Laboratory Technician- Biologics Formulation Support (Temporary)

About Varda

Low 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.

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 Role

Varda Space Industries is seeking a motivated Temporary Laboratory Scientist to provide critical laboratory support for our biologics formulation team. This role will focus on preparation of stock solutions maintenance of laboratory equipment and chemical inventory and execution of analytical testing to support ongoing protein formulation development activities. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in biopharmaceutical laboratory operations and familiarity with protein characterization techniques.

Key Responsibilities

Laboratory Operations & Supply Chain Support

• Prepare andmaintainstock solutions for formulation development activities

• Manage laboratory chemical inventory and coordinate with supply chain to ensure uninterrupted operations

• Monitor equipment status andmaintainlaboratory instruments in working order

• Execute solution preparation according toestablishedStandard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

• Support laboratory organization and cleanliness tomaintainGLP-ready environment

Analytical Testing & Sample Preparation

• Perform basic analytical characterization of protein formulations

• Prepare reagents buffers and sample systems in advance of scheduled experiments

• Conduct routine instrument calibration and qualification activities

• Document all activities in laboratory notebooks and electronic systems

Team Collaboration

• Work closely with formulation scientists toanticipatelaboratory needs

• Communicate inventory requirements and potential supply issues proactively

• Participate in team meetings and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Biochemistry Pharmaceutical Sciences Biotechnology or related field

• 1-3 years of experience in biopharmaceutical or academic research laboratory settings

• Hands-on experience with protein preparation and handling

• Knowledge of basic analytical techniques for protein characterization

• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow SOPs precisely

• Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities

• Effective written and verbal communication skills

• Proficiencywith electronic laboratory notebooks and data management systems

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters degree in Biochemistry Pharmaceutical Sciences Biotechnology or related field

• Experience in formulation development or protein drug product development

• Familiarity with biophysical characterization instruments (DLS viscometry capillary electrophoresis)

• Previousexperience working in GLP-compliant environments

• Knowledge of monoclonal antibodies or therapeutic proteins
  
  

  Pay Range

  • Hourly Rate: $28 to $40 Per hour
  • This role ison-sitein 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.

Benefits