Scientist - II

WorkLlama, Inc.; Rahway (NJ); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

WorkLlama, Inc. in Rahway, NJ is seeking a Formulation Scientist to provide hands-on laboratory support for sterile formulation sciences. The role focuses on formulation composition, process development, and rigorous lab execution, with collaboration across cross-functional teams.

The candidate will design and execute experiments, prepare buffers, perform fill-finish activities using aseptic techniques, and ensure GLP compliance while documenting results in lab notebooks and reports.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or higher in a related field and relevant lab experience.
• 5+ years with a Bachelor's, 3+ with a Master, 0–1 with a PhD in formulation.
• Hands-on skills in sterile formulation and process development.
• Experience with biologics, sterile formulation, and non-GMP/GLP environments preferred.
• Familiarity with benchtop unit operations and JMP software.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute hypothesis-driven formulation and process-development experiments for sterile pharmaceutical products.
• Prepare formulation buffers and reagents, executing development batches and fill-finish activities using aseptic techniques and GLP.
• Support processing activities for solution and lyophilized formulations and other dosage-form preparations.
• Conduct formulation characterization and analytical studies (pH, osmolality, viscosity, particle size, DLS, HPLC).
• Support stability and stress studies by analyzing data and documenting conclusions in lab notebooks and reports.
• Draft, review, and execute protocols supporting lab batches and process-development activities.
• Maintain accurate lab records, equipment, and a clean environment to support lab readiness.
• Collaborate with analytical operations and manufacturing to meet timelines and deliverables.
• Apply literature and techniques to enhance formulation processes while following safety policies.

Skills

Formulation development

Sterile techniques

GLP compliance

Analytical methods

Documentation

Education

Bachelor's or MS in Pharmaceutical Sciences or related field

Tools

HPLC

DLS

SDS-PAGE

DSC

JMP

Lyophilization

Job description

The Formulation Scientist will provide hands-on laboratory support to the Sterile Formulation Sciences team at the Rahway, NJ site. The primary focus of this role is supporting sterile pharmaceutical product development, with an emphasis on formulation composition, process development, and rigorous laboratory execution. Working within a fast-paced environment, the candidate will contribute to the design, preparation, testing, analysis, and documentation of solution and lyophilized dosage forms while collaborating closely with cross-functional scientific and operational partners.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute hypothesis-driven formulation and process-development experiments for sterile pharmaceutical products.
• Prepare formulation buffers and reagents, executing development batches and fill-finish activities using proper aseptic techniques and Good Laboratory Practices (GLP).
• Support processing activities for solution and lyophilized formulations, as well as other dosage-form preparation techniques.
• Conduct formulation characterization and analytical studies, including pH, osmolality, viscosity, particle-size measurements, DLS, and HPLC.
• Support stability and stress studies by analyzing data, summarizing findings, and documenting conclusions in lab notebooks, protocols, and technical reports.
• Draft, review, and execute protocols that support laboratory batches and process-development activities.
• Maintain clear, accurate, and contemporaneous laboratory records, equipment, and a clean working environment to support overall lab readiness.
• Collaborate with cross-functional partners (such as analytical operations and manufacturing) to ensure project timelines and key deliverables are met.
• Continuously apply relevant literature, scientific methods, and technologies to enhance formulation processes while maintaining strict compliance with safety policies.

Education

• B.S. or M.S. degree (or equivalent) in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Chemistry, or a related field.

Experience

• Bachelor's with 5+ years, Master's with 3+ years, or PhD with 0-1 year of exeprience.
• Excellent hands-on laboratory skills in pharmaceutical formulation, sterile product development, process development, or a related field.
• Preferred: Pharmaceutical industry experience in biologics, sterile formulation, and/or process development in a non-GMP/GLP environment.
• Preferred: Hands-on experience with benchtop unit operations (mixing, pumping, filtration, lyophilization) and statistical software such as JMP.
• Preferred: Familiarity with biophysical or biochemical analytical methods (DLS, DSC, DSF, SDS-PAGE, UV/Vis) and previous pharmaceutical/biologics (including Merck) experience.

Additional Information

• Location & Setup: On-site position located in Rahway, New Jersey.
• Duration: 1-year contract assignment.
• Key Soft Skills: Requires strong written/verbal communication, high organization, self-motivation, attention to detail and timelines, and the ability to adapt to changing project needs.