Scientist, Analytical Development (TEMP TO HIRE)

Socket.dev; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Aggressive bonus structure

Market-competitive salaries

Job summary

Forma is seeking a Scientist, Analytical Development in Irvine, CA to independently perform analytical development activities in support of formulation development and drug product manufacturing. The Scientist communicates with stakeholders and ensures cGMP compliance for all operations within Forma.

This temp-to-hire role involves advanced experiments and routine lab duties. The candidate will work across teams, develop and validate analytical methods, and contribute to documenting results

Qualifications

• BS degree in Chemistry or related field with 3+ years’ experience.
• MS in Chemistry or related field, with 1+ years’ experience.
• PhD in Chemistry or related field.
• 3+ years of experience in analytical laboratory positions in the pharmaceutical industry.
• Experience utilizing analytical instruments such as HPLC, KF, Dissolution Apparatus, UV/Vis, etc.
• cGMP and regulatory knowledge on method validations.

Responsibilities

• Understands and independently conducts complex analyses of formulation samples and finished pharmaceutical product.
• Acts as analytical lead with technical guidance to collaborate with other departments and clients.
• Develops and validates analytical methods with technical direction.
• Optimizes existing analytical methods with guidance.
• Performs documentation and data analysis using Empower, Excel, and other tools.

Skills

Data interpretation

Technical writing

Problem solving

Leadership

Team collaboration

Education

BS in Chemistry

MS in Chemistry

PhD in Chemistry

Tools

HPLC

KF

Dissolution Apparatus

UV/Vis

Job description

What We Do

Forma is a next-generation Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) based in Irvine, California. The company was recently formed through the acquisition of the Irvine operations from BioDuro and is operating as a newly established, independent entity. As a result, Forma’s standalone online presence is still being built.

We are a lean, entrepreneurial organization of approximately 60 employees focused on drug product development and manufacturing for pharmaceutical and biotechnology clients.

Why Forma?

Unlike large, highly layered organizations, Forma operates with a hands‑on, execution‑driven model. Our teams work closely across functions to solve complex technical and operational challenges, move quickly, and deliver consistently high‑quality results.

Employees at Forma are expected to take on meaningful responsibility, collaborate directly with colleagues and clients, and contribute to building scalable systems and processes as the company grows. This is an environment well suited to individuals who value autonomy, technical excellence, and the opportunity to help shape a growing organization.

Job Overview/Summary

The Scientist, Analytical Development independently performs analytical development activities and tasks to support formulation development and drug product manufacturing. The Scientist communicates as needed with relevant stakeholders, including those within and outside of Forma. The Scientist facilitates and assists in execution of systems to assure cGMP compliance for all relevant operations carried out within and for Forma. Responsible for performing advanced experiments and general laboratory duties. This job is temp to hire.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Understands and independently conducts complex analyses of formulation samples and finished pharmaceutical product with a thorough understanding of laboratory procedures.

• Acts as analytical lead with some technical guidance and direction from management or senior scientists in drug product program as analytical development chemist to collaborate with other departments and clients and support formulation development and manufacturing activities with pre-set timelines.

• Develops and validates analytical methods with some technical direction and guidance

• Optimizes existing analytical methods to suit their intended purpose with some technical direction and guidance.

• Works with advanced methods and performs advanced experiments accurately with minimal technical guidance, consistently, and in a timely manner.

• Performs documentation and data analysis using Empower, Excel spreadsheets, and other necessary tools.

• Writes/revises Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and methods when necessary.

• Assists other Scientists with assigned projects.

• Complies with all laboratory safety guidelines including Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

• Maintains general cleanliness of the lab, including personal bench space and common use areas.

• All other tasks and duties assigned as perceived and agreed upon by senior management.

• This job description is subject to change at any time.

Required Qualifications

• BS degree in Chemistry or related scientific discipline with 3+ years’ experience

• MS in Chemistry or related scientific discipline, with 1+ years’ experience

• PhD in Chemistry or related scientific discipline

• 3+ years of experience in analytical laboratory positions in the pharmaceutical industry.

• Experience utilizing analytical instruments such as HPLC, KF, Dissolution Apparatus, UV/Vis, etc.

• Full computer literacy and knowledge of basic scientific principles and practices.

• cGMP and regulatory knowledge on method validations

• Able to work in a well‑lit heated and/or air‑conditioned indoor office and occasional laboratory setting with adequate ventilation. Light physical activity performing non‑strenuous daily activities of a productive/technical nature. May require long periods of standing/sitting

Preferred Qualifications

• Improvement of any aspect of laboratory processes

• Detailed attention to data trending

• Exceptional information technology skills

• Good data interpretation skills

• Good technical writing skills

• Good problem‑solving development skills

• Good attitude, work ethic, and natural leadership

• Achievement of an advanced degree

Position Benefits

We offer full health benefits, paid vacation and sick leave, an aggressive bonus structure, and market‑competitive salaries to all our employees. In addition, Forma provides employees with a variety of engaging employee and community outreach events.

EOE and Accommodation

We value diversity and are proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Afficative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, pregnancy, citizenship, marital status, gender expression, genetic information, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by law. Forma provides reasonable accommodation in job application procedures for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans. If you need accommodation in connection with the recruiting process due to a disability, you may use the alternative methods by emailing [e-mail]. If you are selected to interview for a position, you may also request an accommodation with our team directly.