Research Associate, Formulation Development (Contract)

Initial Therapeutics, Inc.; Emeryville (CA); On-site; USD 54,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

4DMT is seeking a hands-on scientist in Emeryville to support formulation development for biologics. You will conduct high-throughput screening, assist with prefilled syringe compatibility tests, and perform analytical measurements like MALS, DSF and DLS. Collaboration with PD and QC teams is essential for project progress.

The role emphasizes accurate data handling, routine lab work, and adapting to evolving development programs in a late-stage biotech environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree required.
• 0+ years in biotech or related lab setting.
• Strong lab skills and accurate data organization using Excel.
• Experience with preformulation, formulation development or stability studies is preferred.
• Experience with biologics is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Execute high-throughput formulation screening with documentation.
• Support prefilled-syringe and container compatibility assessments.
• Perform formulation analytics including SE-MALS, DSF, DLS, pH and osmolality tests.
• Collaborate with Upstream PD, Downstream PD and AD/QC.

Skills

Pipetting

Data analysis

Laboratory skills

Excel proficiency

Education

Bachelor of Science Degree

Tools

Size-Exclusion MALS

Differential Scanning Fluorimetry

Dynamic Light Scattering

pH testing

Osmolality testing

Prefilled Syringe development

Job description

GENERAL SUMMARY

4DMT is a leading late-stage biotechnology company advancing durable and disease-targeted therapeutics with potential to transform treatment paradigms and provide unprecedented benefits to patients. The Company’s lead product candidate 4D-150 is designed to be a backbone therapy forming the foundation of treatment of blinding retinal vascular diseases by providing multi-year sustained delivery of anti-VEGF (aflibercept and anti-VEGF-C) with a single, safe, intravitreal injection, which substantially reduces the treatment burden associated with current bolus injections. The Company’s lead indication for 4D-150 is wet age-related macular degeneration, which is currently in Phase 3 development, and second indication is diabetic macular edema. The Company’s second product candidate is 4D-710, which is the first known genetic medicine to demonstrate successful delivery and expression of the CFTR transgene in the lungs of people with cystic fibrosis after aerosol delivery

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Execute high-throughput, plate-based formulation screening, including formulation preparation, stability studies, sample testing, data analysis, and documentation.
• Support prefilled-syringe and other container/device compatibility assessments.
• Formulation analytics including but not limited to Size-Exclusion Multi-Angle Light Scattering, Differential Scanning Fluorimetry, Dynamic Light Scattering, pH and osmo testing.
• Collaboration with Upstream PD, Downstream PD and AD/QC

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

• Bachelors of Science Degree

Experience:

• 0+ years of experience within the Biotech or similar industry
• Strong foundational laboratory skills, including accurate pipetting, solution preparation, weighing, basic laboratory calculations, and data organization using Excel.
• Hands‑on laboratory experience gained through academic research, internships, or industry.
• Experience with preformulation, formulation development, stability studies, drug‑product process development, or downstream process development is preferred.
• Experience with biologics, including proteins, antibodies, or AAV/gene therapy, is a plus.

Other Qualifications/Skills:

• Applicant should possess a general competency in Microsoft based applications (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Prior experience with statistical tools (e.g., JMP) or Prefilled Syringe development is preferred, but not required

Travel: This role does not require travel outside of the main office. However, may provide opportunities to travel in future (e.g., to attend conferences or oversee outsourced activities)

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Physical Activity - Repetitive motions: Making substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers. Fingering: Picking, pinching, typing or otherwise working, primarily with fingers rather than with whole hand or arm as in handling. Talking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word.
• Physical Requirements - Lifting up to 20 lbs, bending, lifting, twisting, ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment such as lab coat, goggles/glasses, and nitrile gloves
• Working Conditions - The worker is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions (as in typical office or administrative work).

Hourly compensation range: $39.00 - $45.00 / HOUR

Please note, the base salary compensation range and actual salary offered to the final candidate depends on various factors: candidate’s geographical location, relevant work experience, skills, and years of experience.

4DMT provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, status as a covered veteran, and any other category protected under applicable federal, state, provincial and local laws.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities