Manager, Crystallization Science

About the role

Varda is a space technology company focused on developing commercial space infrastructure. The pharmaceutical team is seeking a Manager to lead crystallization screening and characterization of molecules for microgravity opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee crystallization screening and characterization of molecules for microgravity opportunities across a diverse range of modalities including small molecules and biologics.
• Support the team in advancing the field of microgravity crystallization, while adopting best practices in drug substance development, including adoption of automation technologies to accelerate development timelines.
• Support and advance collaborations with external partners, CROs, and vendors.
• Ensure 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 manage interfaces across the pharmaceutical development groups.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science or related fields and 4+ years of relevant industry experience, or M.S. in related fields and 8+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Hands-on experience with either polymorph screening of small molecules or crystallization of biologics.
• Strong foundation in materials science, organic chemistry, protein chemistry and/or physical biochemistry principles.
• Demonstrated ability to set technical direction and deliver results.
• Proficiency with data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, GraphPad Prism, Python, or R).
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with strong organizational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• 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

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science or related fields and 8+ years of relevant industry experience, or M.S. in related fields and 12+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Experience in crystallography and relevant analytical techniques including XRPD, TGA, DSC, ED, cryo EM.
• 2+ years of prior people-management 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.
• Experience establishing and enforcing technical and programmatic standards.
• Exceptional communication ability with diverse technical and executive audiences.

Pay

Salary range: $160,000 - $190,000/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 incentives in the form of stock options and/or long-term cash awards

Benefits

• 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
• $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, 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. Because our employees are provided access to export-controlled items, our policy is to only hire “U.S. persons” who are permitted to have access to our technology without an export license.

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

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, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.