Senior Scientist, Early Pharmaceutics

Evotec

Verona, Italy

We are seeking an experienced Senior Scientist – Formulation & Physical Characterisation to deliver high-quality formulation development activities supporting early-stage drug development programmes.

This role requires scientific expertise, problem-solving ability, and the confidence to execute, and interpret complex experimental programmes. The successful candidate will provide contribute to formulation strategy, and support cross-functional project delivery within a collaborative R&D environment.

Key Responsibilities

Develop formulation and physical characterization activities with minimum support from Research Expert for assigned projects, delivering results to agreed quality, safety, and timeline expectations.
Design, execute, analyse, and interpret complex experimental programmes to support development objectives.
Apply advanced scientific knowledge and judgement to solve challenging formulation problems with minimal supervision.
Develop and adapt experimental strategies based on project needs, emerging data, and technical risk assessment.
Provide senior scientific input into project decisions and formulation strategy development.
Critically review experimental data, technical reports, and laboratory documentation to ensure scientific robustness and data integrity.
Communicate findings effectively through reports, presentations, and project discussions.
Support project planning through timeline estimation, resource planning, and risk identification.
Collaborate with research experts, scientists, and cross-functional teams to ensure successful delivery.
Provide technical guidance, coaching, and knowledge sharing to junior scientists.
Ensure compliance with laboratory safety standards, procedures, and good documentation practices.
Take ownership of laboratory responsibilities, equipment oversight, and continuous improvement activities.

Essential Skills & Experience

Knowledge of pharmaceutical formulation science and physical characterisation techniques.
Experience in early-stage drug development environments will be good.
Proven ability to independently plan, execute, and interpret complex scientific experiments.
Expertise in formulation development, optimisation, and troubleshooting.
Strong analytical thinking and scientific judgement in complex or ambiguous situations.
Ability to translate experimental data into clear technical recommendations.
Experience managing multiple projects, priorities, and timelines effectively.
Strong understanding of data integrity, laboratory documentation, and quality standards.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to influence technical discussions.
Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within multidisciplinary teams.

Core Competencies

Scientific and sound technical judgement.
Excellent project management and organizational skills.
Outstanding communication, presentation and influencing skills.
Ability to build effective multidisciplinary collaborations across Discovery and Pharmaceutical Development.
Mentoring junior scientists.
Innovative mindset with a commitment to continuous improvement.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic, customer-driven environment.

Qualifications

PhD (preferred), MSc or equivalent in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutics, Pharmacy, Chemistry or a related scientific discipline.
4-5 years of relevant industrial experience in pharmaceutical development.
Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary pharmaceutical development projects within a customer-focused environment.