Formulation Scientist

About Gaia:

Gaia Health is an early stage consumer biotech company focused on developing advanced controlled release drug delivery technologies through the lens of patient trust, design, and experience. Our platform enables new therapies to reach patients and makes existing ones more precise, accessible, and easier to live with. Working alongside patients, clinicians, and innovators, we’re unlocking the full potential of modern medicine. Backed by world class angel and institutional investors, and supported by advisors and industry veterans at the intersection of pharma, consumer products, and healthcare, we are building with ambition and purpose.  

The Role

We’re seeking a Scientific Associate or Scientist to support formulation and analytical development of complex, differentiated drug products as our programs advance from early research toward the clinic. This role is intentionally flexible in level, designed for the right candidate ranging from entry level through early career, with scope and title determined based on experience and skills.

This is a hands-on, lab based role for someone who is passionate about drug delivery, eager to learn, and excited to help build transformational drug products at an early stage startup. You will work closely with our experts in formulation and analytical science, generate high quality data, and contribute to the technical foundation of our platform.

Key Responsibilities

• Support formulation and drug product development for novel controlled release dosage forms
• Execute laboratory experiments related to formulation screening, optimization, and stability
• Prepare samples and perform routine analytical testing to characterize drug product performance
• Support development, optimization, and execution of analytical methods used in formulation and process development
• Collect, analyze, and clearly document experimental data in lab notebooks and internal reports
• Summarize results and contribute to technical discussions and development decisions
• Support Design of Experiments studies through experimental execution and data collection
• Assist with material preparation, equipment setup, maintenance, and lab organization
• Collaborate with internal teams and external CRO and CDMO partners by supporting sample preparation, data review, and technology transfer activities
• Follow stage appropriate safety, quality, and data integrity best practices
• Help build scalable, reproducible laboratory workflows and a strong experimental culture
• Grow technical depth and independence over time through mentorship and hands on learning

Required Qualifications:

• B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in pharmaceutical sciences, chemical engineering, chemistry, materials science, biomedical engineering, or a related discipline
• Entry level to early career experience in a laboratory setting, including academic, industry, internship, or co-op experience
• Hands on experience executing laboratory experiments with strong attention to detail and data quality
• Familiarity with formulation science, analytical chemistry, or drug product characterization concepts
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple experiments in a dynamic environment
• Willingness to learn new techniques, technologies, and scientific concepts quickly
• Clear written and verbal communication skills
• Collaborative mindset and enthusiasm for working in a small, cross functional team

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience supporting formulation development, drug delivery systems, or drug product characterization
• Exposure to controlled release technologies, polymers, excipients, or non-oral routes of administration
• Experience with HPLC, dissolution testing, and solid state characterization 
• Familiarity with Quality by Design concepts or Design of Experiments
• Experience working in regulated or cGMP laboratory environments
• Advanced research experience at the M.S. or Ph.D. level demonstrating strong scientific rigor and curiosity

Who You Are

• A curious, motivated scientist who enjoys working at the bench and learning through experimentation
• Someone who takes pride in generating reliable, interpretable data
• A fast learner who asks thoughtful questions and seeks feedback
• A team oriented contributor who values collaboration and shared success
• Energized by early stage environments where roles evolve and impact is tangible
• Passionate about improving patient experiences through better medicines

Why Join Us

• Contribute to a fundamental shift in how we relate to medicine and create a world class product that touches billions of lives.
• Learn directly from experienced scientists, engineers, clinicians, and advisors
• Gain broad exposure to formulation, analytical, and drug product development in a startup environment
• Join early with a competitive salary, meaningful equity, and full health benefits
• A culture that values creativity, inclusivity, kindness, and a shared mission to make the world healthier
• A dynamic role that evolves with the company, offering room for growth and opportunities to have high impact