Senior Scientist, Biologics Formulation

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Salary Range: $140,000.00 - $180,000.00/per year
• This role is on-site in El Segundo, CA
• Leveling and base salary is determined by job-related skills, education level, experience level, and job performance
• You will be eligible for long-term incentives in the form of stock options and/or long-term cash awards

• Varda, 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. At present, some of our technology to which employees have access requires a license to be exported to individuals other than “U.S. Persons” as defined in U.S. export regulations. Because our employees are provided access to export-controlled items, our current 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 in the U.S.)

   Learn more about the ITAR here.  

Varda 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.

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