Scientist, Analytical Sciences

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

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible PTO policy

100% company-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance

$120 per month wellness reimbursement

12 weeks parental leave

401(k) with 6% employer match

Complimentary EV charging

Lunch provided daily

Job summary

Vardaspace, based in El Segundo, CA, is seeking a Scientist, Analytical Sciences to enhance therapeutics in microgravity. This role involves developing analytical methods to improve drug substances and collaborating with cross-functional teams on drug development. A Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry or equivalent experience is required.

The candidate will work on-site in a growing segment of the low earth orbit economy, shaping the future of pharmaceutical manufacturing in space.

Qualifications

• 3+ years relevant industry experience with a Ph. D.
• 6+ years relevant industry experience with a M.S.

Responsibilities

• Develop and validate analytical methods for drug substances.
• Conduct experiments in the lab and with external testing.
• Collaborate with product and engineering groups on drug development.

Skills

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

Chromatographic and affinity-based methods (HPLC/UPLC, LC-MS)

Method development track record

Education

Ph. D in Analytical Chemistry or similar

M.S. with 6+ years of relevant industry 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. Varda’s W-Series vehicles are built, designed, and operated by Varda in-house, including the pharmaceutical processing payloads, the capsules, the C-PICA heat shields, and the satellite buses.

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 the project lifecycle

Pay Range

• Salary range: $100,000 - $140,000 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

Benefits

• Flexible PTO policy +12 paid holidays
• 100% company‑paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans for employees and dependents with FSA and employer‑matched HSA options
• Voluntary accident, hospital, critical illness, and pet insurance
• $120 per month wellness reimbursement for gym and fitness expenses
• 12 weeks of parental leave (with supplemental disability leave for CA mothers)
• Family building, pregnancy, parenting and menopause benefits via Maven Clinic
• Sponsored One Medical memberships for employees and their dependents
• Substantial incentive equity in a fully funded space start‑up
• 401(k) retirement plan with 6% employer match (immediately vested)
• $20 per pay period cell phone reimbursement
• Relocation support for new hires, if needed
• Fully stocked kitchen with lunch provided daily and dinner provided twice weekly
• Company and team‑bonding events, happy hours and mission‑success celebrations
• Complimentary EV charging

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. Because our employees are provided access to export‑controlled items, our 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).

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

Right to work notice.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.