Scientist, Pharmaceutical Science​/ Research, Drug Discovery

Contractor – Synthetic Molecule Pharmaceutics

As part of the
*** Research and Early Development (gRED) organization, the Synthetic Molecule Pharmaceutics department helps ***’s next‑generation therapeutics transition from pre‑clinical research into clinical development. Our team specializes in synthetic molecules and client modalities (e.g., nucleic acids, peptides, conjugates) that are delivered to patients via parenteral routes (intravenous, subcutaneous, intrathecal, intravitreal). We develop formulations, innovative drug delivery approaches, and manufacturing processes that bring these therapeutics to patients across therapeutic areas.

Location: South San Francisco, on‑site

Employment type: Contractor

Base pay range: $35.00/hr – $48.00/hr

We are seeking a collaborative, curious, and motivated contractor to support parenteral formulation development and drug delivery in the Synthetic Molecule Pharmaceutics group at ***. In this role, you will contribute to our research and development efforts for pipeline programs.

• Independently prepare drug product formulations with different compositions to support pre‑clinical studies and pharmaceutics work packages.
• Investigate and establish drug product processes to make simple and complex dosage forms, including nanoparticle‑based formulations.
• Analyze formulations with a variety of analytical techniques to assess physicochemical properties, composition, and structure.
• Clearly and contemporaneously document experimental findings in electronic lab notebooks and in presentations.
• Review and process experimental data, identify data trends and takeaways, and propose hypothesis‑driven follow‑up experiments.
• Collaborate with internal and external groups to complete key responsibilities and share results.

Education: Bachelor’s Degree (minimum) – PhD (preferred)

Required Majors:

• Chemistry
• Biochemistry
• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Chemical Engineering

Required Skills:

• At least 2 years full‑time, hands‑on experience in a laboratory or manufacturing position in academia or industry.
• Ability to independently prepare formulations in a laboratory setting – weighing, measuring, pipetting, and using common laboratory equipment.
• Hands‑on experience with common analytical techniques used in pharmaceutics – spectroscopy, rheology, chromatography, light scattering and physicochemical property measurement.
• Ability to independently design experiments and interpret data.
• Strong organizational and planning skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication.
• Ability to collaborate in a team setting.
• Enthusiasm for problem‑solving and innovation in formulation development.

• Foundational knowledge of pharmaceutical sciences, particularly solutions and colloids.
• Complementary culture fit with integrity, courage, and passion.
• Prior hands‑on experience with nanoparticle preparation techniques, sterile handling practices.
• Working model:
  Full on‑site.
• Interview format:
  Two rounds – (1) Hiring Manager; (2) Panel + Hiring Manager – second round on‑site.