Varda Space
Biologics Formulation Research Internship - Spring 2027
El Segundo, California, United States · Internship · Posted Aug 7, 2026
- Experience
- Prior hands-on laboratory experience is required; no number of years stated.
- Education
- Currently enrolled in an accredited bachelor's or graduate degree program in a listed or related field.
- Visa sponsorship
- Must be lawfully authorized to work in the U.S. and qualify as a “U.S. person” permitted access to export-controlled technology without an export license.
About the job
Conduct laboratory characterization and formulation studies of biologic drug candidates to support stable pharmaceutical products manufactured in microgravity.
What you'll do
- Characterize protein candidates using biophysical and analytical techniques, including assessing structure, stability, interactions, purity, and charge variants.
- Design and run binding and selection studies, and evaluate stabilizer performance through lyophilization and reconstitution.
- Prepare reagents and samples, document experiments, and collaborate with formulation scientists on laboratory needs and progress updates.
What they ask for
- 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.
- Knowledge of basic analytical techniques for protein characterization.
- Strong attention to detail, ability to follow protocols, organizational skills, and effective written and verbal communication.
Nice to have
- Familiarity with biophysical characterization techniques, protein formulation, biologics development, lyophilization, or data analysis tools such as GraphPad Prism, Python, or MATLAB.
- Junior, senior, or graduate standing; experience in a GLP-compliant or structured R&D lab; interest in space medicine or in-orbit manufacturing.
Pay
$33.00 USD per hour (hourly rate)
Tools
NanoDSF, SEC, DLS, CD, UV spectroscopy, Fluorescence spectroscopy, SDS-PAGE, cIEF
Model-written summary · the original posting is authoritative