Scientist II - LNP Formulation

Scientist II – LNP Formulation

Location: San Diego, CA (Onsite; no relocation)

Position Summary

• Seeking a motivated, detail-oriented Scientist II to join the Formulation team.
• Focus on the formulation, synthesis, and optimization of targeted and non-targeted lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) for nucleic acid delivery.
• Work closely with senior scientists to support in vitro and in vivo studies and advance non-viral delivery platforms.

Key Responsibilities

• Formulate and optimize LNPs and targeted LNPs (tLNPs) encapsulating mRNA, siRNA, or DNA.
• Execute Design of Experiments (DoE) screening campaigns to identify optimal LNP compositions and processing parameters.
• Characterize LNPs using Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), zeta potential, and RiboGreen assays.
• Support early-stage formulation development, cryoprotection, scale-up, and stability studies.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to fulfill formulation requests.
• Maintain detailed laboratory records documenting formulation activities and experimental results.
• Analyze, interpret, and present experimental data to the formulation team.
• Support routine laboratory operations, including inventory tracking, supply ordering, buffer preparation, and autoclaving.

Required Qualifications

• Education and industry experience:
• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline, with 5 years of biopharma industry experience; OR
• Master's degree in a related discipline, with 2 years of industry experience.
• Minimum 2 years of hands-on laboratory experience in LNP formulation and nucleic acid encapsulation.
• Experience working with mRNA, siRNA, or DNA.
• Proficiency in LNP characterization techniques, including:
• Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS)
• Zeta potential
• RiboGreen assays
• High proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to generate reproducible experimental data.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced laboratory environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience preparing targeted LNPs using:
• Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs)
• Fab fragments
• Single-chain variable fragments (scFv)
• VHH antibody fragments
• Experience with immune cell delivery.
• Familiarity with statistical and data analysis software, such as JMP or GraphPad Prism.

Technical Skills

• Lipid Nanoparticle (LNP) Formulation and Development
• Targeted Lipid Nanoparticles (tLNPs)
• Nucleic Acid Encapsulation and Delivery
• mRNA, siRNA, and DNA Delivery
• LNP Characterization and Optimization
• Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS)
• Zeta Potential Analysis
• RiboGreen Assays and Encapsulation Efficiency
• Design of Experiments (DoE)
• Experimental Design and Data Analysis
• Formulation Stability Studies
• Cryoprotection and Scale-Up
• In Vitro and In Vivo Formulation Support
• Microsoft Excel
• JMP / GraphPad Prism
• Laboratory Documentation and Recordkeeping
• Buffer Preparation and Inventory Management
• Cross-Functional Collaboration