Research Associate, Biologics Formulation

InvestedintheMission; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 38,572 - 61,992; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity in a fully funded space startup

401(k) matching

Unlimited PTO

Health insurance, including Vision and Dental

Lunch and snacks provided on site every day

Dinners provided twice a week

Maternity / Paternity leave

Job summary

Varda Space Industries in El Segundo, California seeks a motivated Research Associate to provide essential laboratory support for the biologics formulation team. The position involves preparing stock solutions, maintaining laboratory equipment, and conducting analytical testing for protein formulation development. Candidates should possess a Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry or related fields, along with hands-on laboratory experience. This role offers an hourly pay range of $28.00 - $45.00, depending on qualifications, with additional benefits such as stock options and health insurance.

Qualifications

• 1-3 years of experience in biopharmaceutical or academic research laboratory settings.
• Hands-on experience with protein preparation and handling.
• Knowledge of basic analytical techniques for protein characterization.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and maintain stock solutions for formulation development activities.
• Conduct analytical characterization of protein formulations.
• Collaborate with Scientists on the design, setup, and pull-points of stability studies.

Skills

Protein preparation and handling

Analytical techniques for protein characterization

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Written and verbal communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biotechnology, or related field

Tools

Electronic laboratory notebooks

Job description

About Varda

Low Earth orbit is open for business. Varda is accelerating the development of commercial space infrastructure, from in-orbit pharmaceutical processing to reliable and economical reentry capsules.

From life-saving pharmaceuticals to more powerful fiber optics, there is a world of products used on Earth today that can only be manufactured in space. Varda is accelerating innovation in the orbital economy by creating both the products and infrastructure needed so space can directly benefit life on Earth. Our mission is to expand the economic bounds of humankind.

Our team is uniquely suited to accomplishing this goal, with leadership and staff comprised of veterans from SpaceX, Blue Origin, major pharmaceutical companies and Silicon Valley. Varda was founded in January 2021 by Will Bruey and Delian Asparouhov with significant backing from world class investors including Khosla Ventures, Lux Capital, Founders Fund, Caffeinated Capital, General Catalyst, and Also Capital.

Varda is headquartered in El Segundo, California, where we have offices and a production facility where our vehicles, equipment, and materials are built, integrated, and tested. Varda also has offices in Washington, DC and Huntsville, AL.

Join Varda, and work to create a bustling in‑space ecosystem.

About this Role

Varda Space Industries is seeking a motivated Research Associate to provide critical laboratory support for our biologics formulation team. This role will focus on preparation of stock solutions, maintenance of laboratory equipment, and execution of analytical testing to support ongoing protein formulation development activities. The ideal candidate will have hands‑on experience in biopharmaceutical laboratory operations and familiarity with protein characterization techniques.

Key Responsibilities

Laboratory Operations & Supply Chain Support

• Prepare and maintain stock solutions for formulation development activities
• Manage laboratory chemical inventory and coordinate with supply chain to ensure uninterrupted operations
• Monitor equipment status and maintain laboratory instruments in working order
• Execute solution preparation according to established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Support laboratory organization and cleanliness to maintain GLP‑ready environment

Analytical Testing & Sample Preparation

• Conduct analytical characterization of protein formulations
• Prepare reagents, buffers, and sample sets in advance to ensure experiments run on schedule
• Perform routine calibration, qualification, and preventive maintenance on laboratory instruments
• Maintain accurate, GxP‑compliant records in laboratory notebooks and electronic systems
• Collaborate with Scientists on the design, setup, and pull‑points of stability studies

Team Collaboration

• Work closely with formulation scientists to anticipate laboratory needs
• Communicate inventory requirements and potential supply issues proactively
• Participate in team meetings and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biotechnology, or related field
• 1-3 years of experience in biopharmaceutical or academic research laboratory settings
• Hands‑on experience with protein preparation and handling
• Knowledge of basic analytical techniques for protein characterization
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow SOPs precisely
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency with electronic laboratory notebooks and data management systems

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Master's degree in Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biotechnology, or related field
• Experience in formulation development or protein drug product development
• Familiarity with biophysical characterization instruments (DLS, viscometry, capillary electrophoresis)
• Previous experience working in GLP‑compliant environments
• Knowledge of monoclonal antibodies or therapeutic proteins

Pay Range

• Pay Range: $28.00 - $45.00 per hour
• This role is on‑site in El Segundo, CA
• Leveling and base salary is determined by job‑related skills, education level, experience level, and job performance
• You will be eligible for incentives in the form of stock options and/or long‑term cash awards

ITAR Requirements

• Varda, like all employers, must ensure that its employees working in the United States are lawfully authorized to work in the U.S. Additionally, our employees are exposed to and have access to certain export‑controlled items. At present, some of our technology to which employees have access requires a license to be exported to individuals other than “U.S. Persons” as defined in U.S. export regulations. Because our employees are provided access to export‑controlled items, our current policy is to only hire “U.S. persons” who are permitted to have access to our technology without an export license.

  “U.S. person” means: U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) (i.e., individual admitted to the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum in the U.S.).

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)

Varda Space Industries is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Candidates and employees are always evaluated based on merit, qualifications, and performance. We will never discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.

E‑Verify Statement

Varda Space Industries, Inc. participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security E‑Verify program. The E‑Verify program is an Internet‑based employment eligibility verification system operated by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Learn more about the E‑Verify program.

E‑Verify Notice Right To Work Notice