TITLE: Formulation Specialist

REPORTING TO: Pharmaceutical Formulation Scientist, Product Development

LOCATION: Center for Biomedical Research (CBR), New York, NY

JOBS SUPERVISED: N/A

ASSIGNMENT LENGTH: Indefinite

POSITION SUMMARY: The Formulation Specialist will assist the Formulation Scientist with hands-on formulation development and implementation of the GMP manufacturing process. They will also provide technical and scientific expertise in developing the formulation of those products which includes formulation strategies, various formulation prototypes, analytical method development and data analysis. 

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

1. Hands-on development of various formulations such as injectables, gels, vaginal inserts and vaginal ring for sexual and reproductive health, including contraception alone and for Multipurpose Prevention Technologies (MPTs) to simultaneously prevent HIV, other sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

2. Perform physico-chemical characterizations and pre-formulation work

3. Establish the scale-up of the manufacturing process from prototype to lab scale

4. Hands-on technical manufacturing and GMP manufacturing of drug products in a clean room facility

5. Assist in the drafting and reviewing of the technical batch and GMP manufacturing batch records including certificate of analysis 

6.  Establish bioburden or sterilization process, packaging and integrity testing of the packaged drug products

7. Coordinate and monitor outside vendors for testing services 

8. Perform in-house testing which includes in vitro release rate testing, assay, and degradation of the active pharmaceutical ingredients 

9. Perform in-house stability studies on both technical and GMP drug products 

10. Assist in drafting & reviewing new analytical methods, manufacturing records, and data generated by the lab

11. Understand and follow GMP SOPs and maintain GMP compliance

12. Provide guidance, feedback and assistance to the lab staff with existing projects in the lab 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

We understand that there are many paths to acquiring expertise and experience and strong candidates may not have every qualification listed here. We encourage applications from individuals who bring passion, skills, and experience in many or most of these areas. 

1. Ph.D. in pharmaceutical sciences, chemical engineering, chemistry and related discipline with a focus on bench work and instrumentation

2. Minimum 2-3 years of post-doctorate experience. Exceptional candidates with less experience will also be considered.

3. Hands-on experience in carrying out experiments and data analysis

4. Knowledge of how to perform design of experiments

5. Computer skills with utilization of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) required.

6. Problem solving skills required, preferred experience with laboratory investigations

7. Must be able to work autonomously and collaborate with the lab staff

8. Highly self-motivated

SALARY AND BENEFITS: Salary range between $85,000-$95,000 annually, depending on knowledge, skills and experience. Excellent benefits package includes:

• Medical, dental, vision and life insurance available immediately upon hire;
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution equal to 12% of annual salary (up to a maximum salary of $200,000) after one year of employment;
• 24 annual and 12 sick days per year (accrued semi-monthly) *
• Approximately 10 paid holidays;
• 13 weeks of paid parental leave;
• Educational assistance*
• College tuition support for dependents**

We strive to provide an environment of professional growth and development.

*Pro-rated for part-time staff who work a minimum of 20 hours per week.

**Employees must work full-time to be eligible for this benefit 

Application Deadline: August 13, 2026

When applying through the web portal please attach your CV and Cover Letter in Word or PDF format.

The Population Council is an international, nonprofit, nongovernmental institution that seeks to improve the well-being and reproductive health of current and future generations around the world and to help achieve a humane, equitable, and sustainable balance between people and resources. The Council conducts biomedical, social science, and public health research and helps build research capacities in developing countries. Established in 1952, the Council is governed by an international board of trustees. Its New York headquarters supports a global network of country offices. We are seeking an individual to fill the position described. If you know of a qualified candidate or are interested in this position, please apply at: http://www.popcouncil.org/employment/index.asp.

The Population Council provides equal opportunity; it does not discriminate against any person with regard to age, color, creed, national origin, disability, political belief, veteran status, religion, marital status, gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation. Decisions on employment are based on an individual’s qualifications as related to the position for which they are being considered. The Population Council is international in the composition of its board of trustees and its staff, as well as in the nature and deployment of its activities.