Head of Research And Development

Position Overview:

The Head – R&D will lead the Formulation Development and Analytical Development Laboratory functions, steering end-to-end product innovation, lifecycle management, and scientific excellence across both domestic and international markets. This role demands a leader who combines deep pharmaceutical expertise with marketing acumen, trend foresight, and strategic vision. The incumbent will not only oversee the scientific rigor of formulation and analytical development but will also anticipate shifts in therapeutic demand, market behavior, and regulatory evolution. Ensuring the company’s pipeline remains forward-looking and globally competitive. The role includes collaboration with third-party research labs, CROs, and manufacturing partners for products that cannot be developed in-house. 

Location:

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the formulation development strategy for the business in line with company goals and market needs, ensuring alignment with both domestic and international markets. 
• Oversee development of new formulations (solid orals, topicals, etc.) and manage the entire product lifecycle — from concept and optimisation to post-launch enhancement. 
• Identify and implement innovative formulation technologies that improve product performance, stability, and differentiation in competitive markets. 
• Lead and oversee the Analytical Development Laboratory (ADL) under R&D, ensuring accuracy, scientific integrity, and compliance. 
• Introduce innovative analytical techniques for impurity profiling, dissolution studies, and accelerated stability modeling. 
• Monitor evolving therapeutic areas, formulation technologies, and delivery mechanisms to identify growth opportunities. 
• Plan and execute R&D projects from concept to commercialization within defined timelines and budgets. 
• Ensure all R&D activities comply with CDSCO, IP, WHO-GMP, and relevant international standards. 
• Support dossier preparation for domestic and international product registration. 
• Drive the use of Quality by Design (QbD) and Design of Experiments (DoE) frameworks for robust, data-driven formulation and analytical outcomes. 

Qualifications & Experience:

• Education: M. Pharm / Ph.D. in Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related field. 
• Experience: 15–25 years of progressive experience in pharmaceutical R&D with hands-on expertise in both Formulation and Analytical Development; minimum 5–7 years in a senior leadership role. 

Technical & Strategic Expertise:

• Proven track record in oral solid dosage forms, topicals, and semi-solids. 
• Strong understanding of marketing-driven product development, lifecycle management, and global market readiness. 
• Exposure to international markets (semi-regulated regions) and cross-functional product launches. 
• Familiarity with regulatory dossiers, stability protocols, and technology transfers. 
• Ability to interpret market signals and emerging technologies to guide long-term R&D planning.