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 team is looking for a highly motivated early-career Scientist to join our Biologics Formulation team. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to next-generation protein formulation development while working with cutting-edge high-throughput automation technologies in a fast-paced startup environment.

As a Scientist, you will execute and optimize protein formulation protocols across liquid and solid dosage forms, supporting the development of high concentration biologics and advanced systems. You will play a key role in establishing automated workflows and maintaining robust data management practices as the team scales its capabilities.

Responsibilities

Formulation Development & Execution

Execute protein formulation experiments for liquid and solid dosage forms, including excipient screening, pH optimization, and stability assessment
Prepare and characterize high concentration protein formulations and evaluate formulation stability under various conditions
Support development of advanced formulation
Perform routine analytical characterization using techniques such as DLS, DSF, CE, and spectroscopy

High-Throughput Automation & Data Management

Develop, optimize, and validate automated liquid handling protocols for high-throughput formulation screening
Program and maintain automated equipment workflows, troubleshoot technical issues, and implement process improvements
Design and execute plate-based experimental layouts for parallel formulation studies
Maintain comprehensive electronic laboratory notebook (ELN) documentation with rigorous data integrity standards
Organize, analyze, and visualize large datasets from high-throughput experiments using appropriate software tools

Collaboration & Communication

Work independently on assigned projects while maintaining clear communication with team members
Present experimental results and progress updates in team meetings
Contribute to technical reports, SOPs, and regulatory documentation
Adapt quickly to changing priorities and deliver results within startup timelines

Basic Qualifications

PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomaterials, Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline
Hands-on experience with protein formulation and characterization techniques
Strong foundation in protein chemistry and physical biochemistry principles
Proficiency with data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, GraphPad Prism, Python, or R)
Demonstrated ability to work independently with strong organizational skills Experience with electronic lab notebooks and structured data management
Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Skills And Experience

Industry experience in biopharmaceutical formulation development
Experience with liquid handling automation platforms (e.g., Tecan, Hamilton, Beckman)
Familiarity with protein crystallization techniques
Knowledge of lyophilization, spray drying, or other solid-state processing methods
Experience in startup or fast-paced R&D environments
Programming experience for data analysis and visualization (Python, MATLAB, or similar)

What We Offer

Opportunity to work at the intersection of biotechnology and space manufacturing
Hands-on experience establishing high-throughput formulation capabilities
Collaborative team environment with mentorship from senior scientists
Professional development opportunities in a rapidly growing company

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, martial 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.

E-Verify Notice Right To Work Notice