Principal Scientist, Analytical Sciences

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and validate analytical methods for characterizing biologic and small molecule drug substances and products using LC-MS and other biophysical techniques
• Act as a program responsible engineer directing all analytical and product development activities for internal and external projects
• Carry out hands-on experiments and work with external testing sites using assays including GC/LC-MS, DLS, DSC, ELISA, CD, FT-IR, NMR, SEC, IEX, CE-SDS, and icIEF
• Lead and train a small team of junior scientists in technical development to ensure high-quality analytical data production
• Collaborate with product development, formulation sciences, and engineering groups to maintain flight schedule cadence
• Author R&D and GMP methods, study protocols, validation reports, and regulatory filings
• Research technological advancements to solve analytical challenges regarding crystalline suspensions
• Troubleshoot methods for transfer to routine testing and automation scientists

Requirements

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field
• 6+ years of experience with a Ph.D. or 9+ years of experience with an M.S.
• Proven track record of developing analytical methods for use in regulated filings and workflows

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry, Pharmaceutical, or Biotechnology with 7+ years of industry experience
• Extensive experience in developing, optimizing, and troubleshooting intact, subunit, and peptide map LC-MS analysis of complex biologics per ICH guidelines
• Proficiency with UV, DLS, DSF, NMR, CD, FTIR, Raman, and particle sizing technologies
• Experience with chromatographic and affinity-based methods (HPLC/UPLC, LC-MS/MS, SEC-MALS, GC-MS, CE-SDS, icIEF, SDS-PAGE)
• Demonstrated method development through peer-reviewed publications, IND/BLA/NDA filings, or scientific conference presentations
• Experience serving as a technical owner or responsible engineer across a project lifecycle

Benefits

• Equity in a fully funded space startup with significant growth potential
• 401(k) matching
• Unlimited PTO
• Comprehensive health insurance, including Vision and Dental
• On-site lunch and snacks daily, with dinners provided twice a week
• Maternity and Paternity leave

About the Company

Varda is accelerating the development of commercial space infrastructure, from in-orbit pharmaceutical processing to reliable and economical reentry capsules. Our mission is to expand the economic bounds of humankind by creating the products and infrastructure needed so space can directly benefit life on Earth.