Scientific Researcher

ApTask Global Workforce (AGW) is seeking a Scientific Researcher with a Biotechnology company. This is a 11+ month contract opportunity with our client located in South San Francisco, CA.

Summary:

This role will support formulation screening efforts within a Pharmaceutical Sciences group. The successful candidate will contribute to the development and optimization of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) and other parenteral formulations through high-throughput screening strategies and advanced analytical characterization. This role requires hands-on laboratory expertise, strong analytical skills, and the ability to work collaboratively within cross-functional teams to support pharmaceutical formulation development.

Responsibilities:

• Design and execute high-throughput formulation screening experiments for lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) and other parenteral drug delivery systems, using both bench instruments and automation tools
• Physicochemical characterization of LNPs including particle size distribution, encapsulation efficiency, zeta potential, stability testing, etc
• Solubility and stability screenings, solid state/polymorph characterizations to support formulation research and development
• Design, plan, and troubleshoot laboratory experiments while maintaining strong attention to data quality and reproducibility
• Analyze and interpret experimental data, generating clear reports, presentations, and summaries for project teams
• Document experimental procedures and results in electronic laboratory notebooks (ELN) and internal data management systems
• Collaborate with analytical scientists, formulation scientists, and cross-functional project teams to support development programs
• Identify technical challenges and propose potential solutions to improve formulation performance and experimental workflows
• Maintain compliance with laboratory safety standards, internal quality requirements, and regulatory guidelines

Requirements:

• BS or MS degree in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline
• 1 - 5 years of industrial experience in pharmaceutical formulation research and development
• Strong theoretical knowledge of pharmaceutics; analytical, physical, and/or organic chemistry
• Hands-on experience with LNP formulation and analytics, including microfluidics, dialysis and ultrafiltration, particle sizing, encapsulation efficiency analysis
• Self-motivated with strong problem-solving capabilities to design and execute experiments independently
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to work effectively in a collaborative team environment
• Pharmaceutical formulation development
• LNP and parenteral formulations
• High-throughput experimentation
• Analytical chemistry techniques
• Data analysis and interpretation
• Laboratory automation technologies
• Scientific problem solving
• Cross-functional collaboration

Desired skills:

• Hands-on experience with analytical tools including UV/Vis/fluorescence spectroscopy, HPLC-UV/CAD/MS, capillary electrophoresis, or related technologies
• Experience in analyzing peptides and nucleic acids
• Experience with lab automation and hands-on experience with robotic liquid and solid handlers
• Experience performing high-content data analysis, AI/ML, and interpreting complex experimental results

Pay range: Up to $50.82 per Hour

Only candidates available and ready to work directly as ApTask Global Workforce (AGW) employees will be considered for this position.

If you have the described qualifications and are interested in this exciting opportunity, please apply!

ApTask Global Workforce (AGW)

ApTask Global Workforce (AGW) is a certified Minority and Veteran workforce solutions company. AGW delivers operational, clinical, lab and professional talent with a strong focus on healthcare and life sciences. The company supports clients with reliable staffing, program expertise and a commitment to quality, speed and consistent delivery.

Benefits of working with ApTask Global Workforce include:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Sick Pay (for applicable states/municipalities)

Our team stays close to the process and is here to guide you every step of the way. To learn more, please visit our website

ApTask Global Workforce is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Candidates will receive consideration without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.