R&D Scientist — Compounding
The Pharmacy Hub · Miami Gardens, FL · 4 wk ago
On-siteAnalystFull-time
About Us At The Pharmacy Hub, we collaborate with pharmaceutical brands, manufacturers, health brands, telemedicine providers, and healthcare companies to deliver essential products directly to patients. Our expertise allows us to seamlessly distribute pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and other healthcare products to consumers, ensuring greater accessibility and convenience. About Us At The Pharmacy Hub, we collaborate with pharmaceutical brands, manufacturers, health brands, telemedicine providers, and healthcare companies to deliver essential products directly to patients. Our expertise allows us to seamlessly distribute pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and other healthcare products to consumers, ensuring greater accessibility and convenience. Position Summary The Pharmacy Hub is looking for an R&D Scientist to join our in-house Research & Development team and drive the development, optimization, scale-up, and commercialization of compounded pharmaceutical formulations. This is a hands-on, lab-based role: you will design and run formulation and process trials across a wide range of dosage forms — ODTs, chewables, troches, oral films, capsules and tablets, creams and ointments, topical and transdermal formulations, solutions, sprays, gummies, and injectables — and take successful formulations from the bench through pilot and production scale. You will also troubleshoot existing formulations, support equipment evaluation and technology transfer, and produce the technical documentation that keeps our work compliant with GMP, 503A requirements, and USP , , and . The role works closely with Production, Quality, Pharmacy, Procurement, and Operations. This position reports to the Head of R&D / R&D Manager. Core Responsibilities Formulation & Process Development (~50%) Conduct literature reviews to guide formulation approach, ingredient selection, and technical feasibilityDesign and execute formulation screening, optimization, and comparative studies, adjusting variables based on scientific rationale and real-time resultsEvaluate APIs, excipients, flavors, colors, and processing aids, including their chemical and physical propertiesResolve formulation challenges such as poor flow, sticking/picking, friability, hardness, segregation, content uniformity, viscosity, stability, and appearancePerform organoleptic evaluation and finalize color and flavor systemsExecute laboratory and pilot-scale compounding trials following approved procedures and protocolsDevelop and optimize processes including mixing, milling, homogenization, granulation, compression, filling, casting, drying, and moldingEstablish process parameters and operating ranges, identify process risks, and recommend controlsIdentify opportunities for new products, dosage forms, excipients, and manufacturing approaches, and contribute to innovation projects from concept through commercialization, including IP documentation where applicable Troubleshooting & Production Support (~20%) Partner with Production to investigate manufacturing issues — breakage, weight variability, content uniformity, mixing or homogenization problems, appearance changes, and yield losses — and implement technically justified corrective actionsParticipate in technical investigations, CAPA support, and process improvement Documentation, Technology Transfer & Project Tracking (~15%) Document every trial in real time in laboratory logbooks or batch records, and maintain complete R&D records for materials, equipment, and trialsPrepare and review Master Formulation Records (MFRs) for accuracy, completeness, and complianceTransfer developed formulations and processes to Production, including MFRs, batch records, SOPs, work instructions, and process parametersEvaluate equipment capability, run equipment trials, and support scale-up from lab to pilot to production batchesTrack and report project status and support prioritization and timeline planning with the R&D ManagerEnsure formulation and laboratory practices meet 503A requirements and USP , , and ; perform pre-operational inspections, clean and disinfect between tests, and properly store samples, prototypes, and pilot batches Analytical & Product Evaluation (~10%) Perform or coordinate testing including HPLC, water activity, pH, viscosity/rheology, particle size, disintegration/dissolution, mechanical strength, and weight variationEvaluate dosage-form performance — appearance, weight variation, mechanical strength, flow, dispersion, and dissolution/disintegrationCoordinate external laboratory testing when required and interpret analytical results to assess formulation and process performance Cross-Functional, Supplier & Equipment Coordination (~5%) Collaborate with R&D, Production, Quality Control, Quality Assurance, Pharmacy, Procurement, and OperationsSupport supplier assessment, evaluating quality, capability, and reliability of prospective vendorsWork with equipment suppliers to evaluate new technologies and inform equipment selection Qualifications Required Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related fieldMinimum 3 years (3–5 years preferred) of hands-on experience in pharmaceutical formulation, compounding, product development, or process developmentDemonstrated experience designing and executing formulation studies, stability protocols, and compatibility evaluationsWorking knowledge of GMP principles and USP (nonsterile), (sterile), and (hazardous drugs)Understanding of 503A compounding pharmacy regulatory requirements and how they apply to formulation developmentFamiliarity with multiple dosage forms, such as tablets, capsules, creams, ODFs, sprays, topical semisolids, troches, ODTs, injections, and gummiesAbility to run laboratory trials independently and accuratelyStrong technical documentation and problem-solving skills Preferred Experience with compounded pharmaceutical productsExperience with ODTs, chewables, troches, oral films, gels, transdermal systems, sprays, or solutionsExperience with scale-up and technology transferExperience leading process troubleshooting and root-cause investigationsExperience with formulation development software or electronic laboratory systems Core Competencies Hands-on and detail-oriented — comfortable at the bench daily, meticulous about documentation, and doesn’t cut corners on data capture even when trials move fastCurious problem-solver — treats an OOS result or a sticking/picking issue as a puzzle to investigate methodically, not a setbackComfortable with ambiguity — energized by iterating through trial and error rather than needing a fixed playbookClear communicator — translates technical findings into plain language for Production, Quality, or a prescriber, and flags risks earlySelf-directed but collaborative — runs trials independently while seeking input and sharing findings openlyManages multiple development projects and prioritizes wellContinuous improvement mindset Work Environment This is a full-time, on-site role based at The Pharmacy Hub’s Davie and Miami Gardens, Florida locations, Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–6:00 PM. The role works in R&D laboratory and pilot/production compounding areas, handling APIs, excipients, and hazardous drugs under USP controls, using appropriate personal protective equipment, and working closely with cross-functional teams in a regulated 503A compounding environment. Physical Requirements The physical and mental demands described are representative of those an employee must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Standing and walking for extended periods in laboratory and compounding areasManual dexterity to operate laboratory instruments, scales, and compounding equipmentAbility to lift and move materials and equipment as neededAbility to wear required PPE, including gowning and respiratory protection where applicableClose visual acuity for measurement, inspection, and documentationExtended computer use for documentation, data analysis, and reporting Important This position is based on-site across Davie, FL and Miami Gardens, FLCandidates will complete a technical test task as part of the interview process At-Will Employment Employment is at will and may be terminated at any time, with or without cause or notice, in accordance with applicable law. Pay Range: $60,000 USD - $80,000 USD Benefits: 401(k) with up to 4% matchingMedical, dental, vision and life insurancePaid time off that grows with your tenure Core Values The Pharmacy Hub is dedicated to breaking barriers in healthcare by championing access, intervention and affordability. Customer-first mindset - we develop strong partnerships with telehealth platforms and healthcare companies to enhance access and understand their specific needsInnovation for intervention in care - we develop advanced compounding solutions and products to better support patient health outcomesContinuous improvement - we continuously improve our processes and offerings through intelligent, honest and transparent practices to deliver cost-effective solutions that truly benefit our clients and their patients. You will play a pivotal role in maintaining these values and contributing to the company’s mission of redefining healthcare delivery through superior pharmacy services At The Pharmacy Hub, we don’t just offer jobs—we offer opportunities for career growth and development. We take pride in our fast-paced, team-driven culture and are committed to supporting our employees in achieving success. If you’re ready to join a company that values hard work, dedication, and teamwork, apply today! We look forward to welcoming you to The Pharmacy Hub and working together to deliver top-tier pharmacy fulfillment solutions. The Pharmacy Hub is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation to participate in the hiring process are encouraged to indicate this in their application. The Pharmacy Hub participates in E-Verify. A post-offer background check is required for all positions. Additional pre-employment screenings may apply depending on the role.