LNP Formulation Scientist (San Diego)

Job Title: LNP Formulation Scientist

Location: San Diego, CA 92111

Employment Type: W2 Contract – Initial 3-month term, with the possibility of extensions of up to 1 year based on business needs

Pay Rate: $40.00–$48.28/hour – Determined based on experience (Paid Weekly)

Work Model: Onsite – Laboratory-Based

Note: This is a W2 only role — C2C and C2H will not be considered.

Role Overview

BEPC is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented LNP Formulation Scientist to support our customer's Formulation team in San Diego, CA. This position will focus on the development, optimization, and characterization of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) and targeted lipid nanoparticles (tLNPs) for nucleic acid delivery applications.

The successful candidate will work closely with senior scientists to execute hands-on laboratory experiments supporting the development of non-viral delivery platforms for mRNA, siRNA, and DNA.

This role is ideal for a scientist with strong expertise in LNP formulation, nucleic acid encapsulation, analytical characterization, and experimental design who enjoys working in a collaborative, fast-paced biopharmaceutical research environment.

The ideal candidate brings a Bachelor's degree with 5+ years of biopharmaceutical industry experience or a Master's degree with 2+ years of industry experience, including at least 2 years of direct hands-on LNP formulation and nucleic acid encapsulation experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute and optimize the formulation and characterization of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) and targeted lipid nanoparticles (tLNPs) encapsulating nucleic acids for in vitro and in vivo studies.
• Perform hands-on formulation experiments involving mRNA, siRNA, DNA, and other nucleic acid delivery systems.
• Collaborate with senior formulation scientists to optimize LNP compositions and processing parameters.
• Design and execute Design of Experiments (DoE) screening campaigns to evaluate formulation variables and identify optimal conditions.
• Characterize LNP formulations using analytical techniques such as Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Zeta potential measurements, and RiboGreen assays.
• Support early-stage formulation development and optimization activities.
• Perform downstream formulation processing activities, including cryoprotection, scale-up, and stability studies, as needed.
• Collaborate with cross-functional research teams to fulfill formulation requests and support project objectives.
• Analyze experimental data to evaluate formulation performance, reproducibility, and quality.
• Interpret and present experimental findings to formulation scientists and project stakeholders.
• Maintain accurate and detailed laboratory records documenting experimental procedures, formulation conditions, and results.
• Support routine laboratory operations, including inventory management, supply ordering, buffer preparation, and autoclaving.
• Troubleshoot formulation challenges and contribute to continuous improvement of laboratory processes.
• Maintain a high standard of scientific accuracy, organization, and reproducibility throughout experimental activities.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline with 5+ years of biopharmaceutical industry experience; OR a Master's degree in a related discipline with 2+ years of industry experience.
• Minimum 2 years of hands-on laboratory experience specifically involving LNP formulation AND nucleic acid encapsulation.
• Direct experience formulating lipid nanoparticles containing mRNA, siRNA, or DNA.
• Strong technical knowledge of LNP formulation development and characterization.
• Proficiency with standard LNP analytical techniques, including:
• Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS)
• Zeta potential measurements
• RiboGreen assays
• High proficiency in Microsoft Excel for experimental data analysis and reporting.
• Ability to independently execute laboratory experiments with limited guidance.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to generate accurate, consistent, and reproducible experimental data.
• Excellent attention to detail and laboratory documentation practices.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to analyze, interpret, and clearly communicate scientific results.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate successfully within a fast-paced, cross-functional scientific team.

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands-on experience preparing targeted lipid nanoparticles (tLNPs).
• Experience with antibody- or binder-functionalized LNPs, including:
• Monoclonal antibody (mAb)-coated LNPs
• Fab-coated LNPs
• Single-chain variable fragment (scFv)-coated LNPs
• VHH-coated LNPs
• Experience with LNP-mediated delivery to immune cells.
• Experience applying Design of Experiments (DoE) methodologies to formulation optimization.
• Proficiency with statistical and scientific data analysis software, such as JMP or GraphPad Prism.
• Experience supporting LNP scale-up, cryoprotection, or formulation stability studies.
• Previous experience developing non-viral nucleic acid delivery technologies.

Laboratory & Work Environment

This position is a hands-on laboratory role supporting active formulation research and development activities.

Candidates should be comfortable with:

• Performing detailed formulation and analytical experiments involving lipid nanoparticles and nucleic acids.
• Working with specialized laboratory instrumentation and analytical characterization methods.
• Maintaining accurate and reproducible experimental results.
• Managing multiple laboratory activities and research priorities.
• Following established laboratory safety procedures and documentation requirements.
• Collaborating with senior scientists and cross-functional teams to meet project objectives.
• Supporting routine laboratory maintenance, inventory, solution preparation, and equipment-related activities.

About BEPC

BEPC Inc., founded in 2007, is a 100% employee-owned company providing top-tier consulting and staffing solutions across industries like technology, engineering, manufacturing, and project management. At BEPC, we are driven by innovation and a commitment to excellence. We take pride in fostering a collaborative and innovative environment where our team members thrive. With competitive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, BEPC is dedicated to supporting our employees' personal and professional growth.

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