Scientist, Formulation Development

Description

At Merida Biosciences, we are pioneering true precision medicines for antibody-driven diseases. We specifically target pathogenic antibodies and their cellular sources with bespoke Fc biotherapeutics engineered to selectively and completely eliminate the root causes of autoimmune and allergic diseases, and to achieve deep, durable responses while preserving essential immunity. We are looking for passionate individuals to join our mission to transform treatment paradigms across the spectrum of antibody-driven diseases.   

Merida Biosciences is seeking a motivated and collaborative Scientist, Formulation Development to join our Technical Operations team. Reporting to DP and Formulation group, this individual will contribute to the design, development, characterization, and optimization of formulations for biologic drug candidates from early research through clinical development.

The successful candidate will be a hands-on laboratory scientist who enjoys solving complex formulation challenges, thrives in a collaborative and fast-paced environment, and is excited to help build a growing organization. This role offers the opportunity to work closely with colleagues across Analytical Development, Process Development, Clinical Supply, Regulatory, and external development partners to advance innovative therapies toward the clinic.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute formulation development studies for biologic drug candidates, including proteins, antibodies, and other large molecules.

• Develop stable liquid and lyophilized formulations to support preclinical and clinical development, collaborating closely with Analytical Development to evaluate formulation performance and cross-check characterization data.

• Run stability studies, formulation screens, and in-use compatibility assessments; independently troubleshoot instruments and experimental results when things don't behave as expected.

• Perform biochemical and biophysical characterization using modern analytical techniques. 

• Analyze data across studies to spot trends, flag gaps, and identify findings worth investigating further.

• Author laboratory protocols, technical reports, study summaries, and development documentation.

• Support technology transfer activities and oversee formulation-related work conducted at CDMOs.

• Maintain accurate laboratory documentation in accordance with company procedures and industry standards in an electronic notebook.

• Present data and project updates to cross-functional teams.

• Stay current on developments in formulation science and bring relevant new techniques or thinking back to the team.

• Contribute to troubleshooting efforts and continuous improvement initiatives across development programs.

Requirements

• Education & Experience: PhD (0–3 years), MS (6+ years), or BS (8+ years) of relevant industry experience.

• Hands-on experience developing formulations for biologics or protein therapeutics, including stability studies, formulation screening, and in-use compatibility work.

• Hands-on experience with at least several of the following: HPLC, potency assays, HIAC, viscometry, UV-A280/SoloVPE, cIEF, nanoDSF, Biacore/SPR — with a track record of picking up new analytical platforms as the work required, rather than staying within one fixed toolkit.

• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot instruments and experiments independently, and to interpret data to spot trends and gaps worth investigating.

• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills with strong organizational skills and careful attention to detail.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining high-quality scientific standards.

• No specific degree required. What matters is demonstrated expertise and a genuine drive to figure out hard formulation problems. Candidates with a B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, or a related field, with equivalent hands-on experience, are encouraged to apply.

Preferred

• Comfortable operating at a fast pace: a small team supporting a growing pipeline means turnaround matters.

• Picks up unfamiliar analytical platforms quickly with minimal ramp time.

• Treats reagents, samples, and instrument time as worth conserving as a matter of practice.

• Familiarity with Design of Experiments (DoE).

• Experience working with external CDMOs.

• Knowledge of CMC development activities supporting IND-enabling and clinical-stage programs.

• Experience working in a dynamic biotechnology or startup environment.

Merida Biosciences is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any classification protected by federal, state, or local law.

Compensation: We understand that compensation is an important part of considering a new opportunity. Our goal is to be transparent so there are no surprises at the end of the process, and you can feel confident that your offer is both fair and equitable. To support that, we’re sharing our hiring range for this role upfront: typically for the Scientist level we target $125,000 to $145,000. The final offer will take into account a number of factors, including your skills, experience, location, market data, and internal equity. Along with a competitive salary, we’re proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you both personally and professionally.

Note to Employment Agencies: Please do not forward any agency resumes. The company will not be responsible for any fees related to resumes that are unsolicited.