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Formulation Science Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

TekWissen LLC

Formulation Scientist

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

As the global leader in serving the field of science, our client generates approximately $40 ... Formulation Scientist Location: Carlsbad, CA 92008 Duration: 12 Months Job Type: Temporary ...

Fujifilm

Sr. Scientist II- Custom Solutions

Irvine, CA · On-site

$106K - $138K/yr

Collaborate with external customers and provide formulation science services to create custom solutions for their formulations. * Apply scientific/ engineering principles and techniques to identify ...

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How much do formulation science jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for formulation science in California is $22.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $22.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a formulation scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Formulation Scientist, you need a strong background in chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, or a related field, typically supported by at least a bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with analytical instruments, laboratory information management systems (LIMS), and regulatory compliance (such as GMP or FDA guidelines) is essential. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective teamwork skills help you innovate and collaborate efficiently on product development. These qualifications ensure the safe, effective, and regulatory-compliant creation of new products in industries like pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, or food science.

How much do formulation scientists make in the US?

Formulation scientists in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $80,000 to $110,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Entry-level roles may start lower, while experienced professionals or those with specialized skills can earn higher salaries, often supplemented with benefits and bonuses.

What is the difference between Formulation Science vs Pharmaceutical Chemist?

AspectFormulation SciencePharmaceutical Chemist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related fields
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, R&D departments, manufacturing facilitiesLaboratories, research centers, pharmaceutical companies
Industry UsageDesigning and developing drug formulations, improving delivery methodsDeveloping and analyzing chemical compounds, quality control

Formulation Science focuses on creating and optimizing drug delivery systems and formulations, while Pharmaceutical Chemists primarily develop and analyze chemical compounds used in medications. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and often work in overlapping environments within the pharmaceutical industry, but their core responsibilities differ in focus and application.

What is formulation science?

Formulation science is the discipline focused on combining different chemical substances to create products with specific properties and functions, such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food, and household products. Formulation scientists work to ensure that the combination of ingredients is stable, effective, and safe for the intended use. They also optimize the physical, chemical, and sensory characteristics of the final product. This field is critical in industries where product performance and quality are essential to consumer safety and satisfaction.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals in formulation science, and how can they be addressed?

Formulation Science professionals often encounter challenges such as ensuring product stability, optimizing ingredient compatibility, and meeting strict regulatory requirements. Successfully addressing these issues requires strong problem-solving skills, close collaboration with analytical chemists, and diligent documentation. Regular testing and iterative reformulation are common, so adaptability and attention to detail are essential. Working in cross-functional teams with R&D, quality assurance, and manufacturing also helps mitigate challenges and ensures successful product development.

What does a formulation science do?

A formulation scientist develops and optimizes the composition of products such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, or food items to ensure stability, efficacy, and safety. They use knowledge of chemistry, materials, and manufacturing processes, often working with laboratory tools and quality standards to create effective formulations.
What are popular job titles related to Formulation Science jobs in California? For Formulation Science jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Formulation Science jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Formulation Science jobs in California are:
Formulation Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Formulation Science job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,866 per year, or $22.5 per hour.

Senior Scientist, Biologics Formulation

Varda Space Industries

El Segundo, CA • On-site

$140K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

About this Role

Our pharmaceutical team is looking for a highly motivated Senior Scientist to lead protein formulation development programs within our Biologics Formulation team. This role offers the opportunity to pioneer innovative formulation strategies for high concentration biologics and advanced systems while building capabilities in a dynamic startup environment.

As a Senior Scientist, you will lead the design and execution of complex formulation development programs, applying deep expertise in protein chemistry and physical biochemistry to solve challenging formulation problems. You will drive strategic decisions in formulation design, mentor junior scientists, and establish best practices for formulation development in a fast-paced startup setting.

ResponsibilitiesStrategic Formulation Development
  • Lead formulation development programs for high concentration protein therapeutics across dosage forms
  • Design and execute formulation strategies based on first-principles understanding of protein chemistry, including solution behavior, protein-protein interactions, and colloidal stability
  • Develop advanced formulation platforms
  • Apply thermodynamic and kinetic principles to predict and optimize formulation behavior
  • Identify and mitigate formulation-related risks including aggregation, precipitation, viscosity, chemical degradation 
  • Identify Critical Quality Attributes
Technical Leadership & Innovation
  • Serve as technical lead on multiple concurrent formulation projects from early-stage through late-stage development
  • Design experimental strategies and interpret complex datasets to drive formulation decisions
  • Establish formulation development workflows, analytical strategies, and acceptance criteria 
  • Evaluate and implement novel formulation technologies and approaches
  • Interface with cross-functional teams including analytical development, engineering, and external partners
Team Development & Data Excellence
  • Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior scientists
  • Establish robust data management practices and quality standards
  • Maintain exemplary ELN documentation and ensure data integrity across the team
  • Author technical reports, regulatory submissions, and scientific publications
  • Deliver high-quality results within aggressive startup timelines while maintaining scientific rigor
Basic Qualifications
  • PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomaterials, Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, or related discipline
  • 3+ years of biopharmaceutical industry experience in early-stage or late-stage protein formulation development
    Proven track record of leading formulation development projects from concept through execution
  • Deep expertise in protein chemistry, physical biochemistry, and formulation science
  • Extensive hands-on experience with analytical techniques for protein characterization (e.g., DLS, DSF, SEC, CE, rheology, spectroscopy)
  • Experience developing high-concentration protein formulations and mitigating concentration-limiting factors
  • Strong foundation in thermodynamics, solution chemistry, and colloidal science as applied to protein systems
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently in fast-paced environments with shifting priorities 
  • Excellent organizational skills with meticulous attention to data management and ELN practices Strong scientific writing and presentation skills
Preferred Skills And Experience
  • Experience with protein crystallization, for drug delivery
  • Knowledge of advanced formulation systems
  • Experience with lyophilization, spray drying, or other solid-state processing unit operations
  • Familiarity with Design of Experiments (DOE) and statistical analysis approaches
  • Experience with high-throughput formulation screening and automation
  • Track record of scientific publications or patent applications 
  • Experience in startup or resource-constrained R&D environments
  • Background in monoclonal antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates, or other complex biologics
What We Offer
  • Opportunity to pioneer formulation development for space-based biomanufacturing
  • Technical leadership role with significant scientific autonomy
  • Collaborative environment working alongside world-class scientists and engineers
  • Opportunity to shape the scientific direction of a growing company
Pay Range
  • Salary Range: $140,000.00 - $180,000.00/per year
  • This role is on-site in El Segundo, CA
  • Leveling and base salary is determined by job-related skills, education level, experience level, and job performance
  • You will be eligible for long-term incentives in the form of stock options and/or long-term cash awards

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