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 Senior Scientist to lead protein formulation development programs within our Biologics Formulation team. This role offers the opportunity to pioneer innovative formulation strategies for high concentration biologics and advanced systems while building capabilities in a dynamic startup environment.

As a Senior Scientist, you will lead the design and execution of complex formulation development programs, applying deep expertise in protein chemistry and physical biochemistry to solve challenging formulation problems. You will drive strategic decisions in formulation design, mentor junior scientists, and establish best practices for formulation development in a fast-paced startup setting.

Responsibilities

Strategic Formulation Development

Lead formulation development programs for high concentration protein therapeutics across dosage forms
Design and execute formulation strategies based on first-principles understanding of protein chemistry, including solution behavior, protein-protein interactions, and colloidal stability
Develop advanced formulation platforms
Apply thermodynamic and kinetic principles to predict and optimize formulation behavior
Identify and mitigate formulation-related risks including aggregation, precipitation, viscosity, chemical degradation
Identify Critical Quality Attributes

Technical Leadership & Innovation

Serve as technical lead on multiple concurrent formulation projects from early-stage through late-stage development
Design experimental strategies and interpret complex datasets to drive formulation decisions
Establish formulation development workflows, analytical strategies, and acceptance criteria
Evaluate and implement novel formulation technologies and approaches
Interface with cross-functional teams including analytical development, engineering, and external partners

Team Development & Data Excellence

Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior scientists
Establish robust data management practices and quality standards
Maintain exemplary ELN documentation and ensure data integrity across the team
Author technical reports, regulatory submissions, and scientific publications
Deliver high-quality results within aggressive startup timelines while maintaining scientific rigor

Basic Qualifications

PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomaterials, Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, or related discipline
3+ years of biopharmaceutical industry experience in early-stage or late-stage protein formulation development
Proven track record of leading formulation development projects from concept through execution
Deep expertise in protein chemistry, physical biochemistry, and formulation science
Extensive hands-on experience with analytical techniques for protein characterization (e.g., DLS, DSF, SEC, CE, rheology, spectroscopy)
Experience developing high-concentration protein formulations and mitigating concentration-limiting factors
Strong foundation in thermodynamics, solution chemistry, and colloidal science as applied to protein systems
Demonstrated ability to work independently in fast-paced environments with shifting priorities
Excellent organizational skills with meticulous attention to data management and ELN practices Strong scientific writing and presentation skills

Preferred Skills And Experience

Experience with protein crystallization, for drug delivery
Knowledge of advanced formulation systems
Experience with lyophilization, spray drying, or other solid-state processing unit operations
Familiarity with Design of Experiments (DOE) and statistical analysis approaches
Experience with high-throughput formulation screening and automation
Track record of scientific publications or patent applications
Experience in startup or resource-constrained R&D environments
Background in monoclonal antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates, or other complex biologics

What We Offer

Opportunity to pioneer formulation development for space-based biomanufacturing
Technical leadership role with significant scientific autonomy
Collaborative environment working alongside world-class scientists and engineers
Opportunity to shape the scientific direction of a growing company

Pay Range

Salary Range: $140,000.00 - $180,000.00/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