Director, Biopharma Drug Substance R&D at Varda Space Industries

El Segundo, California, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

22 Jan, 26

Salary

225000.0

Posted On

24 Oct, 25

Experience

10 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Drug Substance Development, Crystallization Screening, Analytical Science, Formulation, Process Engineering, Project Management, Collaboration, Talent Development, Microgravity Research, Automation Technologies, Quality Assurance, Regulatory Knowledge, Scientific Leadership, New Technology Development, Statistical Process Engineering, Coaching

Industry

Defense and Space Manufacturing

Description

About Varda 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 (coming soon). Join Varda, and work to create a bustling in-space ecosystem. About This Role Our pharmaceutical team is looking for a highly motivated and effective Director of Biopharma Drug Substance Research and Development who will lead our efforts in improving therapeutics with microgravity. This is an opportunity in an exciting area of growth for Varda, where you will get to shape Varda’s biopharma culture and will play a significant role in establishing the low Earth orbit economy. In this role, you will report to the Chief Science Officer. Responsibilities Oversee development activities of drug substances with a focus on crystallization screening and characterization of molecules for microgravity opportunities across a diverse range of modalities. Supporting and advancing collaborations with external partners, CROs, and vendors. Recruiting, developing, and retaining talent with coaching and mentoring. Ensuring alignment of research and development activities, budgets, and timelines to company goals and initiatives, together with project organization and tracking to ensure projects deliverables meet timeline expectations. Effectively managing interfaces with analytical science, formulation, and product and process engineering groups. Supporting the team in advancing the field of microgravity-enabled drug substance development, while adopting best practices in drug substance development, including adoption of automation technologies to accelerate development timelines. Basic Qualifications Ph. D, degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science or related fields and 8+ years of relevant industry experience or M.S., degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science or related fields and 12+ years of relevant industry experience. Drug substance development experience across a wide range of modalities, together with breadth of understanding of broader aspects of drug development (analytical, formulation, manufacturing, quality assurance, regulatory). Alongside breadth, demonstrated depth of technical expertise and scientific leadership in at least one modality and aspect of drug substance development (analytical, crystallization, process engineering, or drug product development). Experience managing external partnerships Exceptional organizational and project management capabilities. Preferred Skills And Experience Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science or related fields 12+ years of relevant industry experience. Track record of scientific achievement as demonstrated by publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at scientific conferences. Demonstrated expertise in new technology development (platform, modality, or process). Experience applying quality by design, or statistical process engineering methodologies in a research & development environment to ensure structured development strategies. Pay Range Salary Range: $175,000.00 - $225,000.00/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 Read more Read more

Responsibilities

Oversee development activities of drug substances with a focus on crystallization screening and characterization of molecules for microgravity. Support collaborations with external partners and ensure alignment of research and development activities with company goals.