Formulation Scientist (Contract to Perm) San Leandro, California, United StatesOur client is an innovative, early-stage biotechnology company developing next-generation formulation technologies designed to dramatically improve the pharmacokinetic performance of small molecule therapeutics. By unlocking new delivery options and creating highly differentiated products, their proprietary formulation platform is transforming how critical therapies reach patients. Operating in a fast-paced, highly collaborative startup environment, they offer a culture driven by scientific curiosity, hands-on impact, and rapid translation from the bench to the clinic. We are seeking a hands-on Formulation Scientist to support development-stage formulation development and pre-formulation screening activities for small molecule programs. Reporting directly to the Director of Pharmaceutical Sciences, this individual will focus on developing novel formulations, performing wet chemistry and solubility measurements, and managing physicochemical characterization. This is a high-impact, onsite role suited for a scientist who can execute independently in a fast-paced startup environment while actively contributing to the build-out of laboratory capabilities.
Key Responsibilities:
Platform Optimization: Develop and optimize the formulation, scale-up, and engineering of the company's proprietary technology platform.
Pre-formulation Testing: Perform development-stage analytical testing to support day-to-day formulation and pre-formulation workflows.
Wet Chemistry: Conduct traditional wet chemistry analyses, including titrations and related measurement techniques.
Scale-Up & Isolation: Execute technical scale-up and isolation techniques such as lyophilization (freeze-drying), spray drying, and solvent-mediated salt form isolations.
Characterization: Perform physicochemical and solid-state characterization as needed to evaluate drug properties and crystalline forms.
Data Integration: Analyze, interpret, and meticulously document experimental data to directly inform pipeline development decisions.
What You Bring
Education:
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a closely related scientific field.
Experience:
7–10 years of hands-on experience in pharmaceutical or biotechnology formulation and analytical development.
Technical Expertise: Strong hands-on experience with solid-state characterization, troubleshooting, and wet chemistry techniques.
Physicochemical Acumen: Proven familiarity with solubility testing, phase profiling, and basic pre-formulation characterization.
Startup Agility: Ability to operate independently in a nimble, fast-paced environment with strong data analysis, documentation, and technical reporting skills.
Nice to Have:
Prior experience supporting early-stage CMC or 505(b)(2) drug development programs.
Familiarity with specialized particle engineering studies, spray drying, or lyophilization optimization.
Technical exposure to phase equilibrium, crystallization kinetics, and/or polymorph screening.
