Senior Research Associate, Drug Product Development

Crinetics Pharmaceuticals

Senior Research Associate developing drug product formulations from preclinical studies to clinical supply for FIH trials. Collaborating with teams to deliver high-quality drug products in a fast-paced environment.

Posted 5/17/2026full-timeRemote • California • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $82,000 - $103,000 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Support the development of drug product formulations from early preclinical enabling studies through clinical supply for First-in-Human (FIH) trials
Contribute hands-on laboratory execution, data analysis, and technical documentation in support of formulation development for oral and/or parenteral dosage forms
Perform hands-on formulation development activities for preclinical and early clinical drug products, including FIH studies
Prepare and evaluate formulations for in vivo (PK, tox) and clinical use
Execute laboratory experiments including formulation preparation, characterization, and stability testing
Maintain accurate and well-documented experimental records in electronic laboratory notebooks (ELNs)
Support scale-up, tech transfer, and manufacturing activities for clinical supplies
Assist in preparation of protocols, reports, and CMC documentation to support regulatory submissions
Collaborate cross-functionally with analytical, DMPK, toxicology, quality, and external partners/CDMOs
Troubleshoot formulation and manufacturing challenges; propose practical solutions
Ensure compliance with internal procedures and applicable GMP/GxP requirements

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field
Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in pharmaceutical formulation development, with demonstrated hands-on lab experience
Experience supporting preclinical and/or clinical formulation development, ideally through FIH
Experience with oral dosage forms and/or parenteral formulations
Familiarity with common formulation techniques and excipients
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Strong laboratory execution and problem-solving skills
Ability to work under minimal supervision while contributing effectively in a team environment
Knowledge of regulatory expectations related to early-phase CMC development; exposure to GMP manufacturing and/or clinical supply preparation is a plus
Excellent interpersonal skills, with strong oral/written communication and presentation skills
Ability to author and review relevant development reports
Ability to work in cross functional teams as related to drug development with a collaborative mindset with a proactive, solution-oriented approach
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment

Benefits

Comp & perks

Health insurance plans (medical, dental, vision)
401k match
20 days of PTO
10 paid holidays
Winter company shutdown
Discretionary annual target bonus
Stock options
ESPP

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

pharmaceutical formulation developmentlaboratory executiondata analysisformulation preparationformulation characterizationstability testingregulatory submissionsCMC documentationoral dosage formsparenteral formulations

Soft Skills

organizational skillsattention to detailproblem-solving skillsteam collaborationinterpersonal skillsoral communicationwritten communicationpresentation skillsproactive approachability to manage multiple priorities