Scientist II - LNP Formulation

SEO Keywords: Scientist II, LNP Scientist, Lipid Nanoparticle Scientist, Formulation Scientist, Drug Delivery Scientist, mRNA Delivery, siRNA Delivery, Nanoparticle Formulation, Pharmaceutical Scientist, Biopharma Jobs, Nucleic Acid Delivery, LNP Development, Targeted LNP, Drug Development, Biotechnology Careers, Research Scientist, Formulation Development, San Diego Biotech Jobs. Key Responsibilities Lipid Nanoparticle Formulation & Development Formulate and optimize lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) and targeted lipid nanoparticles (tLNPs) for the delivery of nucleic acids, including mRNA, siRNA, and DNA.

Scientist II - LNP Formulation 
Location: San Diego, CA (Onsite)
Relocation Assistance: Not Available
Help Advance the Future of Nucleic Acid Delivery
We are seeking a talented and highly motivated Scientist II - LNP Formulation to join an innovative formulation development team focused on advancing non-viral delivery technologies. This hands-on laboratory role is ideal for scientists with experience in lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulation, nucleic acid delivery, and formulation development who are eager to contribute to cutting-edge therapeutic programs.

Working alongside experienced formulation scientists, you will support the development, optimization, and characterization of both targeted and non-targeted lipid nanoparticles for in vitro and in vivo applications.
Key Responsibilities Lipid Nanoparticle Formulation & Development

• Formulate and optimize lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) and targeted lipid nanoparticles (tLNPs) for the delivery of nucleic acids, including mRNA, siRNA, and DNA.
• Execute formulation activities with guidance from senior scientists to support preclinical research programs.
• Design and conduct experiments to improve nanoparticle performance, encapsulation efficiency, and overall formulation robustness.
• Support early-stage formulation development activities and process optimization efforts.

Experimental Design & Characterization

• Implement Design of Experiments (DoE) strategies to evaluate formulation variables and identify optimal LNP compositions and manufacturing parameters.
• Perform and interpret LNP characterization studies using techniques such as:
  • Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS)
  • Zeta Potential Analysis
  • Ribogreen Assays
• Analyze formulation performance data and generate actionable insights to guide development decisions.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with research, analytical, and development teams to support formulation requests and project objectives.
• Contribute technical expertise to ongoing development programs and provide formulation support across multiple initiatives.
• Present experimental findings, recommendations, and project updates to team members and leadership.

Scale-Up & Process Support

• Assist with downstream processing and formulation activities, including:
  • Cryoprotection studies
  • Stability assessments
  • Process scale-up initiatives
• Support efforts to improve formulation reproducibility and manufacturability.

Documentation & Laboratory Operations

• Maintain accurate, organized, and detailed laboratory records documenting experiments, observations, and results.
• Ensure data integrity and compliance with laboratory documentation standards.
• Participate in routine laboratory operations, including:
  • Inventory management
  • Supply ordering
  • Buffer preparation
  • Equipment maintenance and autoclaving activities

Qualifications Required

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related scientific discipline with 5+ years of biopharmaceutical industry experience, OR
• Master's degree in a related field with 2+ years of industry experience.
• Minimum 2 years of hands-on experience in lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulation and nucleic acid encapsulation.
• Direct experience working with nucleic acid payloads such as mRNA, siRNA, or DNA.
• Strong knowledge of LNP characterization methodologies, including DLS, Zeta Potential, and Ribogreen assays.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel for data analysis and reporting.
• Exceptional attention to detail with a demonstrated record of generating high-quality, reproducible experimental data.
• Strong organizational, communication, and collaboration skills in a fast-paced research environment.

Preferred

• Experience with statistical analysis and visualization software such as JMP and GraphPad Prism.
• Hands-on experience developing targeted lipid nanoparticles (tLNPs), including:
  • Monoclonal antibody (mAb)-coated LNPs
  • Fab-coated LNPs
  • ScFv-coated LNPs
  • VHH-coated LNPs
• Experience supporting immune cell-targeted delivery applications.
• Knowledge of formulation scale-up and stability assessment workflows.

Why Join This Opportunity?

• Contribute to innovative LNP and nucleic acid delivery technologies.
• Work on impactful research programs supporting next-generation therapeutics.
• Gain exposure to advanced formulation development, characterization, and scale-up activities.
• Collaborate with a highly skilled, cross-functional scientific team in a fast-paced biopharmaceutical environment.

Position Type: Contract

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