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- Tasks: Lead formulation development for innovative veterinary drug products from concept to scale-up.
- Company: Global pharmaceutical leader focused on cutting-edge veterinary solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and opportunities to mentor scientific talent.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in veterinary medicine while leading a dynamic R&D team.
- Qualifications: Postgraduate degree and 5+ years in drug formulation development required.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on continuous improvement and innovation.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 £ per year.
A leading global pharmaceutical manufacturing organisation is seeking a Head of Early-Stage Formulations to lead its team within R&D. This role is responsible for defining and executing formulation development strategies for new veterinary drug products, from pre-formulation through to late-stage development and scale-up. The successful candidate will act as a technical expert in formulation science, applying Quality by Design (QbD) principles and regulatory best practices to accelerate development timelines while ensuring robust, compliant product design.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the design and execution of early-stage formulation studies for veterinary drug products in line with current (V)ICH guidelines.
- Apply API physicochemical data to support formulation and process development strategies.
- Define and evaluate Critical Quality Attributes (CQAs) using structured risk assessments and QbD principles.
- Identify, optimise, and evaluate Critical Process Parameters (CPPs) to ensure robust, science-driven formulation development.
- Transfer laboratory-scale formulations and processes to late-stage development and manufacturing for scale-up and commercialisation.
- Collaborate with formulation analytics teams to support early-stage analytical method development.
- Initiate and oversee prototype stability programmes to enable early formulation progression.
- Work closely with Regulatory Affairs to ensure alignment with agreed regulatory strategies and timely dossier submissions.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives to accelerate early-stage formulation development.
- Maintain awareness of patents and intellectual property considerations impacting product development, providing technical input to IP strategy.
- Lead, develop, and mentor scientific staff, ensuring skills development and effective team performance.
Essential Criteria
- Postgraduate degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacy, or related field).
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in drug product formulation development, manufacturing, and analytical processes across a range of dosage forms (human or veterinary).
- Strong working knowledge of GMP and regulatory requirements, including FDA, EMA, and VICH/ICH guidelines.
- Excellent IT skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office.
- Highly motivated, proactive individual with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Strong communication skills with a proven ability to work cross-functionally.
- Demonstrated experience leading, developing, and motivating scientific teams.
Head of Early-Stage Formulations employer: SLS Services Limited
Contact Detail:
SLS Services Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Early-Stage Formulations
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry professionals on LinkedIn or attend relevant events. We can’t stress enough how personal connections can open doors that applications alone can’t.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. We recommend practising common interview questions and tailoring your answers to highlight your experience in formulation development and regulatory compliance.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Bring examples of your past work, especially any successful formulation projects. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their impact through tangible results.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who fit our culture and values.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Early-Stage Formulations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Early-Stage Formulations role. Highlight your experience in formulation development and any relevant projects you've led. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about veterinary drug products and how your expertise can help us accelerate development timelines. Keep it engaging and personal!
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to mention your technical skills, especially around QbD principles and regulatory requirements. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so make sure we know what you bring to the table!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at SLS Services Limited
✨Know Your Formulation Science
Brush up on your knowledge of formulation science, especially in relation to veterinary drug products. Be ready to discuss how you've applied Quality by Design (QbD) principles in your previous roles and how you can leverage them to accelerate development timelines.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Early-Stage Formulations, you'll need to lead and mentor a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully developed and motivated scientific teams in the past. Highlight any initiatives you've led that resulted in improved team performance or project outcomes.
✨Understand Regulatory Requirements
Familiarise yourself with GMP and regulatory requirements, including FDA, EMA, and VICH/ICH guidelines. Be prepared to discuss how you've navigated these regulations in your previous work and how you plan to ensure compliance in future projects.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to Critical Quality Attributes (CQAs) and Critical Process Parameters (CPPs). Think about specific challenges you've faced in formulation development and how you overcame them, as this will demonstrate your problem-solving skills and technical expertise.
