry experience in formulation science.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
We are partnered with an agile, science-led pharmaceutical development consultancy, supporting clients across the full drug development lifecycle. Founded over a decade ago and grown from their ADME/PK roots, the business now delivers integrated development solutions from compound selection through to first-in-human and GMP clinical manufacturing.
We are now looking for an experienced Principal or Senior Principal Formulation Scientist to play a key technical role in a growing formulation team.
The Role
This is a senior, hands-on scientific position for someone who enjoys variety, ownership, and technical challenge. You will:
- Lead and deliver multiple client-facing formulation projects (typically 3–5 personally)
- Provide technical formulation expertise across early-stage development through to GMP clinical manufacture
- Act as a trusted scientific advisor to clients, managing expectations and guiding decision-making
- Design and execute experimental development studies in the lab
- Mentor and coach junior scientists, providing guidance while allowing independence
- Contribute to project management and strategic direction, with scope to evolve into broader leadership over time
What We’re Looking For
Essential:
- PhD with 6+ years industry experience or MSc with 9+ years industry experience
- At least 3 years’ experience leading development projects
- Proven experience across the pharmaceutical development lifecycle, from early stage to GMP
- Strong hands-on formulation background
- Deep understanding of excipients and formulation material science
- Experience with tech transfer and first GMP batch manufacture
- Confidence interacting directly with clients and managing complex scientific discussions
Highly Desirable:
- Experience with more complex modalities or delivery systems
Why Apply?
- Accelerated development: work on challenging, high-impact projects
- Breadth and autonomy: SME environment where scope is wide and progression isn’t limited by rigid structures
- Agile, expert-led culture: decisions are made by scientists, not layers of hierarchy
- Progression opportunity: Principal to Senior Principal and beyond, based on impact and capability
- Collaborative and approachable team: open-door culture, supportive and dynamic
If you’re passionate about pharmaceutical science, enjoy non-routine problem-solving, and want to make a tangible impact in a fast-paced consultancy environment, we’d love to hear from you.
Principal / Senior Principal Formulation Scientist in Bolton employer: RBW Consulting
Contact Detail:
RBW Consulting Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal / Senior Principal Formulation Scientist in Bolton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the pharmaceutical industry, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We can’t stress enough how personal connections can lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and showcasing your technical expertise. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to build confidence and refine your answers. Remember, it’s all about demonstrating your hands-on experience!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your projects! Bring along examples of your previous work during interviews. We love seeing tangible evidence of your skills, especially in formulation science. It’s a great way to illustrate your problem-solving abilities and technical knowledge.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals who want to make an impact. By applying directly, you’ll ensure your application gets the attention it deserves from our hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal / Senior Principal Formulation Scientist in Bolton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Highlight your hands-on formulation background and any leadership roles you've had in project management to show us you're the right fit.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about pharmaceutical science and how your experience aligns with our needs. Share specific examples of projects you've led and the impact you've made, so we can see your potential.
Showcase Your Technical Expertise: In your application, don't shy away from detailing your technical formulation expertise. We want to know about your experience with excipients, GMP clinical manufacture, and any complex modalities you've worked with—this will set you apart!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at RBW Consulting
✨Know Your Formulation Science
Brush up on your formulation science knowledge, especially around excipients and material science. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with different formulations and how you've tackled challenges in past projects.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves mentoring junior scientists and leading projects, prepare examples of how you've successfully guided teams or individuals in the past. Highlight your ability to manage client expectations and make strategic decisions.
✨Prepare for Technical Discussions
Expect to engage in complex scientific discussions during the interview. Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in pharmaceutical development and be ready to share your insights on tech transfer and GMP processes.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion
Let your enthusiasm for pharmaceutical science shine through. Share specific examples of projects that excited you and how you’ve made a tangible impact in previous roles. This will show your potential employer that you're not just qualified, but genuinely passionate about the field.