This is your moment

This is your moment

Lead Formulator

  • Req ID #: 226151
  • Harlow, England, GB
  • 3rd
  • Full time

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For 75 years, Charles River employees have worked together to assist in the discovery, development and safe manufacture of new drug therapies. When you join our family, you will have a significant impact on the health and well-being of people across the globe. Whether your background is in life sciences, finance, IT, sales or another area, your skills will play an important role in the work we perform. In return, we’ll help you build a career that you can feel passionate about.

Job Summary

Are you a skilled formulator looking to take the next step in your career?

Have you got experience of working in an industrial R&D setting, developing formulations for novel small molecule API’s?

Do you want to join a global contract research organisation that improves health and lives?

Our expanding pharmaceutical development team in Harlow, Essex are recruiting for an experienced formulation scientist. In this role you will apply formulation expertise to guide formulation projects through pre-clinical development.

This leadership role in a small but far-reaching team is an excellent opportunity to help shape the future direction of the Pharmaceutical Development group at Charles River. You will have the opportunity to work on a variety of client projects spanning oral, inhaled, dermal and parenteral administration routes. This role encompasses project management and ownership of client relationships, as well as supporting lab work when required.

Main Tasks:

  • Advise as a subject matter expert for Integrated Drug Discovery and Development projects, guiding formulation strategy to ensure successful outcomes.

  • Design and execute formulation study plans, based on client needs.

  • Manage client formulation projects to agreed timelines and budgets.

  • Act as the scientific point of contact for clients, from initial discussion through to project delivery.

  • Mentor junior scientists in formulation techniques and strategies.

Skills and Experience

The ideal candidate has a pro-active can-do approach, pays attention to detail, and has the ability to adapt to changing demands and requirements. They use PK data and the Developability Classification System to drive formulation strategy and is comfortable communicating complex scientific data to stakeholders with varying degrees of expertise.

A working knowledge of solid form characterisations techniques, non-oral dosage routes and formulation of “Beyond Rule of 5” compounds is desirable. Experience of scientific project management would also be advantageous.

  • Minimum BSc. Qualification in a relevant subject (Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences or related subject). Post-graduate qualifications desirable.

  • Extensive experience of working in an industrial R&D setting, developing formulations for novel small molecule APIs.

  • Strong knowledge of the drug discovery and development process.

  • Experience of mentoring junior colleagues.

  • Experience in designing and executing preformulation studies, including:- Physicochemical assessment, Solubility Assessment and Biorelevant Dissolution studies.

  • Expertise in at least one of the following enabling oral formulation techniques:- Spray Drying, Wet milling for particle size reduction or Emulsion development.

What We Offer You

  • A very comprehensive benefits package from day one, including a generous pension contribution, and flexible health benefits.

  • Parental leave.

  • Group Life Assurance and Group Income Protection.

  • Remote GP access 24/7.

  • Wellbeing support and initiatives.

  • Access to great discounts via our CREDS discount scheme.

  • Global opportunities and strong career progression.

  • The chance to work on several varied projects and liaise globally and nationally with other business areas.

  • To be able make a difference to health and wellbeing of people.

  • To continue your own career growth.

  • Cycle to work scheme and much much more!

About DiscoveryDiscovery from Charles River is industry-proven in the successful development of novel therapies, with over 350 patents and 80 preclinical drug candidates delivered to our sponsors in the past 17 years. Backed by more than 650 scientists, our comprehensive, integrated portfolio employs the latest technology and platforms to provide chemistry, biology, and pharmacology services that support clients from the earliest stages of hit identification all the way through to IND. Our client-focused, collaborative approach creates true partnerships that anticipate challenges, overcome obstacles, and move us forward together on the journey of getting new drugs to market.

About Charles RiverCharles River is an early-stage contract research organization (CRO). We have built upon our foundation of laboratory animal medicine and science to develop a diverse portfolio of discovery and safety assessment services, both Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and non-GLP, to support clients from target identification through preclinical development. Charles River also provides a suite of products and services to support our clients’ clinical laboratory testing needs and manufacturing activities. Utilizing this broad portfolio of products and services enables our clients to create a more flexible drug development model, which reduces their costs, enhances their productivity and effectiveness to increase speed to market.

With over 20,000 employees within 110 facilities in over 20 countries around the globe, we are strategically positioned to coordinate worldwide resources and apply multidisciplinary perspectives in resolving our client’s unique challenges. Our client base includes global pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies, government agencies and hospitals and academic institutions around the world. 

At Charles River, we are passionate about our role in improving the quality of people’s lives. Our mission, our excellent science and our strong sense of purpose guide us in all that we do, and we approach each day with the knowledge that our work helps to improve the health and well-being of many across the globe. We have proudly worked on 80% of the drugs approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the past five years.

At Charles River Laboratories, we recognize and recruit all talent. We are a company committed to the principle of diversity and inclusion and work daily in this direction.

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Helping you find your moment

You take great care and effort when you apply for a job with us. Rest assured that we’ll be just as diligent in finding the role that’s right for you. Here’s how our hiring process works:

Job Search

Learn about CRL, our culture, and why we do the work we do while also searching for roles that match your interests and expertise.

Application

Create a profile and apply to as many roles as you have an interest.

Note: Depending on the role, you may be required to include a resume in your application.

Assessment and application review

Complete assessments, if requested, to determine whether the role is likely to be a good fit for you – and vice versa. The recruiter will review your resume and qualifications against the requirements of the role and will determine next steps.

Note: At any point in the process, you can log into your profile to review the status of your application.

Interview

Engage in our inclusive interview process by meeting with a diverse group of interviewers who will provide information on the company, culture, and your role while also asking you questions to assess your skills, interests, and expertise. This is also a great time for you to ask questions.

Note: Charles River leverages technical and behavioral-based interview questions based on our DNA (Care, Lead, Own, and Collaborate). Please familiarize yourself with the DNA and be prepared to relate your experiences to them.

Job offer and onboarding

Receive a competitive offer either by phone or email from a Charles River recruiter or hiring manager. The offer will include your title, salary, location, and other relevant information.

Note: Upon acceptance, you will work with your recruiter to confirm a start date and will receive paperwork to electronically complete prior to your start. For US-based roles, upon your acceptance, you will be required to take a pre-employment drug screen and pass a criminal background check.

Job Search

Learn about CRL, our culture, and why we do the work we do while also searching for roles that match your interests and expertise.

Application

Create a profile and apply to as many roles as you have an interest. Note: Depending on the role, you may be required to include a resume in your application.

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Important things are happening every moment at Charles River. This means exciting new career opportunities for you to explore. Take a look and apply today!

Moment by moment

At Charles River, you’ll be able to contribute to incredible breakthroughs while experiencing exciting opportunities for growth and development.

  • Technician I-III

    Follow SOP and protocols in the areas of animal handling, husbandry, and blood/urine collection.

  • Technician IV-V

    Handle advanced technician duties, including anesthesia, leadership and specialized sample collections.

  • Project Leader (Scientific)

    Serve as a scientific expert for the Lab with responsibility for staff-conducted studies.

  • Team Leader (People Leader)

    Oversee team activities and gain leadership skills on the path to becoming a Team Supervisor.

  • Team Supervisor (People Leader)

    Responsible for overall employee supervision, staff development, and team success.

  • Close-up of smiling female Charles River Scientific professional
Close-up of smiling female Charles River Scientific professional

Technician I-III

Follow SOP and protocols in the areas of animal handling, husbandry, and blood/urine collection.

Technician IV-V

Handle advanced technician duties, including anesthesia, leadership and specialized sample collections.

1/5

About Charles River

Charles River is an early-stage Contract Research Organization (CRO). Here, we are passionate about our role in improving the quality of people’s lives. With 100 sites around the globe, we are strategically positioned to coordinate worldwide resources and apply multidisciplinary perspectives in resolving our clients’ unique challenges. Our client base includes global pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies, government agencies, hospitals, and academic institutions around the world.

Charles River laboratory professional at a lab bench in a state-of-the-art laboratory environment looking through a microscope.

Supporting your well-being

Your dedication and passion make a life-saving difference in lives around the world. We’re committed to providing you with benefits that elevate your quality of life.

Financial

  • Earnings + incentives
  • Retirement benefits
  • Vacation + time away
  • Recognition
  • Employee assistance fund

Career

  • Professional development opportunities
  • Career development
  • Awards
  • Educational support

Health and wellness coverage

  • Employee well-being support
  • Family support programs
  • Parental benefits + family formation benefits
  • Work-life balance flexibility

Social and Community

  • Culture of inclusion
  • 11 employee resource groups (ERGs) with >3,000 members
  • Opportunities for paid volunteer time off
  • Community outreach + matching gift + engagement activities

Financial

  • Earnings + incentives
  • Retirement benefits
  • Vacation + time away
  • Recognition
  • Employee assistance fund

Career

  • Professional development opportunities
  • Career development
  • Awards
  • Educational support

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Charles River laboratory professional at a lab bench in a state-of-the-art laboratory environment looking through a microscope.

About Charles River

Charles River is an early-stage Contract Research Organization (CRO). Here, we are passionate about our role in improving the quality of people’s lives. With 100 sites around the globe, we are strategically positioned to coordinate worldwide resources and apply multidisciplinary perspectives in resolving our clients’ unique challenges. Our client base includes global pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies, government agencies, hospitals, and academic institutions around the world.