Scientist, Biologics Formulation Development

Avid Bioservices; Costa Mesa (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 107,000; Full time

Job summary

Avid Bioservices in Costa Mesa, CA is seeking a Scientist, Biologics Formulation Development to lead formulation strategies and downstream process development for biologics programs, collaborating with Upstream, Analytical Sciences, MSAT, Manufacturing, and external partners. You will design experiments, analyze data, and mentor junior scientists while ensuring compliance with quality and safety standards.

The role requires a Master’s/PhD with 4–6 years of experience and offers a competitive

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or PhD in Biochemistry, Chemistry, or related field with 4–6 years of relevant experience.
• Experience in formulation development, stability studies, and analytical characterization of biologics.
• Hands-on experience with biophysical and analytical techniques such as DSC, DLS, DSF, CD, HPLC, CE-SDS, UV spectroscopy.

Responsibilities

• Lead biologics formulation development including pre‑formulation, excipient screening, and stability studies.
• Perform protein characterization with DLS, DSF, SEC, CE, rheology, and spectroscopy.
• Develop high-concentration protein formulations and address aggregation, viscosity, solubility.
• Design experiments, analyze data, write protocols, reports, and development summaries.
• Support analytical strategies with HPLC, CE‑SDS, SDS‑PAGE, UV, and other biophysical assays.
• Mentor junior scientists and collaborate with cross‑functional teams.

Skills

Biologics formulation development

Cross-functional collaboration

Technical writing

Independent work

Education

Master’s degree in Biochemistry, Chemistry, or related field

PhD in Biochemistry, Chemistry, or related field

Tools

DLS

DSF

SEC

CE-SDS

HPLC

UV spectroscopy

CD

Job description

Looking to join a passionate team dedicated to developing and manufacturing life‑saving biopharmaceuticals? Avid Bioservices is a leading clinical and commercial biologics CDMO focused on creating innovative solutions to meet the needs of our clients and improve patient outcomes.

Your Role:

The Scientist, Biologics Formulation Development will establish and lead formulation development activities within the Process Development department while also driving downstream process development of biologics programs. This role is responsible for defining formulation strategies, executing technical studies, and supporting cross-functional integration as the capability expands. Additional responsibilities include designing downstream purification processes for protein‑based biologics, viral clearance studies, scale‑down and scale‑up activities, and technology transfer to manufacturing. The individual will collaborate closely with Upstream Process Development, Analytical Sciences, MSAT, Manufacturing, Program Management, and external partners to support client programs.

Essential Functions:

(Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)

• Lead formulation development for biologics, including pre‑formulation assessments, excipient screening, and stability studies.
• Extensive hands‑on experience with analytical techniques for protein characterization, including DLS, DSF, SEC, CE, rheology, and spectroscopy.
• Expertise in developing high concentration protein formulations and resolving issues such as aggregation, viscosity, and solubility. Able to identify and mitigate formulation risks including precipitation and chemical degradation.
• Design experiments, analyze data, and prepare technical protocols, reports, and development summaries.
• Design and interpret analytical testing strategies including HPLC (SEC & IEX), CE‑SDS, SDS‑PAGE, UV spectroscopy, and other biophysical assays to support formulation studies.
• Establish scientific strategy, workflows, and best practices for early to late stage biologics formulation development.
• Proven ability to work independently in dynamic, fast‑paced environments with evolving priorities.
• Serve as a technical subject matter expert (SME) during client proposals, presentations, and project reviews.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to align timelines and resource planning.
• Mentor junior scientists/staff and support onboarding of new team members.
• Evaluate new technologies and contribute to internal capability‑building initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with relevant quality and safety standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. The job description, shown above, is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s degree/PhD degree in Biochemistry, Chemistry, or related field and minimum 4-6 years of relevant experience and demonstrated working knowledge of scientific principles.
• Prior experience in formulation development, stability studies, and analytical characterization of biologics or strong background in biochemical and biophysical characterization of proteins with deep understanding of protein structure and function.
• Hands‑on experience with biophysical and analytical techniques such as DSC, DLS, DSF, CD, HPLC, CE‑SDS, UV spectroscopy, etc.
• Proven record of strong technical writing and communication skills.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, cross‑functional environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Chemistry, or related field with 4-6 years of industry experience, or M.S. with 6-8 years of experience.
• Prior experience in downstream process development of biologics is a plus.
• Experience mentoring or leading scientific staff preferred.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

This role is a full-time exempt position. Days of work are Monday through Friday unless otherwise stated by Supervisor or needed due to projects. Must be available to work holidays, weekends, or extended hours when needed.

Compensation:

We offer competitive compensation packages for this role, including a base salary, performance‑based bonuses, and comprehensive benefits such as health, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) matching, and paid time off.

The compensation range for this role is $85,000 to $107,100 annually depending on experience and qualifications. Additionally, we offer opportunities for career growth and development as well as a supportive and inclusive work environment.

Who you are:

• You have a "bring it on!" team player approach and an unshakable positive attitude, always ready to tackle anything that comes your way.
• Your written and verbal skills are out of this world, and you communicate with clarity and confidence.
• You have exceptional multitasking skills and an unparalleled attention to detail that ensure the smooth running of everything.
• You are a master at building relationships, capable of establishing connections with anyone, be it team members, clients, vendors, or suppliers.

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

In this dynamic role, expect a blend of regular activities like sitting, standing, and walking, with occasional physically engaging tasks such as lifting objects up to 25 pounds. The work environment might expose you to electrical shocks, toxic chemicals, vibrations, or loud noise levels occasionally. However, reasonable accommodations are available to enable individuals with different abilities to perform effectively, ensuring a supportive and adaptable work setting. Your visual acuity, including close, distance, and color vision, will be essential in navigating through the diverse day‑to‑day demands of this position.