Manager, Crystallization Science El Segundo, California, United States

Varda Space Industries, Inc.; El Segundo (CA); Hybrid; USD 160,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible PTO

Company-paid Medical, Dental, Vision

Wellness reimbursement

Parental leave

Equity incentives

401(k) with employer match

Relocation support

EV charging

Job summary

Varda Space Industries is seeking a Manager to lead the Crystallization Screening Team, driving crystallization efforts for microgravity-enabled therapeutics. You will guide the team, coordinate with external partners, and ensure alignment with company goals in a fast-growing biopharma context.

The role requires strong technical leadership in crystallization, materials science, and data analysis, with proven ability to deliver results and manage complex programs.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or MS in a related field with 4+ years (MS) or 8+ years (PhD) of relevant industry experience.
• Hands-on experience with polymorph screening of small molecules or crystallization of biologics.
• Strong foundation in materials science, organic chemistry, protein chemistry and/or physical biochemistry.
• Ability to set technical direction and deliver results.
• Proficiency with data analysis tools (Excel, GraphPad Prism, Python, or R).
• Ability to work independently with strong organizational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Broad technical expertise in at least one modality or aspect of drug substance development.

Responsibilities

• Oversee crystallization screening and characterization of molecules for microgravity opportunities.
• Support advancement of microgravity crystallization and automation technologies to accelerate timelines.
• Support collaborations with external partners, CROs, and vendors.
• Align R&D activities, budgets, and timelines with company goals and track deliverables.
• Manage interfaces across pharmaceutical development groups.

Skills

Polymorph screening

Crystallization leadership

Data analysis

Independent work

Excellent communication

Education

PhD in Chemistry/Biochemistry/Chemical Engineering/Materials Science

MS in Chemistry/Biochemistry/Chemical Engineering/Materials Science

Tools

Excel

GraphPad Prism

Python

R

Job description

About this Role

Our pharmaceutical team is looking for a highly motivated and effective Manager who will lead the Crystallization Screening Team towards efforts in improving therapeutics with microgravity. This is an opportunity in an exciting area of growth for Varda, where you will shape Varda’s biopharma culture and play a significant role in establishing the low Earth orbit economy.

Responsibilities

• Oversee crystallization screening and characterization of molecules for microgravity opportunities across a diverse range of modalities including small molecules and biologics.
• Support the team in advancing microgravity crystallization, adopting best practices in drug substance development, and automation technologies to accelerate development timelines.
• Support and advance collaborations with external partners, CROs, and vendors.
• Ensure alignment of research and development activities, budgets, and timelines to company goals, with project organization and tracking to meet deliverables and timelines.
• Effectively manage interfaces across the pharmaceutical development groups.

Basic Qualifications

• Ph.D. or M.S. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science or related field with 4+ years or 8+ years of relevant industry experience, respectively.
• Hands-on experience with polymorph screening of small molecules or crystallization of biologics.
• Strong foundation in materials science, organic chemistry, protein chemistry and/or physical biochemistry principles.
• Demonstrated ability to set technical direction and deliver results.
• Proficiency with data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, GraphPad Prism, Python, or R).
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with strong organizational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Broad and deep technical expertise and scientific leadership in at least one modality or aspect of drug substance development (analytical, crystallization, process engineering, or drug product development).
• Experience managing external partnerships.
• Exceptional organizational and project management capabilities.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Ph.D. or M.S. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science or related field with 8+ years or 12+ years of relevant experience, respectively.
• Experience in crystallography and analytical techniques including XRPD, TGA, DSC, ED, cryo-EM.
• 2+ years of prior people-management experience.
• Track record of scientific achievement as demonstrated by publications and conference presentations.
• Demonstrated expertise in new technology development (platform, modality, or process).
• Experience applying quality by design or statistical process engineering methodologies in a research and development environment to ensure structured development strategies.
• Experience establishing and enforcing technical and programmatic standards.
• Exceptional communication ability with diverse technical and executive audiences.

Pay Range

• Salary range: $160,000 - $190,000 per year
• Leveling and base salary determined by job-related skills, education, experience, and performance
• You will be eligible for incentives in the form of stock options and/or long-term cash awards

Varda offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support health, financial well-being, and a high-quality workplace experience. Below is an overview of what full-time employees receive (interns receive a subset of benefits):

• 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
• Voluntary accident, hospital, and critical illness, and pet insurance
• $120/month wellness reimbursement for gym and fitness expenses
• 12 weeks of parental leave (with supplemental disability leave for C-section mothers)
• Sponsored One Medical memberships for employees and their dependents
• Substantial incentive equity in a fully funded space start-up
• 401(k) retirement plan with 6% employer match (immediately vested)
• $20/pay period cell phone reimbursement
• Relocation support for new hires, if needed

Workplace Experience & Perks

• Fully stocked kitchen with lunch provided daily and dinner provided twice weekly
• Company and team-bonding events, happy hours, and mission-success celebrations
• Complimentary EV charging

EEO Information

Varda Space Industries is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We evaluate candidates on merit, qualifications, and performance without discrimination.

This role requires working full-time on-site at our El Segundo, CA office. Applicants must be legally eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship now or in the future.