Scientist - Preformulation

BioTalent; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

BioTalent seeks a Scientist or Scientist II to lead preformulation activities across innovative small molecule discovery programs. This hands-on role requires roughly 70% lab work and the ability to influence programs from early discovery through IND submission.

You will perform DSC, melting point and solubility analysis, develop HPLC methods, and partner with Discovery, Pharmacology, DMPK, and CMC teams while supporting external CROs.

Qualifications

• PhD, MS or BS with industry experience spanning preformulation in small molecule discovery.
• Strong hands-on bench scientist with deep preformulation expertise.
• Experience characterizing molecules and assessing developability, including IND exposure.
• Exposure to programs progressing from discovery to development is ideal.

Responsibilities

• Lead preformulation studies to support candidate selection and progression.
• Perform hands-on laboratory work including DSC, melting point, solubility and SGF.
• Develop and utilize HPLC-based analytical methods.
• Collaborate with Discovery, Pharmacology, DMPK and CMC teams.
• Support external CROs while maintaining internal scientific ownership.

Skills

Preformulation experience

HPLC methods

Bench work at lab

Small molecule discovery

Developability assessment

IND development exposure

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

PhD + 3-4 years

MS + 6-8 years

BS + 10+ years

Tools

DSC

Melting point analysis

Solubility testing

SGF

HPLC analysis

Job description

BioTalent is supporting an innovative biotech seeking a Scientist or Scientist II to lead preformulation activities across novel small molecule discovery programs.

This is a highly hands-on role, with approximately 70% laboratory work and the opportunity to influence programs from early discovery through IND submission.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead preformulation studies supporting candidate selection and progression
• Perform hands-on laboratory work including Differential Scanning Calorimitry (DSC), melting point, solubility and Supersaturated Gel Formation (SGF)
• Develop and utilize HPLC-based analytical methods
• Partner closely with Discovery, Pharmacology, DMPK and CMC teams
• Support external CROs while retaining internal scientific ownership

Ideal Background

• PhD + 3-4 years, MS + 6-8 years, or BS + 10+ years of relevant industry experience
• Strong preformulation experience within small molecule drug discovery
• Experience characterizing new molecular entities and assessing developability
• Exposure to programs progressing from discovery into development, ideally through IND
• Hands-on scientist who enjoys working at the bench rather than primarily managing outsourced work

Why Join?

• Become the key bridge between Discovery and CMC Development
• Directly influence candidate selection and formulation strategy
• Build expertise and potentially help establish future preformulation capabilities within the organization
• High-visibility role with significant scientific impact across the pipeline