Scientist / Senior Scientist, Formulation Development

What We Do 

Forma is a next-generation Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) based in Irvine, California. The company was recently formed through the acquisition of the Irvine operations from BioDuro and is operating as a newly established, independent entity. As a result, Forma’s standalone online presence is still being built. 

We are a lean, entrepreneurial organization of approximately 60 employees focused on drug product development and manufacturing for pharmaceutical and biotechnology clients. 

Why Forma? 

Unlike large, highly layered organizations, Forma operates with a hands-on, execution-driven model. Our teams work closely across functions to solve complex technical and operational challenges, move quickly, and deliver consistently high-quality results.  

Employees at Forma are expected to take on meaningful responsibility, collaborate directly with colleagues and clients, and contribute to building scalable systems and processes as the company grows. This is an environment well suited to individuals who value autonomy, technical excellence, and the opportunity to help shape a growing organization. 

Job Overview/Summary 

The Senior Scientist I, Formulation Development will be responsible for leading projects focused on formulation/process development of solid oral drug candidates for preclinical and human clinical studies. This role will have a major focus on the design and development of drug delivery systems and dosage forms, including use of technologies such as spray drying and Hot Melt Extrusion. This role will involve hands-on laboratory work and mentoring and training of more junior scientists. All duties will be performed in compliance with Forma’s standard operating procedures (SOPs) and GMP regulations.  

Essential Functions and Responsibilities 

• Develop drug formulations for innovative drug products under minimal supervision.  

• Performs and implements formulation strategies under minimal supervision. 

• Provides technical guidance internally to the formulation, analytical, and manufacturing teams on the formulation methodologies and issues. 

• Leads investigations of aberrant results, determination of root causes and recommends action plans. 

• Prepare scientific reports, experimental protocols, and batch records 

• Routinely acts as a project leader on formulation projects. 

• Represents the formulation team as a subject matter expert in client-facing situations. 

• Responsible for enhancing scientific and technical expertise in formulation operations. 

• Complies with Forma SOP and cGMP practices in documentation and equipment operation. 

• All other tasks and duties assigned as perceived and agreed upon by management. 

• This job description is subject to change at any time. 

Requirements

Required Qualifications  

• Ph.D. in chemistry or related scientific discipline with 2+ (PhD), 5+ years (MS), or 7+ years (BS) of relevant industry experience 

• Hands-on experience working on tablets, capsules, etc. using dilution blend, dry granulation, wet granulation and other commonly used process approaches (experience in hot-melt extrusion is required). 

• Demonstrated ability to establish new capabilities and innovate strategies in pursuit of scientific excellence. 

• Experience with supervision, mentorship, or training of other team members. 

• Ability to work in a well-lit heated and/or air-conditioned indoor office and laboratory setting with adequate ventilation. Light physical activity performing non-strenuous daily activities of a productive/technical nature. May require long periods of standing/sitting. 

Preferred Qualifications   

• Understand the functionality and chemistry of excipients and drug substances 

• Able to react to change productively and handle other essential tasks as assigned 

• Manages personal and interpersonal stress, if required 

• Strong mathematic and chemistry skills 

• Has the discipline to stay focused and complete specific tasks 

• Has excellent verbal and written communication skills 

• Excellent organizational skills 

• Good troubleshooting and interpretation skills 

• At least 3-year direct experience in hot-melt extrusion. 

• Expresses ideas openly while respecting others’ viewpoints  

• Strictly follows the company policy on client confidentiality 

Benefits

Position Benefits 

We offer full health benefits, 401(k), FSA, Dependent Care FSA, company paid life insurance, paid vacation and sick leave, an aggressive bonus structure, and market-competitive salaries to all our employees. In addition, Forma provides employees with a variety of engaging employee and community outreach events.  

EOE and Accommodation 

We value diversity and are proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, pregnancy, citizenship, marital status, gender expression, genetic information, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by law. Forma provides reasonable accommodation in job application procedures for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans. If you need accommodation in connection with the recruiting process due to a disability, you may use the alternative methods by emailing humanresources@formalifesciences.com. If you are selected to interview for a position, you may also request an accommodation with our team directly.  

Notice to Agency and Search Firm Representatives 

Forma is not accepting unsolicited resumes from agencies and/or search firms for this job posting. Resumes submitted to any Forma employee by a third-party agency and/or search firm without a valid written & signed search agreement, will become the sole property of Forma. No fee will be paid if a candidate is hired for this position as a result of an unsolicited agency or search firm referral.