Principal Scientist, Biotherapeutic Formulations

Halozyme, Inc.; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 170,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee stock purchase program

401(k) matching

Tuition reimbursement

Learning and development

Collaborative culture

Job summary

Halozyme, Inc. seeks a senior Biologics Formulation Scientist to lead formulation development for platform and partner molecules, optimize stability, and supervise biophysical analysis from feedstock to final suspensions.

You will design DOE-based studies, develop workflows, mentor scientists, and collaborate with Analytical, Process, and Manufacturing teams to translate findings into program decisions. Base salary $170k–$200k.

Qualifications

• PhD in a scientific discipline with 10+ years of experience.
• Deep expertise in biologics formulation development and protein stability.
• Experience with high-concentration formulations, spray drying, particle engineering, or suspension delivery is preferred.
• Strong understanding of protein degradation and stability mechanisms.
• Experience designing accelerated and real-time stability studies and interpreting stability‑indicating data.

Responsibilities

• Lead formulation development for platform and partner molecules.
• Develop, optimize, and characterize formulations from feedstock through spray drying and final suspensions.
• Design and execute stability studies to understand effects on product quality and performance.
• Perform biophysical characterization of biologic feedstocks and formulations.
• Develop experimental hypotheses, study designs, and DOE methodologies.
• Establish workflows and screening strategies, analyze data, and translate findings into decisions.
• Collaborate with Analytical, Process Development, and Manufacturing to optimize performance.
• Serve as a formulation SME for partner interactions and due diligence.
• Develop fit-for-purpose development plans based on molecule characteristics.

Skills

Biologics formulation

Protein stability

DOE methodologies

Statistical analysis

Cross-functional leadership

Mentorship

Analytical techniques

Education

PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences

Tools

Chromatography

Rheometry

Spectroscopy

Job description

Welcome to an inspired career. At Halozyme, we are reinventing the patient experience and building the future of drug delivery. We are passionate about the important work we do and constantly strive to do more. We embrace transformation and work hard to innovate for the future. We do this together, as One Team – we rise by lifting others up and believe in the power of working together for the collective win. We look forward to discovering your talents.

Your impact

• Lead formulation development for platform and partner molecules using the company’s proprietary excipient and spray‑drying technology.
• Develop, optimize, and characterize formulations from feedstock through spray drying, powder generation, and final high‑concentration suspensions, ensuring molecular stability, product quality, manufacturability, and performance.
• Design and execute stability studies to understand the effects of formulation composition, processing conditions, concentration, storage conditions, and time on product quality and performance.
• Perform and interpret biophysical characterization of biologic feedstocks, formulation intermediates, spray‑dried powders, and final suspensions to understand degradation pathways, physical stability, and formulation performance.
• Independently develop experimental hypotheses, study designs, protocols, and data‑analysis approaches, including DOE methodologies.
• Establish formulation‑development workflows and screening strategies, analyze data using statistical tools, and translate findings into formulation decisions and program recommendations.
• Lead formulation activities across multiple partner programs while contributing to platform innovation and intellectual property development.
• Collaborate closely with Analytical Development, Process Development, and Manufacturing to optimize product performance and manufacturability.
• Serve as a formulation subject matter expert for partner interactions, technical due diligence, business development activities, and evaluation of new molecule opportunities.
• Develop fit‑for‑purpose formulation‑development plans based on molecule characteristics, stability risks, and target product profiles.
• Develop strong technical relationships with partners and communicate formulation rationale, experimental results, risks, and recommendations effectively to internal and external stakeholders.
• Author and review technical reports, regulatory‑supporting documents, publications, and presentations while ensuring compliance with cGMP, safety, and documentation requirements.
• Maintain scientific expertise through literature review, conferences, industry benchmarking, and knowledge sharing.
• Provide technical mentorship to scientists and oversee external collaborations as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• PhD in a scientific discipline (e.g. Pharmaceutical Sciences, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering) with 10+ years of relevant experience (may include postdoctoral experience).
• Deep expertise in biologics formulation development and protein stability, with demonstrated experience developing formulations for therapeutic proteins and/or other complex biotherapeutic modalities.
• Experience with high‑concentration formulations, spray drying, particle engineering, or suspension‑based delivery is strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of protein degradation and instability mechanisms, and formulation approaches used to mitigate these liabilities.
• Demonstrated experience designing and executing accelerated and real‑time stability studies and interpreting stability‑indicating analytical and biophysical data.
• Strong understanding of formulation variables including pH, buffer systems, ionic strength, excipients, protein concentration, viscosity, and solution‑to‑solid‑state transitions and their effects on product stability.
• Experience characterizing biologics across solution, solid/powder, and concentrated suspension states is highly desirable.
• Hands‑on experience with analytical and biophysical characterization techniques relevant to biologics formulation and stability, which may include chromatography, particle/subvisible particle characterization, protein concentration, rheology/viscosity, thermal stability, light scattering, spectroscopy, moisture analysis, and powder characterization.
• Strong knowledge of statistical principles and proficiency with statistical software for experimental design, data analysis, process optimization, and formulation development.
• Demonstrated ability to define technical strategy, solve complex formulation challenges, and drive scientific decision‑making across multiple programs.
• Strong scientific creativity and independent thought with the ability to mentor scientists and influence cross‑functional teams.
• Proven ability to independently organize, prioritize, and lead multiple complex workstreams while adapting to changing business needs and timelines.
• Demonstrated ability to work directly with external scientific partners, including jointly developing experimental plans, presenting data, responding to technical questions, and aligning on next‑step studies.
• Proven effectiveness in multidisciplinary environments with internal teams, external partners, consultants, CROs, and vendors.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to convey complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences.
• An equivalent combination of experience and education may be considered.

Benefits

• Full and comprehensive benefit program, including an Employee Stock Purchase Program and 401(k) matching.
• Opportunities to grow in a culture that prioritizes learning, development and progression through in‑house programs and tuition reimbursement.
• A collaborative, innovative team that works as one to amplify your impact—on your career, the work you do and patients’ lives.
• Base salary range: $170K - $200K per year. Several factors, such as experience, tenure, skills, and particular business needs, will determine an individual’s exact level of compensation. Base salary is only one element of employee compensation at Halozyme. Total compensation could include bonuses, sales incentives, and equity awards.

Halozyme, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of the Company to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

Accessibility and Reasonable Accommodations: Halozyme is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans during our application process. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, contact Human Resources at [e-mail].

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Halozyme, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of the Company to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race (including traits historically associated with race, including but not limited to: hair texture and protective hair styles), religion, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), ethnicity, color, national origin, ancestry, age (40 and older), genetic information, disability (mental and physical, including HIV and AIDS), reproductive health decision‑making, medical leave or other types of protected leave, domestic violence victim status, political affiliation, medical condition (including cancer/ genetic characteristics and information), sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital or familial status, citizenship, pregnancy (including perceived pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), military or veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.

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