Senior Scientist, Biologics Formulation
Varda Space Industries•El Segundo, CA
•Onsite
About The Position
Our pharmaceutical team is looking for a highly motivated Senior Scientist to lead protein formulation development programs within our Biologics Formulation team. This role offers the opportunity to pioneer innovative formulation strategies for high concentration biologics and advanced systems while building capabilities in a dynamic startup environment. As a Senior Scientist, you will lead the design and execution of complex formulation development programs, applying deep expertise in protein chemistry and physical biochemistry to solve challenging formulation problems. You will drive strategic decisions in formulation design, mentor junior scientists, and establish best practices for formulation development in a fast-paced startup setting.
Requirements
- PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomaterials, Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, or related discipline
- 3+ years of biopharmaceutical industry experience in early-stage or late-stage protein formulation development
- Proven track record of leading formulation development projects from concept through execution
- Deep expertise in protein chemistry, physical biochemistry, and formulation science
- Extensive hands-on experience with analytical techniques for protein characterization (e.g., DLS, DSF, SEC, CE, rheology, spectroscopy)
- Experience developing high-concentration protein formulations and mitigating concentration-limiting factors
- Strong foundation in thermodynamics, solution chemistry, and colloidal science as applied to protein systems
- Demonstrated ability to work independently in fast-paced environments with shifting priorities
- Excellent organizational skills with meticulous attention to data management and ELN practices
- Strong scientific writing and presentation skills
Nice To Haves
- Experience with protein crystallization, for drug delivery
- Knowledge of advanced formulation systems
- Experience with lyophilization, spray drying, or other solid-state processing unit operations
- Familiarity with Design of Experiments (DOE) and statistical analysis approaches
- Experience with high-throughput formulation screening and automation
- Track record of scientific publications or patent applications
- Experience in startup or resource-constrained R&D environments
- Background in monoclonal antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates, or other complex biologics
Responsibilities
- Lead formulation development programs for high concentration protein therapeutics across dosage forms
- Design and execute formulation strategies based on first-principles understanding of protein chemistry, including solution behavior, protein-protein interactions, and colloidal stability
- Develop advanced formulation platforms
- Apply thermodynamic and kinetic principles to predict and optimize formulation behavior
- Identify and mitigate formulation-related risks including aggregation, precipitation, viscosity, chemical degradation
- Identify Critical Quality Attributes
- Serve as technical lead on multiple concurrent formulation projects from early-stage through late-stage development
- Design experimental strategies and interpret complex datasets to drive formulation decisions
- Establish formulation development workflows, analytical strategies, and acceptance criteria
- Evaluate and implement novel formulation technologies and approaches
- Interface with cross-functional teams including analytical development, engineering, and external partners
- Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior scientists
- Establish robust data management practices and quality standards
- Maintain exemplary ELN documentation and ensure data integrity across the team
- Author technical reports, regulatory submissions, and scientific publications
- Deliver high-quality results within aggressive startup timelines while maintaining scientific rigor
Benefits
- Opportunity to pioneer formulation development for space-based biomanufacturing
- Technical leadership role with significant scientific autonomy
- Collaborative environment working alongside world-class scientists and engineers
- Opportunity to shape the scientific direction of a growing company
- Equity in a fully funded space startup with potential for significant growth (interns excluded)
- 401(k) matching (interns excluded)
- Unlimited PTO (interns excluded)
- Health insurance, including Vision and Dental
- Lunch and snacks provided on site every day. Dinners provided twice a week.
- Maternity / Paternity leave (interns excluded)
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
