NextPharma is a leading European pharmaceutical CDMO focused on attractive technology niches.
Since its establishment in 1989, the Livingston site has grown into a globally recognised centre of excellence for advanced drug delivery. We specialise in the development and application of both established and cutting-edge encapsulation technologies, with particular expertise in lipid-based formulations, liquid-filled hard capsules, and hot melt extrusion.
Supported by modern facilities and seamless scale-up into commercial manufacturing, our site offers a unique environment where innovation meets industrial capability. We are proud to play a pivotal role in bringing complex formulations from concept to market, partnering with global customers to deliver high-quality, effective medicines.
Our Vision:
Our vision is to be the leading and most trusted, reliable and innovative Europe-based CDMO by upholding the highest industry standards and exceeding customer expectations, while driving strong, sustainable growth for the company.
Job Purpose:
Reporting to the Formulation Development Manager, this role offers the 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 are seeking a candidate with a strong pharmaceutical background and a passion for formulation science, ideally with experience working 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: Formulation Scientist
The ideal candidate will:
- Demonstrate resilience and composure, thriving under pressure and embracing challenges with a proactive, solutions-focused mindset
- Act with integrity and accountability, confidently communicating facts in a clear and constructive manner, 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:
· A 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
Please note – only applicants with a permanent Right to Work in the UK will be considered
NextPharma is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, religion or belief.
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Free parking
- Health & wellbeing programme
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Private medical insurance
- Sick pay
Work Location: In person
