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 by Varda 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 where our vehicles, equipment, and materials are built, integrated, and tested. Varda also has offices in Washington, DC and Huntsville, AL.
Join Varda, and work to create a bustling in-space ecosystem.
About this Role
Varda Space Industries is seeking a motivated Research Associate to provide critical laboratory support for our Biologics Formulation team. This role will focus on preparation of stock solutions, maintenance of laboratory equipment, and execution of analytical testing to support ongoing protein formulation development activities. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in biopharmaceutical laboratory operations and familiarity with protein characterization techniques.
Key Responsibilities
Laboratory Operations & Supply Chain Support
- Prepare and maintain stock solutions for formulation development activities
- Manage laboratory chemical inventory and coordinate with supply chain to ensure uninterrupted operations
- Monitor equipment status and maintain laboratory instruments in working order
- Execute solution preparation according to established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
- Support laboratory organization and cleanliness to maintain GLP-ready environment
Analytical Testing & Sample Preparation
- Conduct analytical characterization of protein formulations
- Prepare reagents, buffers, and sample sets in advance to ensure experiments run on schedule
- Perform routine calibration, qualification, and preventive maintenance on laboratory instruments
- Maintain accurate, GxP-compliant records in laboratory notebooks and electronic systems
- Collaborate with Scientists on the design, setup, and pull-points of stability studies
Team Collaboration
- Work closely with formulation scientists to anticipate laboratory needs
- Communicate inventory requirements and potential supply issues proactively
- Participate in team meetings and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biotechnology, or related field
- 1-3 years of experience in biopharmaceutical or academic research laboratory settings
- Hands-on experience with protein preparation and handling
- Knowledge of basic analytical techniques for protein characterization
- Strong attention to detail and ability to follow SOPs precisely
- Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities
- Effective written and verbal communication skills
- Proficiency with electronic laboratory notebooks and data management systems
Preferred Skills and Experience
- Master's degree in Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biotechnology, or related field
- Experience in formulation development or protein drug product development
- Familiarity with biophysical characterization instruments (DLS, viscometry, capillary electrophoresis)
- Previous experience working in GLP-compliant environments
- Knowledge of monoclonal antibodies or therapeutic proteins
Pay Range
- Pay range: $28 - $45/per hour
- 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
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.
“US person” means: 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).
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, martial status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.