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- Tasks: Lead exciting formulation projects and mentor junior scientists in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Agile, science-led pharmaceutical consultancy with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Flexible remote work, competitive salary, and opportunities for career progression.
- Other info: Join a supportive team where your expertise shapes the future of drug development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in pharmaceutical science and enjoy diverse challenges.
- Qualifications: PhD or MSc with extensive industry experience and strong formulation background.
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 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
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the pharmaceutical industry, especially those who work in formulation science. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and get your name out there.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your past projects and successes in formulation science. This will help you stand out during interviews and demonstrate your hands-on experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. Focus on how your experience aligns with the role of Principal/Senior Principal Formulation Scientist.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for talented individuals like you. Make sure to tailor your application to highlight your leadership and technical skills in formulation science.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal / Senior Principal Formulation Scientist
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 examples of your past projects and how you’ve made an impact, especially in client-facing roles.
Showcase Your Technical Expertise: In your application, don’t shy away from detailing your technical formulation expertise. We want to see your understanding of excipients and formulation material science, so include relevant projects or studies that demonstrate your knowledge.
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 this exciting opportunity. 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
Make sure you brush up on your formulation science knowledge before the interview. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with excipients and formulation material science, as well as any complex modalities you've worked with. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but have practical insights to share.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare to talk about specific projects you've led in the past. Highlight how you managed client expectations and guided decision-making throughout the development lifecycle. Use examples that demonstrate your ability to juggle multiple projects while maintaining a high standard of work.
✨Be Ready for Technical Discussions
Expect to engage in complex scientific discussions during the interview. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when it comes to technical challenges you've faced. This will help you come across as a trusted scientific advisor, which is key for this role.
✨Emphasise Your Mentoring Experience
Since mentoring junior scientists is part of the job, be prepared to discuss your coaching style and any experiences you've had in guiding others. Share specific examples of how you've helped team members grow while allowing them independence, as this will highlight your leadership potential.