Research Associate

The Company

Watershed Therapeutics builds drug-device combination products that deliver cancer drugs directly to the bladder — continuously, for weeks — then clear on their own. No removal procedure. No second surgery. Our lead product (SHED-03) is a biodegradable scaffold for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer treatment. We are pre-IND, preparing for a Phase 1b clinical trial, and moving toward FDA submission via the 505(b)(2) pathway. We are five people in a lab in Seattle. We make physical things with our hands.

The Role

You will work in the lab every day — formulating, assembling devices, pressing tablets, running dissolution testing, and documenting everything. In any given week we will:

· Manufacture a batch of devices, or devices that make the devices

· Run in vitro release testing (IVRT) and compile data

· Help prepare regulatory submission documents

· Receive/inventory raw materials; set up and maintain lab equipment

· Present experimental results to the team — and defend them

As you prove yourself, you take ownership: a formulation program, a method transfer to a CMO, analytical work for clinical batch release. Growth here is earned.

Requirements

B.S. or M.S. in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, pharmaceutical sciences, bioengineering, or related field. 1–3 years hands-on lab experience (thesis bench work counts). Plus:

· Experience with formulation, compounding, or drug product manufacturing

· Competence with analytical techniques (UV-Vis, HPLC, dissolution, or similar)

· Ability to write clear lab notebooks and batch records

· Comfort handling hazardous compounds under containment (fume hoods, PPE, OEB 3–5)

Bonus: GMP/GLP experience, QMS familiarity (ISO 13485, 21 CFR 210/211), lipid-based formulations, polymer coating, combination products.

How We Work

Feedback is blunt and task-focused. The CEO is a trauma surgeon. We are biased toward action — we test and fail faster than others can think and plan. Some days are formulation science; other days are cleaning glassware. Both matter equally. If any task is beneath you, don't apply. This is early-stage biotech building a cancer drug for patients who have run out of options. The hours reflect that.

Compensation

Base starts at $80k+ (experience-dependent). Below Seattle market and we know it. In return: meaningful equity approaching a first clinical trial, exposure to every aspect of drug product development (CMC, regulatory, clinical, QMS), and the chance to build something that treats cancer from scratch. Early employees are worth multiples of what we pay them — equity is how that gap closes.

Location

On-site at the Icogenex BioIncubator, Fremont, Seattle (454 N 34th St). Not hybrid. Not remote.

How to Apply

Send your resume and a short note (not a cover letter — a few sentences) on why this role interests you and what you've built or made with your hands. Then answer this in two paragraphs or less:

"Tell me about the biggest risk you’ve ever taken."

We read every application. No automated screening. If you're a fit, you'll hear from us. If you think you belong here but there is a better role for you, make your argument.

Pay: $80,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Stock options
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person