Laboratory Technician - Analytical Support (Contract)

About VardaLow 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.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 RoleVarda Space Industries is seeking a motivated Laboratory Technician to provide critical laboratory support for our Analytical Sciences team. This role will focus on preparation of stock solutions, sample preparation, maintenance of laboratory equipment and chemical inventory, and execution of analytical testing to support analytical method development activities. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in pharmaceutical laboratory operations and familiarity with drug product characterization techniques. This is a 6 month contract position and it can potentially lead to a full-time Research Associate position depending on performance and business needs.Key ResponsibilitiesLaboratory Operations & Supply Chain SupportPrepare and maintain stock solutions and buffers for sample prep and instrument operationManage laboratory chemical inventory and coordinate with supply chain to ensure uninterrupted operationsMonitor equipment status and maintain laboratory instruments in working orderExecute solution preparation according to established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)Support laboratory organization and cleanliness to maintain GLP-ready environmentAnalytical Testing & Sample PreparationPerform basic analytical characterization of drug productsExecute routine assay requests with techniques such as U/HPLC, CE, spectroscopy, CD, FTIR, ELISA, MS)Prepare reagents, buffers, and mobile phases in advance of scheduled experimentsConduct routine instrument calibration and qualification activitiesDocument all activities in laboratory notebooks and electronic systemsTeam CollaborationWork closely with analytical scientists to anticipate laboratory needsInteract with a routine testing request system and communicate with scientists making the requests Communicate inventory requirements and potential supply issues proactivelyParticipate in team meetings and contribute to continuous improvement initiativesBasic QualificationsBachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biotechnology, or related field1-3 years of experience in pharmaceutical or academic research laboratory settings Hands-on experience with analytical sample preparation and handlingKnowledge of basic analytical techniques for product characterizationStrong attention to detail and ability to follow SOPs preciselyExcellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple prioritiesEffective written and verbal communication skillsProficiency with electronic laboratory notebooks and data management systemsPreferred Skills And ExperienceMaster's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biotechnology, or related field1-3 years of experience in pharmaceutical laboratoryExperience in drug product developmentFamiliarity with characterization instruments (U/HPLC, CE, DLS, DSF, CD, FTIR, ELISA, MS)Previous experience working in GLP-compliant environmentsKnowledge of monoclonal antibodies, therapeutic proteins, and/or small molecule APIPay RangePay Range: $28.00 - $40.00/per hourThis role is on-site in El Segundo, CALeveling and base pay is determined by job-related skills, education level, experience level, and job performanceITAR RequirementsVarda, 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. At present, some of our technology to which employees have access requires a license to be exported to individuals other than “U.S. Persons” as defined in U.S. export regulations. Because our employees are provided access to export-controlled items, our current 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 in the U.S.)Learn more about the ITAR here. BenefitsExciting team of professionals at the top of their field working by your sideEquity in a fully funded space startup with potential for significant growth (interns excluded)401(k) matching (interns excluded)Unlimited PTO (interns excluded)Health insurance, including Vision and DentalLunch and snacks provided on site every day. Dinners provided twice a week. Maternity / Paternity leave (interns excluded)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.E-Verify StatementVarda 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 NoticeRead more Read more