Scientist, Early Formulation Full-time

Scientist, Early Formulation

The Scientist, Early Formulation will be a key member of the Early Formulation team in Cambridge, MA, developing fit-for-purpose vaccine formulations that support projects for preclinical studies and generating in vitro assessment insights that guide antigen design, lead selection, and optimization. This hands-on, laboratory-based role focuses on designing and executing formulation and stability studies, characterizing physicochemical properties, and generating in vitro and in vivo assessment data that inform antigen design, lead selection, and portfolio decision-making across multiple vaccine modalities.

Responsibilities:

• Design, prepare and test vaccine formulations at bench scale to support progression of key pipeline projects in Early Formulation and the broader Vaccine Discovery Technology projects.
• Support timely screening and comparison of different vaccine modalities (e.g., adjuvanted protein, mRNA-LNP, VLPs, polysaccharide vaccines) for in vitro and in vivo evaluations, contributing data that enables candidate ranking, selection and optimization.
• Build, maintain and operate high-throughput formulation and screening processes across multiple modalities, applying design–build–test–learn workflows to accelerate vaccine discovery and portfolio decision-making.
• Characterize physicochemical properties and relevant critical quality attributes using analytical methods such as particle size analysis, pH and viscosity measurement, single-particle measurements, chromatography and thermal analysis.
• Design and execute stability studies and compatibility assessments under fit-for-purpose formulation conditions, interpret data, and provide clear recommendations to project teams regarding candidate robustness and formulation risks.
• Maintain accurate, high-quality laboratory records (electronic and/or paper notebooks), prepare study reports, and present data and scientific insights to project teams and stakeholders in a clear, structured manner.
• Conform to Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) rules and regulations, maintaining the formulation laboratory space in an organized, safe and inspection-ready condition.
• Troubleshoot experiments, improve methods, and contribute to the development and refinement of standard operating procedures and standardized workflows that enhance reproducibility and throughput.
• Demonstrate strong ownership and accountability for delivery of data and materials to project milestones, working proactively with team members to keep tasks on track and resolve issues.
• Actively contribute to a collaborative, inclusive and high-performing team culture, showing excellent interpersonal skills, a patient and approachable demeanor, and clear verbal and written communication.

Basic Qualifications:

• BS (+8 years), MS (+4 years) or PhD (+0 years) in pharmaceutical sciences, chemical engineering, biochemistry, formulation science or a closely related discipline.
• Laboratory experience preparing and evaluating formulations for small molecules or biologics, including experience with stability study design and data interpretation.
• Experience with analytical techniques such as HPLC, particle sizing, pH and viscosity measurement, and thermal analysis; experience with additional techniques (e.g., DSF, single-particle measurements) is beneficial.
• Experience utilizing laboratory documentation practices and experience using electronic or paper laboratory notebooks, including preparation of clear study reports.

Preferred Qualifications:

• MS or PhD in formulation science, pharmaceutics, or a closely related discipline with direct experience in vaccine, biologics or protein- or mRNA-based discovery programs.
• Experience with biologics and mRNA formulations, virus-like particles (VLPs) and polysaccharide bioconjugates, including adjuvanted systems and sterile formulation development.
• Demonstrated strong sense of ownership and personal responsibility, with experience coordinating with team members to ensure tasks are on track and goals are met successfully.
• Good verbal and written communication skills and ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment.
• Familiarity with in vitro high-throughput screening and analytics relevant to vaccine candidates and rapid lead ranking across modalities.
• Prior experience working in pharmaceutical or biotech industry environments, ideally in early-stage vaccine or biologics formulation and development.
• Proven ability to connect early formulation and stability assessment data to portfolio impact and strategic decision-making, helping guide antigen design, lead selection and candidate optimization.