Specialist, R&D Formulation

12/2025

1300 Airport Road, North Brunswick NJ 

Specialist R&D Formulation 

R&D

Manager, R&D

Non-Exempt

The Specialist, R&D Formulation serves as a transitional position between an advanced R&D technician and a Formulator -1. This role requires hands-on execution combined with growing technical ownership of formulation development activities. The individual will lead formulation experiments, support process development and scale-up, and ensure compliant documentation while demonstrating readiness to advance into a Formulator role.

• →Follow all lab safety and PPE requirements. 
• →Provide guidance and mentorship to junior technicians. 
• →Perform other duties as assigned to support business objectives. 

Requirements

• Lead formulation experiments for new product development and optimization of existing products. 
• Design and prepare prototypes and experimental batches at benchtop, pilot, and scale-up levels. 
• Support development of solid oral dosage forms (tablets, capsules, granules). 
• Execute formulation activities independently with minimal supervision while escalating complex challenges appropriately. 
• Collaborate closely with and support senior R&D team members in daily product development activities. 

• Support process development, validation, troubleshooting, and technology transfer to manufacturing. 
• Execute pilot-scale and scale-up batches to support commercialization. 
• Partner with Manufacturing and Engineering teams to optimize processes. 

• Set up, operate, clean, and perform changeovers on R&D and pilot-scale equipment, including: 
  • Tablet presses 
  • Capsule filling machines 
  • Coating equipment 
  • Granulators 
  • Fluid Bed Dryers (FBDs) 
• Ensure equipment is maintained and operated in compliance with SOPs, safety standards, and cGMP requirements. 
• Troubleshoot equipment and process issues using strong technical and analytical skills. 

• Maintain accurate and compliant documentation (BMRs, logbooks, protocols, reports). 
• Record formulation data, observations, and changes in a timely and clear manner. 
• Ensure adherence to cGMP, SOPs, and regulatory requirements. 
• Communicate updates, results, and project status effectively to R&D and cross-functional teams. 
• Prepare and review technical and customer-facing documents, including: 
  • Sample shipment cover letters 
  • Commercial invoices and declaration documents for international shipments 
  • Tracking and data analysis spreadsheets 

• Coordinate with internal departments to support smooth R&D operations: 
  • QC: Sample drop-off and documentation 
  • QA: Sample testing, shipment coordination, and results tracking 
  • Packaging: Sample transfer and packaging 
  • Warehouse/Inventory: Material availability and tracking 
  • Purchasing: Requisitions, POs, and delivery timelines 
  • Maintenance: Equipment and facility repairs 
  • External Facilities (e.g., VanDyke Building): Raw material transfers 
• Request materials through Syspro and ensure availability for trials. 
• Schedule and coordinate meetings across R&D and Purchasing teams. 

• Package, label, and maintain inventory of samples for: 
  • Customer evaluations and meetings 
  • Internal and external testing 
  • Stability studies 
• Ship samples, materials, and documents via FedEx and UPS, including international shipments. 
• Prepare all required shipping documentation and ensure compliance with international regulations. 
• Coordinate with shipping carriers to resolve delays and ensure timely delivery. 

• Maintain organization, labeling, and safety of R&D warehouse and storage areas. 
• Ensure proper labeling and storage of raw materials, packaging materials, and supplier samples. 
• Manage controlled storage requirements (e.g., probiotics in designated rooms/freezers). 
• Track inventory levels, material usage, and delivery timelines. 
• Maintain office and lab supply inventory. 

• Identify opportunities to improve formulation, processes, and operational efficiency. 
• Participate in 5S, safety, and continuous improvement initiatives. 
• Demonstrate increasing ownership and decision-making to prepare for advancement. 

• 1–3 years of experience in pharmaceutical R&D formulation, pilot-scale manufacturing, or related technical roles.

• Experience with formulation development (e.g., liquids, powders, tablets, gels, capsules, etc., depending on your industry).
• Strong understanding of formulation principles, laboratory techniques, and scientific methods.
• Excellent documentation, organizational, and time-management skills.
• Ability to interpret data, identify trends, and propose scientifically sound conclusions.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and lab software (LIMS, ELN, etc., if applicable).

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all the job responsibilities, duties, skill, or working conditions. In addition, this document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" relationship.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state, or federal law.

Benefits And Compensation: Our benefits are designed to help you move forward in your career, and in areas of your life outside of USPL. From health and wellness benefit options including: medical, dental, vision, short and long term disability, basic life insurance, supplemental life insurance, AD&D insurance. We also offer a matched 401(k) savings plan. Employees have the opportunity to receive compensation in the form of premium pay such as overtime, shift differential, holiday pay, sick time, etc. Newly hired employees receive up to 10 days of vacation the first year, which grows to 12 days starting the second year of employment.

I have read and understand the job requirements, responsibilities, and expectations set forth in the job description provided for my position. I attest that I can perform the essential job functions as outlined with or without any reasonable accommodation.