Scientist I

The Fountain Group is a national staffing firm and we are currently seeking a ­­­­­­­­Associate Scientist – Biologics Formulation & Process Development for a prominent client of ours.  This position is in ­Irvine, CA 92612. Details for the position are as follows:

Associate Scientist – Biologics Formulation & Process Development

• Location: Irvine, CA
• Pay: $39 - $42/hour
• Schedule: 100% Onsite
• Industry: Pharmaceutical / Biotechnology

Position Overview

We are seeking a hands-on Associate Scientist to support early-stage biologics drug product formulation and process development within a pharmaceutical research and development environment.

The ideal candidate will have experience in pharmaceutical or biotechnology research, with a strong foundation in drug product formulation, protein characterization, and/or process development. This position requires a scientist who can independently design, execute, troubleshoot, and interpret laboratory studies while applying scientific principles to solve complex development challenges.

Candidates with direct biologics formulation experience are strongly preferred. Scientists with relevant analytical development experience involving biologics may also be considered.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and troubleshoot laboratory experiments supporting early-stage biologics drug product formulation and process development.
• Support the development and characterization of liquid and lyophilized biologic formulations.
• Conduct formulation studies evaluating protein stability, physicochemical properties, and drug product performance.
• Support drug product process development activities involving sterile liquid formulations and injectable products.
• Perform analytical testing and characterization using techniques such as HPLC, Karl Fischer titration, Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), and UV spectroscopy.
• Independently analyze experimental results, identify trends, investigate unexpected outcomes, and recommend next steps.
• Assist with formulation optimization, process improvements, and troubleshooting activities.
• Maintain accurate laboratory documentation, experimental records, and technical reports.
• Collaborate with cross-functional scientists and development teams to support research objectives.
• Follow established laboratory safety procedures, quality standards, and applicable regulatory requirements.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biology, or a related scientific discipline with approximately 5 years of relevant experience; OR
• Master's degree in a related scientific discipline with approximately 1–3 years of relevant pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry experience.
• Hands-on laboratory experience within a pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry environment.
• Experience in drug product formulation, process development, or analytical development involving biologics.
• Demonstrated ability to independently design and execute experiments, troubleshoot technical challenges, and interpret scientific data.
• Strong understanding of scientific principles and the ability to apply critical thinking to experimental design and problem-solving.
• Experience with relevant analytical characterization techniques.
• Strong laboratory documentation, communication, and organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience with biologics or protein formulation development.
• Experience supporting early-stage drug product development.
• Knowledge of protein stability, formulation optimization, and physicochemical characterization.
• Experience with lyophilization or freeze-drying processes.
• Experience with sterile liquid drug products or prefilled syringes.
• Hands-on experience with HPLC, Karl Fischer titration, DLS, and UV spectroscopy.
• Experience working with neurotoxins, highly potent compounds, or in a BSL-2/select-agent laboratory environment.
• Experience independently developing experimental approaches and interpreting results to guide formulation or process development decisions.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is an early-career pharmaceutical or biotechnology scientist with hands-on experience in biologics drug product formulation or process development. They possess strong scientific reasoning skills and can explain not only how experiments are performed, but also why particular methods are selected, how results are interpreted, and how findings influence development decisions.

This role is best suited for a scientist who enjoys hands-on laboratory work, scientific problem-solving, and contributing directly to the development of biologic drug products.

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