Research Scientist - Formulation and Lyophilization

Position Overview

We are hiring a Research Scientist – Formulation and Lyophilization. The Research Scientist – Formulation and Lyophilization will be responsible for leading formulation development studies to improve solubility, stability, and bioactivity of recombinant cytokines and growth factors, design and execute lyophilization cycles with a focus on reducing moisture content, improving cake appearance, and maintaining activity. They will evaluate excipients and delivery system compatibility for liquid and lyophilized formats (vials, bags, etc.), and provide scientific guidance to junior team members and support troubleshooting of formulation-related challenges.

Company Overview

At FUJIFILM Irvine Scientific (dba FUJIFILM Biosciences), we turn curiosity into breakthroughs that advance the field of life sciences. By offering a comprehensive portfolio of products and services in cell culture media, discovery research reagents, recombinant growth factors and proteins, fine chemicals, and critical assay materials, we partner with the brightest minds in biotech and pharma to tackle the world’s biggest health challenges.

Imagine being part of a team that enables life-changing discoveries like new vaccines, therapies, and advancements in regenerative medicine. Our culture fosters curiosity, collaboration, and innovation, and we pride ourselves on delivering unparalleled quality and service to our partners. If you’re ready to make an impact, your future belongs with us at FUJIFILM Irvine Scientific (dba FUJIFILM Biosciences).

Our headquarters in Santa Ana, California, is surrounded by world-class schools, lush parks, and scenic beaches like Laguna and Huntington, making it an ideal place to live, work, and explore. With additional campuses across the US, Europe, China, and Japan, we offer opportunities to make a difference worldwide.

Fujifilm is globally headquartered in Tokyo with over 70,000 employees across four key business segments of healthcare, electronics, business innovation, and imaging. We are guided and united by our Group Purpose of “giving our world more smiles.” Visit: https://www.fujifilm.com/us/en/about/region/careers

Job Description

Responsibilities 

• Lead formulation development studies to improve solubility, stability, and bioactivity of recombinant cytokines and growth factors.
• Work closely with downstream scientists
• Design and execute lyophilization cycles with a focus on reducing moisture content, improving cake appearance, and maintaining activity.
• Evaluate excipients and delivery system compatibility for liquid and lyophilized formats (vials, bags etc.).
• Author technical reports, batch records, and development protocols.
• Collaborate with analytical teams for stability studies and characterization.
• Support scale-up of formulation and lyophilization processes for pilot and GMP manufacturing.
• Present formulation data to cross-functional teams and contribute to regulatory documentation.
• Provide scientific guidance to junior team members and support troubleshooting of formulation-related challenges.

Required Skills/Education 

• B.S. with more than 8 years, M.S. with 3-5 years, or Ph.D. with less than 2 years of relevant working experience in Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related field.
• Relevant work experience with proteins and purification techniques are required.
• Able to troubleshoot equipment and experimental problems independently.
• Perform advanced data analysis, use of statistical software and generate summary data reports & presentations (creation understandable graphical representations of data).
• Able to prepare formal reports and presentations independently with review/ very minor edits from supervisor.
• Able to interpret scientific literature, apply knowledge to projects (e.g. experimental design information, concentration ranges, etc.), use information to develop new and novel ideas/concepts/product development.
• Able to design scientifically sound experimental designs with minimal guidance.
• Strong experience in protein formulation development, particularly for biologics or therapeutic proteins.
• Proven hands-on experience with lyophilization cycle development and thermal characterization techniques.
• Familiarity with delivery system development for liquid and lyophilized formats
• Knowledge of protein stability, aggregation, and degradation pathways.
• Experience with analytical tools such as SEC-HPLC, DLS, UV, and CD preferred.
• Excellent data interpretation and scientific communication skills.
• General knowledge and application of project management skills.
• General understanding of the NPD/ phase gating process and function, able to apply this knowledge and support projects independently (i.e. completing check list items, participation in project timeline setting with other departments).
• Intermediate business acumen, learning/ understanding fundamental business concepts (i.e. general understanding of concepts and the ability to apply them to NPD).

Desired Skills

• Strong understanding of the functions of other departments and able to work interdepartmentally/ cross functionally.
• Strong creative/ innovating thinking skills, intermediate level application of thoughts to process/ workflow improvements & product development.
• Actively participates in scientific discussion (e.g. meetings) demonstrating complex scientific/ critical thinking.
• Able to interact with upper management/ executive officers in a professional manner, expressing ideas and opinions clearly and concisely.
• Ability to speak, read and write English proficiently.
• Good oral and written communication skills

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Life Insurance
• 401k
• Paid Time Off

*#LI-onsite

EEO Information

Fujifilm is committed to providing equal opportunities in hiring, promotion and advancement, compensation, benefits, and training regardless of nationality, age, gender, sexual orientation or gender identity, race, ethnicity, religion, political creed, ideology, national, or social origin, disability, veteran status, etc.

ADA Information

If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to our HR Department ([email protected]).