Sr. Research Associate, Drug Product Development

Overview

Crinetics is a pharmaceutical company based in San Diego, California, focused on therapies for endocrine diseases and endocrine-related tumors. We are driven by science with a patient-centric and team-oriented culture and are known for an inclusive, dog-friendly workplace. This is an exciting time to join Crinetics as we shape our organization into the world’s premier fully integrated endocrine company from discovery to patients.

Join our team as we transform lives. The Senior Research Associate, Drug Product Development, will support the development of drug product formulations from early preclinical enabling studies through clinical supply for First-in-Human (FIH) trials. This role contributes hands-on laboratory execution, data analysis, and technical documentation in support of formulation development for oral and/or parenteral dosage forms. The position collaborates with formulation scientists, analytical, DMPK, toxicology, and manufacturing teams to deliver high-quality drug products in a fast-paced development environment.

• Perform hands-on formulation development activities for preclinical and early clinical drug products, including FIH studies.
• Prepare and evaluate formulations for in vivo (PK, tox) and clinical use.
• Execute laboratory experiments including formulation preparation, characterization, and stability testing.
• Maintain accurate and well-documented experimental records in electronic laboratory notebooks (ELNs).
• Support scale-up, tech transfer, and manufacturing activities for clinical supplies.
• Assist in preparation of protocols, reports, and CMC documentation to support regulatory submissions.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with analytical, DMPK, toxicology, quality, and external partners/CDMOs.
• Troubleshoot formulation and manufacturing challenges; propose practical solutions.
• Ensure compliance with internal procedures and applicable GMP/GxP requirements as needed.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in pharmaceutical formulation development, with hands-on lab experience.
• Experience supporting preclinical and/or clinical formulation development, ideally through FIH.
• Experience with oral dosage forms and/or parenteral formulations; familiarity with common formulation techniques and excipients.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail; strong laboratory execution and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work under minimal supervision while contributing effectively in a team environment.
• Knowledge of regulatory expectations related to early-phase CMC development; exposure to GMP manufacturing and/or clinical supply preparation is a plus.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with strong oral and written communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to author and review development reports and work in cross-functional teams with a proactive, solution-oriented approach.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.

Physical

Activities:

On a continuous basis, sit at a desk for extended periods; intermittently answer telephone and use a keyboard. Some walking and lifting up to 25 lbs may be required. The noise level is typically low to moderate. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Laboratory Activities (if applicable):
Biology and chemical laboratory environment experience needed. Environmental health and safety requirements also apply. Travel may be required for up to 5% of time.

Crinetics is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, pregnancy, race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, religion or philosophical beliefs, disability, marital and civil union status, age, genetic information, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

The salary range for this position is $82,000 – $103,000. In addition to base pay, our total rewards program includes a discretionary annual target bonus, stock options, ESPP, and 401(k) match. Benefits include health insurance (medical, dental, vision, basic life), 20 days of PTO, 10 paid holidays, and a winter company shutdown.

Crinetics Pharmaceuticals is a global, clinical-stage company focused on discovery, development, and commercialization of therapeutics for endocrine and endocrine-rooted diseases. We are committed to collaboration, curiosity, and empathy as we work to improve patients’ lives and transform treatment paradigms in areas of unmet need.