Biologics Formulation Research Internship - Spring 2027

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. Varda’s W-Series vehicles are built, designed, and operated in-house, including the pharmaceutical processing payloads, the capsules, the C-PICA heat shields, and the satellite buses. 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 for building, integrating, and testing our vehicles, equipment, and materials. Varda also has offices in Washington, DC and Huntsville, AL.

Join Varda and work to create a bustling in-space ecosystem. Spring internships will range between January and May, dependent upon university schedules. Internships are full-time and on-site in El Segundo, CA. To be considered, candidates must be actively enrolled in an accredited undergraduate or graduate degree program.

About the Role

The Biologics Formulation Research Internship focuses on the analytical characterization and formulation of biologic drug candidates to support the development of stable pharmaceutical products for manufacturing in microgravity. Interns will apply a variety of biophysical and analytical techniques to evaluate protein structure, stability, binding interactions, and performance through formulation and freeze-drying processes. The role combines hands-on laboratory experimentation, scientific data analysis, and close collaboration with formulation scientists to advance next-generation biologic therapeutics.

Internships at Varda are optimal for students looking to grow technically and professionally while working on impactful projects critical to the company's success. You will work on a collaborative team in a startup environment while learning from accomplished aerospace professionals. We're dedicated to providing an experience where your decisions and contributions help drive Varda's success.

Responsibilities

• Perform biophysical characterization of protein candidates using orthogonal analytical techniques to assess structure, stability, and interaction behavior
• Design and execute binding and selection studies between disordered protein stabilizers and microcrystalline pharmaceutical substrates
• Evaluate stabilizer performance through lyophilization and reconstitution cycles, assessing protein integrity before and after freeze-drying stress
• Conduct purity and charge variant analysis via SDS-PAGE and capillary isoelectric focusing (cIEF)
• Prepare reagents, buffers, and sample sets in advance to ensure experiments run on schedule
• Maintain accurate, well-documented records in laboratory notebooks and electronic systems
• Collaborate with formulation scientists to anticipate laboratory needs and contribute to team meetings and progress updates

Key Techniques & Methods

Interns will gain hands-on experience with industry-standard biophysical and analytical tools, including:

• Nano differential scanning fluorimetry (nanoDSF)
• Analytical size exclusion chromatography (SEC)
• Dynamic light scattering (DLS)
• Circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy
• UV spectroscopy
• Fluorescence spectroscopy
• SDS-PAGE and capillary isoelectric focusing (cIEF)
• Selection and binding studies
• General familiarity with lyophilization and tangential flow filtration (TFF) as they relate to sample preparation and handling

What You'll Learn

• How to characterize protein and peptide structure, stability, and molecular interactions using multiple orthogonal biophysical techniques
• How to design and interpret binding and interaction studies between disordered proteins/peptides and crystalline substrates
• How biophysical characterization connects to formulation strategy and long-term storage stability for biologic drugs
• Best practices in analytical method execution, data interpretation, and scientific documentation in a biotech R&D environment

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in an accredited bachelor's or graduate degree program in Biochemistry, Biophysics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, Molecular Biology, or a related field
• Prior hands-on laboratory experience in an academic or industry setting is required
• Knowledge of basic analytical techniques for protein characterization
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow experimental protocols precisely
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities
• Effective written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Junior, Senior, or Graduate academic standing
• Familiarity with one or more of the listed biophysical characterization techniques (DLS, nanoDSF, SEC, CD, or capillary electrophoresis)
• Background in protein formulation, biologics drug product development, or protein biochemistry
• Familiarity with lyophilization, freeze-drying, or related solid-state processing methods
• Experience with data analysis tools such as GraphPad Prism, Python, MATLAB, or similar
• Previous experience in a GLP-compliant or structured R&D laboratory environment
• Interest in space medicine, in-orbit manufacturing, or the emerging orbital economy

Pay

Hourly Rate: $33.00

Benefits

• Housing stipend for interns relocating to the area
• Commuter benefit to support local transportation

Note: Interns receive a subset of the full-time benefits package, which includes:

• Flexible PTO policy + 12 paid holidays
• 100% company-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans for employees and dependents with FSA and employer-matched HSA options
• Voluntary accident, hospital, critical illness, and pet insurance
• $120/month wellness reimbursement for gym and fitness expenses
• 12 weeks of parental leave (with supplemental disability leave for CA mothers)
• Family building, pregnancy, parenting, and menopause benefits via Maven Clinic
• Sponsored One Medical memberships for employees and their dependents
• Substantial incentive equity in a fully funded space start-up
• 401(k) retirement plan with 6% employer match (immediately vested)
• $20/pay period cell phone reimbursement
• Relocation support for new hires, if needed
• Fully stocked kitchen with lunch provided daily and dinner provided twice weekly
• Company and team-bonding events, happy hours, and mission-success celebrations
• Complimentary EV charging

ITAR Requirements

Varda must ensure that its employees working in the United States are lawfully authorized to work in the U.S. Additionally, employees may be exposed to or have access to certain export-controlled items. To comply with these regulations, Varda only hires “U.S. persons” who are permitted to access our technology without an export license. A “U.S. person” is defined as a 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).