Manager, Crystallization Science

Manager, Crystallization Science

Our pharmaceutical team is looking for a highly motivated and effective Manager who will lead the Crystallization Screening Team towards 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.

Responsibilities:

Oversee crystallization screening and characterization of molecules for microgravity opportunities across a diverse range of modalities including small molecules and biologics.

Supporting 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.

Supporting and advancing collaborations with external partners, CROs, and vendors.

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 across the pharmaceutical development groups.

Basic Qualifications:

Ph. D, degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science or related fields and 4+ years of relevant industry experience or M.S., degree 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.

Pay Range:

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:

Varda offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support health, financial well-being, and a high-quality workplace experience. Below is an overview of what full-time employees receive (at this time, interns receive a subset of benefits):

Health & Wellness

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

Financial & Retirement

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

Workplace Experience & Perks

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