Scientist, Biologics Formulation

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

Our pharmaceutical team is looking for a highlymotivated 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.

Responsibilities

Formulation Development & Execution

• Execute protein formulation experiments for liquid and solid dosage forms including excipient screening pH optimization and stability assessment
• Prepare and characterize high concentration protein formulations and evaluate formulation stability under various conditions
• Support development of advanced formulation
• Perform routine analytical characterization using techniques such as DLS DSF CE and spectroscopy

High-Throughput Automation & Data Management

• Develop optimize and validate automated liquid handling protocols for high-throughput formulation screening
• Program and maintain automated equipment workflows troubleshoot technical issues and implement process improvements
• Design and execute plate-based experimental layouts for parallel formulation studies
• Maintain comprehensive electronic laboratory notebook (ELN) documentation with rigorous data integrity standards
• Organize analyze and visualize large datasets from high-throughput experiments using appropriate software tools

Collaboration & Communication

• Work independently on assigned projects while maintaining clear communication with team members
• Present experimental results and progress updates in team meetings
• Contribute to technical reports SOPs and regulatory documentation
• Adapt quickly to changing priorities and deliver results within startup timelines

Basic Qualifications

• PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences Biomaterials Materials Science Chemistry Chemical Engineering or related discipline
• Hands-on experience with protein formulation and characterization techniques
• Strong foundation in protein chemistry and physical biochemistry principles
• Proficiency 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 management
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Skills And Experience

• Industry experience in biopharmaceutical formulation development
• Experience with liquid handling automation platforms (e.g. Tecan Hamilton Beckman)
• Familiarity with protein crystallization techniques
• Knowledge of lyophilization spray drying or other solid-state processing methods
• Experience in startup or fast-paced R&D environments
• Programming experience for data analysis and visualization (Python MATLAB or similar)

What We Offer

• Opportunity to work at the intersection of biotechnology and space manufacturing
• Hands-on experience establishing high-throughput formulation capabilities
• Collaborative team environment with mentorship from senior scientists
• Professional development opportunities in a rapidly growing company

Pay Range

• Salary Range: $100000.00 - $140000.00/per year
• 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