Formulation Scientist (Contract to Perm)

Enigma Search; Pleasanton (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Enigma Search is seeking a hands-on Formulation Scientist to support development-stage formulation and pre‑formulation work for small molecule programs in a fast-paced startup setting in Pleasanton, CA. This onsite, contract‑to‑perm role reports to the Director of Pharmaceutical Sciences and emphasizes independent execution and data‑driven decision making.

The ideal candidate has 7–10 years of pharmaceutical formulation experience, strong wet chemistry and solid‑state characterization skills,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a closely related field.
• 7–10 years of hands‑on experience in pharmaceutical or biotechnology formulation and analytical development.
• Strong hands‑on experience with solid‑state characterization, troubleshooting, and wet chemistry techniques.

Responsibilities

• Platform optimization: Develop and optimize the formulation, scale‑up, and engineering of the company's proprietary technology platform.
• Pre‑formulation testing: Perform development‑stage analytical testing to support day‑to‑day formulation and pre‑formulation workflows.
• Wet chemistry: Conduct traditional wet chemistry analyses, including titrations and related measurement techniques.
• Scale‑up & isolation: Execute technical scale‑up and isolation techniques such as lyophilization, spray drying, and solvent‑mediated salt form isolations.
• Characterization: Perform physicochemical and solid‑state characterization as needed to evaluate drug properties and crystalline forms.
• Data integration: Analyze, interpret, and meticulously document experimental data to directly inform pipeline development decisions.

Skills

Solid-state characterization

Wet chemistry techniques

Data analysis & documentation

Solubility & pre-formulation

Startup environment adaptability

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Chemistry/Pharmaceutical Sciences

Tools

Lyophilization

Spray drying

Job description

Formulation Scientist (Contract to Perm)

Our client is an innovative, early-stage biotechnology company developing next-generation formulation technologies designed to dramatically improve the pharmacokinetic performance of small molecule therapeutics. By unlocking new delivery options and creating highly differentiated products, their proprietary formulation platform is transforming how critical therapies reach patients.

Operating in a fast-paced, highly collaborative startup environment, they offer an culture driven by scientific curiosity, hands‑on impact, and rapid translation from the bench to the clinic.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a hands‑on Formulation Scientist to support development‑stage formulation development and pre‑formulation screening activities for small molecule programs.

Reporting directly to the Director of Pharmaceutical Sciences, this individual will focus on developing novel formulations, performing wet chemistry and solubility measurements, and managing physicochemical characterization. This is a high‑impact, onsite role suited for a scientist who can execute independently in a fast‑paced startup environment while actively contributing to the build‑out of laboratory capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Platform Optimization: Develop and optimize the formulation, scale‑up, and engineering of the company's proprietary technology platform.
• Pre‑formulation Testing: Perform development‑stage analytical testing to support day‑to‑day formulation and pre‑formulation workflows.
• Wet Chemistry: Conduct traditional wet chemistry analyses, including titrations and related measurement techniques.
• Scale‑Up & Isolation: Execute technical scale‑up and isolation techniques such as lyophilization (freeze‑drying), spray drying, and solvent‑mediated salt form isolations.
• Characterization: Perform physicochemical and solid‑state characterization as needed to evaluate drug properties and crystalline forms.
• Data Integration: Analyze, interpret, and meticulously document experimental data to directly inform pipeline development decisions.

What You Bring

• Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a closely related scientific field.
• Experience: 7–10 years of hands‑on experience in pharmaceutical or biotechnology formulation and analytical development.
• Technical Expertise: Strong hands‑on experience with solid‑state characterization, troubleshooting, and wet chemistry techniques.
• Physicochemical Acumen: Proven familiarity with solubility testing, phase profiling, and basic pre‑formulation characterization.
• Startup Agility: Ability to operate independently in a nimble, fast‑paced environment with strong data analysis, documentation, and technical reporting skills.

Nice to Have

• Prior experience supporting early‑stage CMC or 505(b)(2) drug development programs.
• Familiarity with specialized particle engineering studies, spray drying, or lyophilization optimization.
• Technical exposure to phase equilibrium, crystallization kinetics, and/or polymorph screening.