Scientist, Analytical Sciences

Varda Space Industries; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) matching

Unlimited PTO

Health insurance including Vision and Dental

Lunch and snacks provided on site

Dinners provided twice a week

Job summary

Varda Space Industries is seeking a Scientist in Analytical Sciences to lead the development and validation of analytical methods in El Segundo, CA. This role is pivotal in advancing therapeutics with microgravity applications and shaping Varda's product culture.

The ideal candidate will have a Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry or a similar field and a strong background in method development. This position offers a competitive salary and the opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking advancements in space-based pharmaceutical processing.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or M.S. in Analytical Chemistry with relevant industry experience.
• Experience with method development and validation for drug substances.
• Strong collaborative skills with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop and validate analytical methods for drug substances.
• Conduct hands-on lab experiments and collaborate with external sites.
• Work closely with product development and engineering groups.

Skills

Analytical Chemistry

Organic Chemistry

UV Spectroscopy

NMR Spectroscopy

FTIR Spectroscopy

Chromatography

HPLC

LC-MS

GC

SDS-PAGE

Education

Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry or related field

M.S. in relevant field with 6+ years experience

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

Our pharmaceutical R&D team is looking for a highly motivated and creative Scientist, Analytical Sciences who will lead efforts in improving therapeutics with microgravity. This is an opportunity in an exciting area of growth for Varda, the role will shape Varda’s product culture and will play a significant role in establishing the low earth orbit economy.

Responsibilities

• Develop and validate analytical methods for characterizing drug substances and drug products


• Carry out hands‑on experiments in the lab and work with external testing sites


• Collaborate closely with product development, pharmaceutical science, and broader engineering groups to drive drug development activities

Basic Qualifications

• Ph. D in Analytical Chemistry (or similar field such as Organic Chemistry) with 3+ years of relevant industry experience or M.S. with 6+ years of relevant industry experience

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Experience with UV, NMR, FTIR, Raman, Particle Size


• Experience with chromatographic and affinity-based methods (HPLC/UPLC, LC-MS, SECMALS, GC, SDS-PAGE)


• Track record of method development as demonstrated by publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at scientific conferences


• Experience as the responsible engineer or technical owner of projects across project lifecycle

Pay Range

• Salary Range: $100,000.00 - $140,000.00 per year


• 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 long-term 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.

  
  

  US 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.).

  
  

  Learn more about the ITAR here.

  
  

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.