Principal Scientist, Formulation Development

Location: This position may be performed remotely, but requires the flexibility and willingness to travel as needed.
The Opportunity
We’re looking for a Principal Scientist, Formulation Development to lead drug product development from early discovery through late-stage clinical development. You’ll translate promising compounds into robust, phase-appropriate formulations and scalable manufacturing processes, partnering closely with Discovery, CMC, Regulatory, and external development partners.
This role combines deep formulation expertise with hands-on scientific leadership. You’ll shape development strategy, solve complex technical challenges, oversee work at CDMOs, and help move programs forward with urgency and sound judgment. The ideal candidate is technically strong, curious, highly collaborative, and comfortable taking ownership in an agile environment.
Primary Responsibilities
Lead formulation strategy across programs, representing Formulation/Pharmaceutical Development on CMC and multidisciplinary project teams and clearly communicating strategy, risks, tradeoffs, and recommendations.
Design, oversee, and interpret formulation studies to characterize novel drug candidates, including small molecules and/or ASOs, and translate learnings into development decisions.
Develop phase-appropriate formulations and manufacturing processes using sound formulation, material characterization, and pharmaceutical manufacturing principles.
Partner with Discovery and other functions to provide timely, high-quality formulation support for preclinical studies and enable efficient progression into clinical development.
Drive technical execution with CDMOs, providing scientific oversight for formulation and process development and ensuring external activities meet Praxis quality, timing, and clinical manufacturing needs.
Author and contribute to technical and regulatory documents, including formulation development reports and CMC sections of INDs, IMPDs, NDAs, and related submissions.
Influence and enable others by guiding scientists and external partners, bringing together cross-functional teams, and anticipating and resolving issues before they slow program progress.
Qualifications and Key Success Factors
PhD in pharmaceutical sciences, chemical or biochemical engineering, chemistry, or a related scientific discipline, with 8+ years of relevant industry experience.
Deep understanding of physicochemical and biopharmaceutical properties and how they inform formulation and drug product design.
Demonstrated experience leading formulation development and manufacturing process development from early-stage work through clinical supply.
Strong scientific judgment and a track record of creative problem-solving in complex development environments.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence across functions and communicate directly and clearly.
Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities while maintaining a high bar for quality.
Self-directed and comfortable making decisions, challenging assumptions, and taking ownership without waiting for direction.