Senior Research Associate I, Drug Discovery Formulation Science

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Job description

The Position:

We are excited to welcome a passionate and skilled individual to join our Analytical and Formulation Sciences team within the Drug Discovery Department at Maze Therapeutics. This lab-based position offers a unique opportunity for you to expand your expertise in formulation and analytical sciences while contributing to the discovery of novel medicines. As a member of research project teams, you will conduct activities related to test article formulation to support drug discovery programs driving advancements in biological target pharmacology, small molecule lead optimization and development candidate selection.

Your Impact:

• Execute experiments for the formulation and QC of oral and parenteral vehicles for in vivo evaluation of novel lead materials.
• Prepare and deliver accurate formulation of test articles to achieve experimental goals. Conduct solid form characterization including thermodynamic solubility, particle size, polyform characterization, melting point, salt equivalent determination, and water content analysis to advance lead compounds toward candidate nomination.
• Work closely with experts in medicinal chemistry, DMPK, pharmacology, and technical operations to generate key data that drive understanding of ADMET properties and test article pharmacology.
• Partner with Technical Operations and CMC teams to develop prototype formulations and processes for non-GLP pre-clinical studies in advanced research programs.
• Operate state-of-the art analytical instruments, such as Agilent HPLC 1260, waters LCMS, PLM, and Rigaku Miniflex XRPD.
• Track formulation activities under tight timelines, ensuring cross-functional collaboration and accountability.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Master's with 2+ years, or Bachelor's with 5+ years of relevant experience in an academic, biotech, or pharmaceutical industry
• Degree in Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline
• Proven experience in developing and optimizing oral and/or parenteral, formulations of small molecules for the characterization of ADMET properties or in vivo pharmacology
• Hands on experience with HPLC analysis, stability testing, and physicochemical property determination. Familiarity with solid form characterization techniques, including PLM, TGA, DSC, XRPD, and Dissolution preferred.
• Strong experimental design skills for various dose formulations, along with expertise in developing methods for drug materials with low solubility.
• Exceptional attention to details and experience in protocol writing experience for accurately recording experimental parameters and procedures.
• Excellent communication, organization, time management, and documentation skills. Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

About Maze Therapeutics

Maze Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company that is harnessing the power of human genetics to transform the lives of patients, with a focus on genetically informed therapies for common diseases, such as chronic kidney disease, and seeks to focus expertise and resources towards underserved communities. Maze applies variant functionalization in tandem with advanced data science methods and a robust suite of research and development capabilities to advance a pipeline of novel precision medicines. Maze has developed the Maze Compass Platform , a proprietary, purpose-built platform to understand and integrate the critical step of variant functionalization into each stage of drug development. Utilizing the Maze Compass Platform , Maze is building a broad portfolio of wholly owned and partnered programs. Its two lead programs are focused in Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), a condition that impacts an estimated 37m individuals. The first program in CKD addresses a genetic subset of the common disease that has a disproportionate impact on the Black Community. Maze is based in South San Francisco.

Our People

Maze is comprised of a team of passionate and creative professionals committed to discovering and delivering transformative medicines to patients suffering from both rare and common genetic diseases. We are fostering a culture that encourages vision, initiative and the development of talent. Our supportive work environment inspires creative thinking and freedom of expression, resulting in a stimulating atmosphere where people enjoy coming to work. While we have a passion for advanced science and pride ourselves on excellence in execution, ultimately, everything we do is about patients.

Our Core Values

Further Together - Our path is paved with challenges, but with resilience and a team-first mentality, we'll achieve our mission.

Impact Obsessed - We embrace the bold, take calculated risks, and learn from our mistakes to improve the lives of others.

Stand True - Our integrity is foundational; it guides us no matter the obstacle.

The expected annual salary range for employees located in the San Francisco Bay Area is $100,000 - $122,000. Additionally, this position is eligible for an annual performance bonus. Maze performs position-based compensation benchmarking to industry market data to ensure we pay competitive wages. Determination of starting salary will depend upon a variety of job-related factors, which may include professional experience, skills, and job location. The expected salary range for this role may be modified in the future.

Maze offers a robust benefits package to our eligible employees including competitive medical, dental, and vision insurance, mental health offerings, equity incentive plan, 401(k) program with employer match and a generous holiday and PTO policy.

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