Varda Space
Manager, Crystallization Science
$160K–$190K
El Segundo, California, United States · Manager · Full-time · Posted Jul 7, 2026
- Experience
- Ph.D. and 4+ years of relevant industry experience, or M.S. and 8+ years. Preferred: Ph.D. and 8+ years, or M.S. and 12+ years.
- Education
- Ph.D. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related fields; or M.S. in related fields.
- Visa sponsorship
- Must be a U.S. person permitted to access the company’s export-controlled technology without an export license: a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).
About the job
Leads Varda’s crystallization screening team, overseeing characterization of molecules for microgravity opportunities and coordinating research, partnerships, and delivery against company goals.
What you'll do
- Oversee crystallization screening and characterization across small molecules and biologics, and advance microgravity crystallization practices and automation.
- Manage external collaborations and cross-functional interfaces across pharmaceutical development groups.
- Align research activities, budgets, timelines, and project tracking with company goals.
What they ask for
- Hands-on experience with polymorph screening of small molecules or crystallization of biologics.
- Technical expertise and scientific leadership in at least one drug-substance development area; demonstrated ability to set technical direction and deliver results.
- Proficiency with data analysis tools such as Excel, GraphPad Prism, Python, or R; strong organizational and project-management skills.
- Experience managing external partnerships.
Nice to have
- Experience in crystallography and analytical techniques including XRPD, TGA, DSC, ED, or cryo EM; 2+ years of people-management experience.
- Scientific publications or conference presentations; experience with technology development, quality by design or statistical process engineering, and establishing technical standards.
Pay
USD $160,000 - $190,000/per year (base salary)
Tools
Excel, GraphPad Prism, Python, R, XRPD, TGA, DSC, cryo EM
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