Varda Space Industries · 15 hours ago
Senior Scientist, Biologics Formulation
El Segundo, California, United States
Full-time
Onsite
Mid, Senior Level
$140K/yr - $180K/yr
3+ years expVarda is a company focused on accelerating the development of commercial space infrastructure, including in-orbit pharmaceutical processing. They are seeking a Senior Scientist to lead protein formulation development programs, applying expertise in protein chemistry and physical biochemistry to innovate and solve formulation challenges in a dynamic startup environment.
AerospaceManufacturingProduct Design
No H1B
U.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
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
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
Qualification
Required
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
Preferred
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
Benefits
Exciting team of professionals at the top of their field working by your side
Equity in a fully funded space startup with potential for significant growth (interns excluded)
401(k) matching (interns excluded)
Unlimited PTO (interns excluded)
Health insurance, including Vision and Dental
Lunch and snacks provided on site every day. Dinners provided twice a week.
Maternity / Paternity leave (interns excluded)
Company
Varda Space Industries
Varda is building the infrastructure for a thriving orbital economy, from in-orbit pharmaceutical processing to reliable and economical reentry capsules.
51-200 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageTotal Funding
$328.02MKey Investors
Natural Capital,Shrug CapitalAlumni VenturesCaffeinated Capital
2025-07-10Series C· $187M
2024-12-19Series C
2024-04-05Series B· $90M
Leadership Team
Will Bruey
Chief Executive Officer
Recent News
Business Insider
2025-12-25
2025-12-17
Company data provided by crunchbase