Formulation Scientist

Scientist, Biologics FormulationEl Segundo, California, United StatesAbout VardaLow Earth orbit is open for business. Varda is accelerating the development of commercial space infrastructure, from in-orbit pharmaceutical processing to reliable and economical reentry capsules. Varda's W-Series vehicles are built, designed, and operated by Varda in-house, including the pharmaceutical processing payloads, the capsules, the C-PICA heat shields, and the satellite buses.From life-saving pharmaceuticals to more powerful fiber optics, there is a world of products used on Earth today that can only be manufactured in space. Varda is accelerating innovation in the orbital economy by creating both the products and infrastructure needed so space can directly benefit life on Earth. Our mission is to expand the economic bounds of humankind.Our team is uniquely suited to accomplishing this goal, with leadership and staff comprised of veterans from SpaceX, Blue Origin, major pharmaceutical companies and Silicon Valley. Varda was founded in January 2021 by Will Bruey and Delian Asparouhov with significant backing from world class investors including Khosla Ventures, Lux Capital, Founders Fund, Caffeinated Capital, General Catalyst, and Also Capital.Varda is headquartered in El Segundo, California, where we have offices and a production facility where our vehicles, equipment, and materials are built, integrated, and tested. Varda also has offices in Washington, DC and Huntsville, AL.Join Varda, and work to create a bustling in-space ecosystem.About This RoleOur pharmaceutical team is looking for a highly motivated early-career Scientist to join our Biologics Formulation team. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to next-generation protein formulation development while working with cutting-edge high-throughput automation technologies in a fast-paced startup environment.As a Scientist, you will execute and optimize protein formulation protocols across liquid and solid dosage forms, supporting the development of high concentration biologics and advanced systems. You will play a key role in establishing automated workflows and maintaining robust data management practices as the team scales its capabilities.ResponsibilitiesFormulation Development & ExecutionExecute protein formulation experiments for liquid and solid dosage forms, including excipient screening, pH optimization, and stability assessmentPrepare and characterize high concentration protein formulations and evaluate formulation stability under various conditionsSupport development of advanced formulationPerform routine analytical characterization using techniques such as DLS, DSF, CE, and spectroscopyHigh-Throughput Automation & Data ManagementDevelop, optimize, and validate automated liquid handling protocols for high-throughput formulation screeningProgram and maintain automated equipment workflows, troubleshoot technical issues, and implement process improvementsDesign and execute plate-based experimental layouts for parallel formulation studiesMaintain comprehensive electronic laboratory notebook (ELN) documentation with rigorous data integrity standardsOrganize, analyze, and visualize large datasets from high-throughput experiments using appropriate software toolsCollaboration & CommunicationWork independently on assigned projects while maintaining clear communication with team membersPresent experimental results and progress updates in team meetingsContribute to technical reports, SOPs, and regulatory documentationAdapt quickly to changing priorities and deliver results within startup timelinesBasic QualificationsPhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomaterials, Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related disciplineHands-on experience with protein formulation and characterization techniquesStrong foundation in protein chemistry and physical biochemistry principlesProficiency with data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, GraphPad Prism, Python, or R)Demonstrated ability to work independently with strong organizational skills Experience with electronic lab notebooks and structured data managementExcellent written and verbal communication skillsPreferred Skills And ExperienceIndustry experience in biopharmaceutical formulation developmentExperience with liquid handling automation platforms (e.g., Tecan, Hamilton, Beckman)Familiarity with protein crystallization techniquesKnowledge of lyophilization, spray drying, or other solid-state processing methodsExperience in startup or fast-paced R&D environmentsProgramming experience for data analysis and visualization (Python, MATLAB, or similar)What We OfferOpportunity to work at the intersection of biotechnology and space manufacturingHands-on experience establishing high-throughput formulation capabilitiesCollaborative team environment with mentorship from senior scientistsProfessional development opportunities in a rapidly growing companyPay RangeSalary range: $100,000 - $140,000/per yearThis role is on-site in El Segundo, CALeveling and base salary is determined by job-related skills, education level, experience level, and job performanceYou will be eligible for long-term incentives in the form of stock options and/or long-term cash awardsBenefitsVarda offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support health, financial well-being, and a high-quality workplace experience. Below is an overview of what full-time employees receive (at this time, interns receive a subset of benefits): Health & Wellness Flexible PTO policy + 12 paid holidays100% company-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans for employees and dependents with FSA and employer-matched HSA optionsVoluntary accident, hospital, critical illness, and pet insurance$120/month wellness reimbursement for gym and fitness expenses12 weeks of parental leave (with supplemental disability leave for CA mothers)Family building, pregnancy, parenting and menopause benefits via Maven ClinicSponsored One Medical memberships for employees and their dependents Financial & Retirement Substantial incentive equity in a fully funded space start-up401(k) retirement plan with 6% employer match (immediately vested)$20/pay period cell phone reimbursementRelocation support for new hires, if needed Workplace Experience & Perks Fully stocked kitchen with lunch provided daily and dinner provided twice weeklyCompany and team-bonding events, happy hours and mission-success celebrationsComplimentary EV chargingITAR RequirementsVarda, like all employers, must ensure that its employees working in the United States are lawfully authorized to work in the U.S. Additionally, our employees are exposed to and have access to certain export-controlled items. Because our employees are provided access to export-controlled items, our policy is to only hire "U.S. persons" who are permitted to have access to our technology without an export license. "US person" means: U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) (i.e., individual admitted to the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum).E-Verify StatementVarda Space Industries, Inc. participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security E-Verify program. The E-Verify program is an Internet-based employment eligibility verification system operated by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Learn more about the E-Verify program.E-Verify Notice Right To Work Notice