Associate Scientist, Preformulations

Formulation & Analytical Support Scientist (Contract)

Location: San Diego, CA (on-site) | Type: Contract, approx. 6 months, extension possible

Position Overview

This is a hands-on bench role supporting early-stage small molecule drug programs. You will make and test dosing formulations for preclinical studies, run HPLC-based assays, and keep day-to-day lab operations running smoothly. We are looking for someone with a solid analytical chemistry background, comfortable diagnosing instrument and method problems, and able to dig into surprising results and explain them. Prior experience with preclinical dosing formulations is a strong plus.

What You Will Do

• Prepare and test preclinical dosing formulations independently, following established procedures.
• Run, maintain, and troubleshoot HPLC instrumentation, and contribute to developing and refining analytical methods.
• Carry out quantitative testing to confirm formulation concentration, chemical stability, and other key attributes.
• Review experimental and analytical data with a critical eye, follow up on unexpected outcomes, and determine their root causes.
• Handle routine bench work such as precise weighing, pH checks, preparing solutions, buffers, and mobile phases, and managing samples.
• Keep thorough electronic notebook records and share results, progress, risks, and recommendations with stakeholders.
• Plan your own workload to meet study timelines.
• Partner with colleagues in pharmacology, toxicology, and other research teams to deliver formulations on schedule.
• Help keep the lab running by tracking inventory, ordering supplies, arranging shipments, and keeping the space organized.
• Take on other duties as needed.

What You Bring

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, biochemistry, or a closely related field.
• At least 6 years of industry experience in analytical chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, formulation, or a similar area.
• Proven hands-on skill running and troubleshooting HPLC systems, with exposure to method development or optimization.
• Strong bench technique, including weighing, pipetting, solution preparation, and pH measurement.
• Ability to work independently, juggle competing priorities, and document work carefully.
• Sound scientific judgment and a habit of questioning and interpreting results that do not match expectations.

Nice to Have

• Experience making dosing formulations for PK, efficacy, or toxicology studies.
• Background supporting small-molecule discovery or pharmaceutical development.
• Familiarity with formulation stability testing and physicochemical characterization.
• Experience collaborating with DMPK, pharmacology, toxicology, or CMC colleagues.
• Working knowledge of UPLC, LC-MS, or related techniques.