Senior Scientist In early formulation and drug profiling F/M

We are seeking a senior scientist in drug delivery and non-clinical formulation for our research and development center located at Servier Paris-Saclay Research and Development Institute at Gif-sur-Yvette (91).

As part of the Early Formulation and Drug Profiling (EFDP) team in DMPK, the Senior Scientist will be responsible for leading drug delivery innovation projects, non-clinical formulation activities, and physicochemical characterization to ensure the selection and advancement of drug candidates into development. He or she brings specialized expertise in low-solubility and/or low-permeability molecules optimizing oral bioavailability and in new delivery approaches for modalities such as oligonucleotide and antibody-based therapeutics. He or she plays a pivotal role in evaluating the most suitable drug delivery systems and the developability of compounds to ensure a smooth transition of projects into clinical development.

This position involves planning, executing and supervising experimental work in the laboratory. This is a partially lab-based position with access to technical team or through subcontractors.

He or she also contributes to the development and implementation of new technologies in the laboratory including AI predictions and modeling.

The Senior Scientist works closely with the DMPK teams as well as the in vivo teams (i.e., pharmacology and toxicology), the small-molecule drug design department, the Translational Medicine and CMC departments, and the therapeutic areas to ensure timely delivery to portfolio projects.

Main Responsibilities :

Formulation Strategy: Design and oversee formulation strategies - such as lipid systems, solid dispersions, and nanosuspensions - for complex, poorly soluble or poorly permeable molecules) to maximize in vivo exposure and oral bioavailability while ensuring molecular stability.

Developability Assessment: Lead the assessment of the “developability” of NCEs (New Chemical Entities) by analyzing the impact of physicochemical properties on solubility, dissolution, and absorption.

Technical Expertise & Innovation: Identify and implement advanced targeted drug delivery technologies in particular through the blood brain barrier for brain diseases and in vitro tools to characterize permeability and dissolution.

Cross-Functional Collaboration: Serve as an expert point of contact within interdisciplinary project teams (MedChem, DMPK, Nonclinical Safety CMC, etc.) to ensure data alignment and the resolution of complex problems (troubleshooting).

Reporting & Monitoring: Summarize results, draft high-level technical reports, and actively monitor scientific and regulatory developments and technological advancements. Share information (dissemination and follow-up) and communicate work results both internally and externally.

Mentoring: Support the professional development of colleagues (Associate Scientists, technicians) and ensure the transfer of technical expertise.

Profile :

• PhD in Pharmaceutical Technology, Formulation, Chemistry, or a related field.

• Proven experience (at least 8–10 years) in formulation and targeted drug delivery within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.

• Demonstrated expertise in managing complex molecules (BCS Classes II, III, and IV) and modalities such as oligonucleotide-based therapeutics.

• Advanced proficiency in solubilization techniques and targeted drug delivery technologies.

• In-depth expertise in physicochemical characterization (X-ray diffraction, DSC, laser particle size analysis, µDissolution).

• Good knowledge of how physicochemical properties affect solubility, dissolution, and absorption.

• In-depth knowledge of drug discovery processes and the design of preclinical studies.

• Knowledge in PBPK modeling and AI tools to predict physico-chemical properties, solubility/dissolution and formulation.

• Project leadership and the ability to influence strategic decisions within project teams.

• Demonstrated ability to provide technical mentoring and share knowledge.