Associate Scientist, Biologics Formulation Development
Avid Bioservices
Summary
The Associate Scientist, Biologics Formulation Development will lead formulation development activities within the Process Development department. This role is responsible for defining formulation strategies, executing technical studies, and supporting cross-functional integration as the capability expands. The individual will collaborate closely with Downstream Process Development, Analytical Sciences, Program Management, and external partners to support client programs.
Job description
Key Responsibilities
- Lead formulation development of biologics (mAbs), including pre-formulation assessments, excipient screening, and stability studies.
- Hands-on experience with analytical techniques for protein characterization, including DLS, DSF, SEC, CE, rheology, and spectroscopy.
- Expertise in developing high concentration mAb formulations and resolving issues such as aggregation, viscosity, and solubility.
- Ability to identify and mitigate formulation risks including precipitation and chemical degradation.
- Design experiments, analyze data, and prepare technical protocols, reports, and development summaries.
- Design and interpret analytical testing strategies including HPLC (SEC & IEX), CE-SDS, SDS-PAGE, UV spectroscopy, and other biophysical assays to support formulation studies.
- Establish scientific strategy, workflows, and best practices for biologics formulation development.
- Proven ability to work independently in dynamic, fast-paced environments with evolving priorities.
- Present scientific study plans, results and observations to internal and external stakeholders.
- Mentor junior scientists/staff and support onboarding of new team members.
- Ensure compliance with relevant quality and safety standards.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
- Master’s degree/PhD degree in Biochemistry, Chemistry, or related field and minimum 4-5 years of relevant experience and demonstrated working knowledge of scientific principles.
- Prior experience in formulation development, stability studies, and analytical characterization of biologics or strong background in biochemical and biophysical characterization of proteins with deep understanding of protein structure and function.
- Hands-on experience with biophysical and analytical techniques such as DSC, DLS, DSF, CD, HPLC, CE-SDS, UV spectroscopy, etc.
- Proven record of strong technical writing and communication skills.
- Ability to thrive in a dynamic, cross-functional environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Chemistry, or related field with 1-2 years of industry experience, or M.S. with 4-5 years of experience.
- Prior experience in downstream process development of biologics is a plus.
- Experience mentoring or leading scientific staff preferred.
Requirements
- Master’s degree/PhD degree in Biochemistry, Chemistry, or related field
- Minimum 4-5 years of relevant experience
- Demonstrated working knowledge of scientific principles
- Prior experience in formulation development, stability studies, and analytical characterization of biologics or strong background in biochemical and biophysical characterization of proteins
- Deep understanding of protein structure and function
- Hands-on experience with biophysical and analytical techniques such as DSC, DLS, DSF, CD, HPLC, CE-SDS, UV spectroscopy, etc.
- Proven record of strong technical writing and communication skills
- Ability to thrive in a dynamic, cross-functional environment
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- 401(k) matching
- Paid time off
- Performance-based bonuses
Company overview
Avid Bioservices is a leading contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) specializing in biologics derived from mammalian cell culture systems. Founded in 1993 and headquartered in Tustin, California, the company has over 30 years of experience in biologics manufacturing. Avid provides comprehensive process development, CGMP clinical and commercial manufacturing services for the biotechnology and biopharmaceutical industries. Their expertise spans from early-stage process development to full-scale commercial manufacturing, including cell line development, upstream and downstream optimization, analytical methods development, and regulatory submissions support. The company has produced more than 250 commercial batches and has five commercial products marketed in over 90 countries. With state-of-the-art facilities and a flawless quality track record maintained for over a decade, Avid Bioservices focuses on transforming the CDMO experience through personalized processes, unrivaled expertise, and exceptional quality standards. The company was recently acquired by GHO Capital Partners and Ampersand Capital Partners in a $1.1 billion transaction, positioning it for continued growth in the biologics manufacturing sector.