Research Associate Biologics Formulation
Job Location:
El Segundo, CA - USA
Monthly Salary:
Posted on:
Vacancies:
Job Summary
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 Research Associate to provide critical laboratory support for our biologics formulation team. This role will focus on preparation of stock solutions maintenance of laboratory equipment 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
- Conduct analytical characterization of protein formulations
- Prepare reagents buffers and sample sets in advance to ensure experiments run on schedule
- Perform routine calibration qualification and preventive maintenance on laboratory instruments
- MaintainaccurateGxP-compliant records in laboratory notebooks and electronic systems
- Collaborate with Scientists on the design setup and pull-points of stability studies
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
Basic 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
- Proficiency with electronic laboratory notebooks and data management systems
Preferred Skills and Experience
- 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)
- Previous experience working in GLP-compliant environments
- Knowledge of monoclonal antibodies or therapeutic proteins
Pay Range
- Pay range: $28 - $45/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 incentives in the form of stock options and/or long-term cash awards
Varda Space Industries is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Candidates and employees are always evaluated based on merit qualifications and performance. We will never discriminate on the basis of race color gender national origin ethnicity veteran status disability status age sexual orientation gender identity martial status mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Benefits
Varda offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support health financial wellbeing and a highquality workplace experience. Below is an overview of what fulltime employees receive(at this time interns receive a subset of benefits):
Health & Wellness
- Flexible PTO policy 12 paid holidays
- 100% company-paid Medical Dental and Vision insurance plans for employees and dependents with FSA and employer-matched HSA options
- Voluntaryaccident hospital critical illnessandpet insurance
- $120/month wellness reimbursement for gym and fitness expenses
- 12weeks ofparental leave(with supplemental disability leavefor CAmothers)
- Family building pregnancyparentingand menopausebenefitsvia Maven Clinic
- SponsoredOne Medicalmemberships for employees and their dependents
Financial & Retirement
- Substantial incentive equityin a fully funded space start-up
- 401(k) retirement plan with 6% employer match (immediately vested)
- $20/pay period cell phone reimbursement
- Relocation supportfor new hires if needed
Workplace Experience & Perks
- Fully stocked kitchen with lunch provided daily and dinner provided twice weekly
- Company and team-bonding events happyhoursand mission-success celebrations
- Complimentary EV charging
- Dog-friendly office space
ITAR Requirements
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 our employees are provided access to export-controlled items our currentpolicy 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 asylumin the U.S.)
E-Verify Statement
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 theE-Verify program.
E-Verify Notice Right To Work Notice
Required Experience:
IC
About Company
Expanding the economic bounds of humankind with the world's first orbital manufacturing & reentry platform.
