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Associate Formulation Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Reporting to the Associate Director, Formulation Development, this role provides hands on technical ... The Formulation Development Scientist will collaboratively support formulation development ...

Reporting to the Associate Director, Formulation Development, this role provides hands on technical ... The Formulation Development Scientist will collaboratively support formulation development ...

Associate Scientist

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

$65K - $108K/yr

Execute formulation and stability studies under the federal task leader's direction, including coordinating analytical sample generation and testing. * Independently generate and analyze samples ...

Execute formulation and stability studies under the federal task leader's direction, including coordinating analytical sample generation and testing. * Independently generate and analyze samples ...

Biological Scientist

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

$95K - $110K/yr

Biological Scientist ASSOCIATE SCIENTIST, FORMULATION DEVELOPMENT GROUP National Institutes of Health / National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) RJIT Solutions is an information ...

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Associate Formulation Scientist information

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$72

How much do associate formulation scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate formulation scientist in the United States is $37.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.24 and $43.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate formulation scientist?

To thrive as an Associate Formulation Scientist, you need a solid background in chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, or a related field, often supported by a bachelor's or master's degree. Experience with laboratory techniques, analytical instruments (like HPLC, GC), and familiarity with GLP/GMP regulations are essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are standout soft skills for this role. These skills ensure accurate formulation development, compliance with regulatory standards, and successful collaboration in a research-driven environment.

What is the difference between Associate Formulation Scientist vs Formulation Scientist?

AspectAssociate Formulation ScientistFormulation Scientist
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in pharmacy, chemistry, or related field; some roles may require 1-2 years of experienceBachelor's or master's degree; typically 2+ years of experience in formulation development
Work EnvironmentLaboratory setting, supporting formulation projects under supervisionLaboratory and development environment, leading formulation tasks
Employer & Industry UsagePharmaceutical, biotech, and cosmetic companiesPharmaceutical and biotech industries, R&D departments

The Associate Formulation Scientist role is an entry-level position supporting formulation development, often with less experience required. The Formulation Scientist typically has more experience and takes on greater responsibility in developing and optimizing formulations. Both roles are common in pharmaceutical and biotech industries, with the Associate position serving as a stepping stone to more advanced formulation roles.

What does an associate formulation scientist do?

An Associate Formulation Scientist is responsible for developing and optimizing formulas for products such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, or food items. They conduct experiments to test the stability, safety, and effectiveness of different formulations, often working under the guidance of more senior scientists. Their duties may also include documenting results, preparing reports, and collaborating with other teams such as quality control or production. This role is essential for ensuring that products meet regulatory standards and perform as intended.

What are the typical collaboration points between an associate formulation scientist and other departments?

As an Associate Formulation Scientist, you’ll frequently collaborate with teams from analytical chemistry, quality assurance, regulatory affairs, and manufacturing. This cross-functional interaction is essential for troubleshooting formulation issues, ensuring regulatory compliance, and scaling up laboratory formulations for production. Regular meetings and project updates with these departments not only help streamline workflow but also provide valuable exposure to different areas of the product development process, fostering both learning and career growth.
What cities are hiring for Associate Formulation Scientist jobs? Cities with the most Associate Formulation Scientist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Formulation Scientist jobs? The most popular types of Formulation Scientist jobs are:
What states have the most Associate Formulation Scientist jobs? States with the most job openings for Associate Formulation Scientist jobs include:
Infographic showing various Associate Formulation Scientist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,236 per year, or $37.6 per hour.

Senior Associate Scientist (Contract), Formulation Development

Vaxcyte

San Carlos, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

Join our Mission to Protect Humankind!
Vaxcyte is a clinical-stage vaccine innovation company engineering high-fidelity vaccines to protect humankind from the consequences of bacterial diseases, which have serious and costly health consequences when left unchecked. Working to eradicate or treat bacterial infections such as invasive pneumococcal disease, Group A Strep, and Shigella is just the beginning. Our path to success is clear and well-defined, and Vaxcyte is set up to go the distance.
WHAT we do is every bit as important as HOW we do it! Our work together is guided by four enduring core values:
*RETHINK CONVENTION: We bring creative and intellectual diversity to every facet of the work we do in order to innovate and re-innovate the way vaccines are delivered.
*AIM HIGH: We embody our collectively audacious goal to courageously make the most complex biologics ever attempted to protect humankind.
*LEAD WITH HEART: Everyone leads at Vaxcyte with a kindness-first, inclusive approach to collaboration and vigorous debate that advances our business objectives.
*MODEL EXCELLENCE: The magnitude of our challenge requires our shared commitment to demonstrating integrity, accountability, equality and clarity across communications and decision making.
Summary:
Vaxcyte has an exciting opportunity for a highly-motivated and talented individual to join our Formulation Development team. The Senior Research Associate Scientist will play a critical role in the development of innovative protein-polysaccharide conjugate vaccines.
The successful candidate will independently design, execute, and support formulation development activities to advance Vaxcyte's drug product pipeline from early-stage development through clinical studies and commercialization. In this role, the candidate will lead complex experimental studies, including the design of formulation screening strategies, analytical testing, and physicochemical characterization of drug products; support investigations; and contribute to process optimization and technical problem-solving.
Essential Functions:
  • Support and execute the manufacture of complex drug products to support formulation development, analytical development, animal immunogenicity studies, and process development.
  • With guidance, design, plan, and independently perform complex experiments, including troubleshooting and optimization of formulation processes.
  • Analyze and interpret experimental data; clearly communicate findings through presentations in working group meetings and contributions to technical reports and presentations.
  • Analyze samples with biochemical, biophysical and particle characterization techniques, interpret results, and communicate conclusions to the broader team.
  • Prepare buffers, solutions, and reagents to support formulation and analytical activities, ensuring accuracy and consistency.
  • Maintain scientific rigor and ensure detailed, accurate documentation of all experiments conducted.
  • Support and enhance laboratory organization, including bench management, inventory control, and compliance with safety and regulatory standards.
  • Ensure accurate, thorough, and timely documentation of all experimental work in electronic lab notebooks.
  • This position reports into the Formulation Development function and is part of the broader Process Development and Manufacturing group.
  • This position will collaborate with cross-functional groups and the ability to work effectively in a collaborative environment is essential.
  • Demonstrate agility in both scientific thinking and practical execution; a proactive, solution-oriented mindset is strongly encouraged.
  • This is a lab-based position and requires the ability to stand or sit for extended periods as well as work in biosafety cabinets.
Requirements:
  • BS degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related field with minimum 5 years of relevant industry experience, or MS degree with minimum 3 years of relevant industry experience. Experience in vaccine formulation development is a plus.
  • Strong hands-on experience in buffer preparation, formulation development, and laboratory techniques.
  • Demonstrated ability to independently design and execute experiments and troubleshoot technical challenges.
  • Proficiency in maintaining detailed and accurate records; experience with electronic lab notebooks (ELN) is required.
  • Experience interpreting complex data sets with data analysis tools (e.g., GraphPad Prism, JMP) and a solid understanding of statistical analysis is preferred.
  • Strong organizational skills with attention to detail in pipetting, sample preparation, and data recording.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
  • Proven ability to work effectively in a cross-functional, collaborative environment across multiple projects.
  • Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
  • Demonstrated initiative, scientific curiosity, and the ability to contribute strategically within a fast-paced team.

Reports to: Scientist II, Formulation Development
Work Arrangement: Onsite (minimum of 4 days per week)
Location: San Carlos, CA
Expected Contract Length: 12months
Hourly Range: $56/hr.- $62/hr.
We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.

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About Vaxcyte

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Biotechnology research and development

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

San Carlos, CA, US

Year founded

2013