Principal / Senior Principal Formulation Scientist

Principal / Senior Principal Formulation Scientist

Manchester | Office-based (Up to 1–2 days remote possible per week, informal)
 

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.

Key Words:

Formulation science, scientist, project manager, management, coaching, mentor, training, subject matter expert, SME, consultant, pharmaceutical development, material science, regulatory, IMPD, IND, excipient, complex, delivery systems.