Biologics Formulation Research Internship - Spring 2027

Varda Space · Internship

Where: El Segundo, California, United States
Posted: Aug 7

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. Varda’s W-Series vehicles are built, designed, and operated by Varda in-house, including the pharmaceutical processing payloads, the capsules, the C-PICA heat shields, and the satellite buses.

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.

What you'd do

Design and execute binding and selection studies between disordered protein stabilizers and microcrystalline pharmaceutical substrates
Evaluate stabilizer performance through lyophilization and reconstitution cycles, assessing protein integrity before and after freeze-drying stress
Conduct purity and charge variant analysis via SDS-PAGE and capillary isoelectric focusing (cIEF)
Prepare reagents, buffers, and sample sets in advance to ensure experiments run on schedule
Maintain accurate, well-documented records in laboratory notebooks and electronic systems
Collaborate with formulation scientists to anticipate laboratory needs and contribute to team meetings and progress updates
Nano differential scanning fluorimetry (nanoDSF)
Analytical size exclusion chromatography (SEC)
Dynamic light scattering (DLS)
Circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy

What they want

Currently enrolled in an accredited bachelor's or graduate degree program in Biochemistry, Biophysics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, Molecular Biology, or a related field
Prior hands-on laboratory experience in an academic or industry setting is required
Knowledge of basic analytical techniques for protein characterization
Strong attention to detail and ability to follow experimental protocols precisely
Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities
Effective written and verbal communication skills
Fully stocked kitchen with lunch provided daily and dinner provided twice weekly
Company and team-bonding events, happy hours and mission-success celebrations
Complimentary EV charging

What you get

Hourly Rate: $33.00
Housing stipend for interns relocating to the area
Commuter benefit to support local transportation