JLSa2, founded in 2024, is a well-resourced, seed-stage venture backed company located in South San Francisco currently developing a robust pipeline of novel protein-drug conjugate therapies to better address human metabolic diseases and other non-oncology related diseases.
The Senior Protein & Peptide/Chemical-Protein Conjugate Formulation Scientist is a technical leader responsible for the development, optimization, and characterization of stable formulations for protein- and peptide/chemical conjugates-based therapeutics. This role provides deep subject-matter expertise in biophysical characterization, formulation design, and stability strategy, supporting programs from late discovery through clinical development.
The position combines hands-on experimental work with technical leadership, cross-functional influence, and strategic input into developability and CMC decisions.
Key Responsibilities
Formulation Development & Strategy
- Design and optimize formulations for proteins and peptide/chemical-protein conjugates (liquid, long-acting, oral and high-concentration)
- Develop formulation strategies that address stability, aggregation, degradation, and delivery challenges
- Support route of administration and dosage form selection for subcutaneous and oral routes
- Lead formulation risk assessments and mitigation strategies
Biophysical & Analytical Characterization
- Apply biophysical techniques to assess stability and developability (e.g., DSC, DLS, CD, SEC, HIC, rheology, subvisible particles)
- Interpret stress and forced degradation data to guide formulation decisions
- Collaborate with analytical teams on method development and comparability
Program & Cross-Functional Leadership
- Serve as formulation lead on cross-functional project teams
- Provide formulation input to candidate selection and early CMC strategy
- Support tech transfer to development, manufacturing, and external partners
- Contribute to IND-enabling and regulatory documentation (CMC sections)
Mentorship & Scientific Leadership
- Mentor junior formulation and analytical scientists
- Establish best practices, workflows, and technical standards
- Act as a subject-matter expert in internal reviews and governance forums
External Collaboration
- Manage and oversee formulation activities with CROs and CDMOs
- Evaluate new formulation technologies and excipient strategies
- Stay current with advances in protein and peptide formulation science
Required Qualifications
Education & Experience
- PhD in pharmaceutical sciences, chemical engineering, biochemistry, or related discipline
- 5–10+ years of industry experience in protein and/or peptide formulation
- Deep expertise in biologics and drug-conjugates formulation and stability science
- Experience with high-concentration formulations and/or long-acting injectables
- Experience with oral delivery formulations
- Proven track record supporting clinical candidates
- Strong experimental design, data interpretation, and problem-solving skills
Preferred Qualifications
- Familiarity with device compatibility and combination products
- Familiarity with Auntie and Big Tuna and other Unchained analytical tools
- Experience with global regulatory filings (IND/IMPD)
- Prior experience in biotech or fast-paced development environments
Key Competencies
- Scientific rigor and technical depth
- Cross-functional leadership without direct authority
- Strategic thinking with hands-on execution
- Clear scientific communication and documentation
- Mentorship and team development
Reporting Structure
- Reports to: VP of Protein Engineering
- Role level: Senior individual contributor with project leadership responsibilities
Salary Range: $175,000 to $200,000+ (Compensation will be commensurate with experience/expertise/level and could fall outside of the stated range)