Laboratory Technician - Analytical Support (Contract)

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. 

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 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 Responsibilities

Laboratory Operations & Supply Chain Support

• Prepare and maintain stock solutions and buffers for sample prep and instrument operation
• 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

• Perform basic analytical characterization of drug products
• Execute 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 experiments
• Conduct routine instrument calibration and qualification activities
• Document all activities in laboratory notebooks and electronic systems

Team Collaboration

• Work closely with analytical scientists to anticipate laboratory needs
• Interact with a routine testing request system and communicate with scientists making the requests 
• Communicate inventory requirements and potential supply issues proactively
• Participate in team meetings and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biotechnology, or related field
• 1-3 years of experience in pharmaceutical or academic research laboratory settings 
• Hands-on experience with analytical sample preparation and handling
• Knowledge of basic analytical techniques for product 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 Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biotechnology, or related field
• 1-3 years of experience in pharmaceutical laboratory
• Experience in drug product development
• Familiarity with characterization instruments (U/HPLC, CE, DLS, DSF, CD, FTIR, ELISA, MS)
• Previous experience working in GLP-compliant environments
• Knowledge of monoclonal antibodies, therapeutic proteins, and/or small molecule API

Pay Range

• Pay Range: $28.00 - $40.00/per hour
• This role is on-site in El Segundo, CA
• Leveling and base pay is determined by job-related skills, education level, experience level, and job performance

• 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. 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.  

Benefits