Formulation Chemist

• Location: Virginia, Brisbane

• Onsite Role

About the job

Do you have experience and passion for Formulation Development within the Nutraceutical/ Pharmaceutical industry?  The Formulation Chemist will lead projects under one of Opella’s Vitamin and Supplement Brands (VMS), contributing to our portfolio’s growth by developing new, enhancing existing complementary medicines, or ensuring roll out. This role demands technical knowledge in various galenic forms, creativity, digital experience and collaboration skills. You will be joining a high-performing and supportive team environment within state-of-the-art facilities onsite at Virginia, Brisbane.

At Opella, the Consumer Healthcare business unit of Sanofi, it is the purest and third-largest player globally in the Over-The-Counter (OTC) & Vitamins, Minerals & Supplements (VMS) market.   We have an unshakable belief in the power of self-care and the role it can play in creating a healthier society and a healthier planet. That’s why we want to make self-care as simple as it should be by being consumer-led always, with science at our core. 

Through our unique and balanced portfolio of more than 100 loved brands, including 15 global and local high-growth challengers such as Telfast, Dulcolax and Buscopan, we deliver our mission: helping more than half a billion consumers worldwide take their health in their hands.  

This mission is brought to life by an 11,000-strong team, 13 best-in-class manufacturing sites, and 4 specialized science and innovation development centers. 

We are also proud to be the first major fast-moving consumer healthcare company to achieve B Corp certification. 

Join us on our mission. Health. In your hands.

Main responsibilities:

• Develop and optimise pharmaceutical/nutraceutical formulations for new and existing products, including tablets, capsules, softgels, effervescents, and other dosage forms

• Develop lab-scale prototypes applying GMPs in place and conduct analytical & sensory tests. Apply statistical methods and design of experiment to enhance product development efficiency and learning. Leverage digital tools to document formulas and instructions

• Evaluate new raw materials for suitability, conduct stability studies to assess the shelf-life and performance of formulations under different conditions according to ICH guidelines. This involves preparing stability protocols, samples and planner

• Participate in the scale-up process from laboratory to pilot and production scale, ensuring formulations are optimised for manufacturing. This also includes training manufacturing staff and providing technical support

• Prepare and maintain accurate documentation, including experimental records, reports, and protocols. This also means report project outcomes, share learnings, participate in cross-functional teams, and provide insights and data to guide decisions and innovations

• Troubleshoot formulation issues and identify potential solutions to improve product performance. It also involves writing master formula documents for registration, manufacturing instructions and bill of materials for commercial production

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including brand & innovation, project management, analytical, science, quality, sustainability and manufacturing to ensure products meet regulatory & sustainability requirements and quality standards and projects meet timing and budget targets

• Keep abreast of current industry trends, scientific literature, and regulatory guidelines to inform formulation development. Maintain a strong interest in the activities and strategies of our competitors, as well as overall market trends. This involves not just understanding what exists but imagining new possibilities and translating them into technically feasible solutions

• Maintain a clean and safe laboratory environment, adhering to all safety protocol and best practices.

About you

Qualifications:

• BSc, Master or PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry or a related field.

Experience:

• A proven track record in developing product formulations and processes for nutraceutical products (at least 3 years of experience).

• Experience in dealing with CDMO/CMO and presenting on technical topics related to scientific experiments

• Existing knowledge of regulatory requirements (TGA, KFDA, FSANZ, etc) desirable

• Experience in working in a multi-disciplinary team environment

• Ability to critically evaluate results and to defend strategic guidance to resolve technical issues

• Proven ability to adopt a methodical approach, managing multiple tasks simultaneously whilst maintaining a high level of accuracy in all work carried out

Soft Skills & Technical Competencies:   

• Proficiency in statistical analysis, experimental design and digital literacy (digital skills to employ data analytics, AI and digital prototyping in innovation)

• Strong organisational, analytical and time management skills.

• Excellent trouble-shooting and problem-solving skills, analytical thinking and attention to detail

• Ability to work autonomously with a curious mindset, proactive drive and self-motivation to achieve results

• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills, team-oriented and excellent work ethic

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English

• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint)

• Agility, resilience and creativity to navigate NPD projects

• Commitment to sustainability and familiarity with science-based product superiority

Why choose us?

• Discover endless opportunities to grow your talent and drive your career, whether it’s through a promotion or lateral move, at home or internationally.

• Enjoy a thoughtful, well-crafted rewards package that recognizes your contribution and amplifies your impact.

• Multi-national organisation of globally loved Consumer Healthcare brands and exciting portfolio of OTC and VMS (multivitamin and supplement) brands!

• Clean, air-conditioned, State-of-the-art facilities with manufacturing made on-site at our beautiful Brisbane based HQ

• Highly collaborative and supportive team environment and working culture

#LI-ONSITE #LI-CHC