Formulation Development Scientist

About Opella

Opella is the self-care challenger with the purest and third-largest portfolio in the Over-The-Counter (OTC) & Vitamins, Minerals & Supplements (VMS) market globally .

Our mission is to bring health in people’s hands by making self-care as simple as it should be . For half a billion consumers worldwide – and counting.

At the core of this mission is our 100 loved brands , our 11,000-strong global team, our 13 best-in-class manufacturing sites and 4 specialized science and innovation development centers . Headquartered in France, Opella is the proud maker of many of the world’s most loved brands, including Allegra, Buscopan, Doliprane, Dulcolax, Enterogermina, Essentiale and Mucosolvan.

B Corp certified in multiple markets , we are active players in the journey towards healthier people and planet. Find out more about our mission at

Our team

The Formulation Development Scientist is a member of Compiegne Global Development Center, part of the Global Opella Science Hub.

In Compiegne Development Center we create oral products for global and local brands, through a fusion of internal and external technologies, that stand out in the market, and meet the diverse needs of our consumers. We foster a culture of collaboration, working closely with our internal stakeholders and tapping into a rich network of CDMOs.

About The Job

• Lead the formulation development process for OTC and food supplement projects, including new products, switches, line extensions, and business protection initiatives across the main brands within the Compiègne portfolio
• Contribute to building the development strategy for the projects assigned to Compiegne Development Center, mainly for internal development projects
• Ensure a strong scientific foundation to meet high regulatory, quality, and compliance requirements
• Guide technical activities throughout all phases of project development
• Provide information and support needed for budget and milestones definition
• Maintain up‑to‑date project status reporting for development projects
• Collaborate with Opella Development Centers network, including Product Research, Technology platform, and TRC. Interface and partnership with Science Hub and Manufacturing & Supply
• Apply the Agile method framework for projects under development, securing Development Center milestones deliveries, right resource allocation and budget tracking.

As Formulation Expert Scientist, the job incumbent is

• Deliver clear milestones at all project phases
• At early-stage program: virtual prototypes & mockup testing; Formulation Design & Small size prototyping non GMP; TPP and ideation sessions input
• At Feasibility stage program: Feasibility Plan definition; Formulation design; API & RM sourcing definition, Cleaning ingredients assessment, Specification assessment, Manufacturing process design, Preliminary stability batches, Formula validation, Feasibility report
• Responsible to ensure the use of QbD tools: DoE, FMEA, QTPP
• Product Development strategy: Manufacturing process design; Scale up process ; clinical batches manufacturing, manufacturing of submission batches & ICH Stability; Development report
• Technical Transfer to the manufacturing site
• M&S transfer & Launch support

Main responsibilities

• Lead and execute formulation development phases
• Lead pharma status projects, from mid-high complexity, and at different stage gates
• Ensure the delivery of high-quality development technical dossiers, that will apply for multiple markets and regulatory agencies
• Build together with Performance group the development plan milestones and project updates on time
• Connect and engage with Science Hub and Growth Hub category teams to ideate and co-create the pipeline for drug projects. Lead prototyping activities at the DC for pipeline enhancement
• Scouting of new technologies and new ingredients as needed
• Represent Compiègne Development Center at global project teams
• Seek simplification where needed
• Ensure HSE and Quality policies are in place at all phases

About You

Education

• Master's degree or Bachelor's degree in Pharmacy, Chemistry or Life Sciences

Experience

• +5 years of relevant experience in Pharma industries, with relevant experience in formulation development, Innovation process and transfer to industrial sites
• Experience in working with transversal teams and with different initiatives

Language

• Fluent English communication skills, verbal and written
• French is a nice-to-have

Technical skills

• Relevant experience in formulation development, Innovation process and transfer to industrial sites
• Knowledge on regulatory environment of drug products, especially OTC
• Knowledge of Agile methods
• Skilled on facilitation, situational awareness, continuous improvement, empowerment and increasing transparency

Soft skills

• Leadership, communication, problem‑solving, transversal collaboration, and proactivity — able to influence, mobilize, and drive teams across functions with clarity and purpose.
• Hands‑on mindset, combining strategic vision with operational execution.
• Strong ability to lead complex projects in a highly cross‑functional and multicultural environment, ensuring alignment and delivery.
• Excellent communicator, skilled in engaging effectively with external stakeholders, senior management, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to drive new Way of Working in a complex environment and to challenge the status quo to foster innovation and continuous improvement.