Associate Scientist, Preformulations

Location: San Diego, CA (on-site) | Type: Contract, approx. 6 months, extension possible

Position Overview: This is a hands-on bench role supporting early-stage small molecule drug programs. You will make and test dosing formulations for preclinical studies, run HPLC-based assays, and keep day-to-day lab operations running smoothly. We are looking for someone with a solid analytical chemistry background, comfortable diagnosing instrument and method problems, and able to dig into surprising results and explain them. Prior experience with preclinical dosing formulations is a strong plus.

What You Will Do: Prepare and test preclinical dosing formulations independently, following established procedures. Run, maintain, and troubleshoot HPLC instrumentation, and contribute to developing and refining analytical methods. Carry out quantitative testing to confirm formulation concentration, chemical stability, and other key attributes. Review experimental and analytical data with a critical eye, follow up on unexpected outcomes, and determine their root causes. Handle routine bench work such as precise weighing, pH checks, preparing solutions, buffers, and mobile phases, and managing samples. Keep thorough electronic notebook records and share results, progress, risks, and recommendations with stakeholders. Plan your own workload to meet study timelines. Partner with colleagues in pharmacology, toxicology, and other research teams to deliver formulations on schedule. Help keep the lab running by tracking inventory, ordering supplies, arranging shipments, and keeping the space organized. Take on other duties as needed.

What You Bring: Bachelor's degree in chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, biochemistry, or a closely related field. At least 6 years of industry experience in analytical chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, formulation, or a similar area. Proven hands-on skill running and troubleshooting HPLC systems, with exposure to method development or optimization. Strong bench technique, including weighing, pipetting, solution preparation, and pH measurement. Ability to work independently, juggle competing priorities, and document work carefully. Sound scientific judgment and a habit of questioning and interpreting results that do not match expectations.

Nice to Have: Experience making dosing formulations for PK, efficacy, or toxicology studies. Background supporting small-molecule discovery or pharmaceutical development. Familiarity with formulation stability testing and physicochemical characterization. Experience collaborating with DMPK, pharmacology, toxicology, or CMC colleagues. Working knowledge of UPLC, LC-MS, or related techniques.