Manager, Crystallization Science – Microgravity Pharma

Varda Space Industries, Inc.; El Segundo (CA); On-site; 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

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.