Scientist II - Formulation (LNP)

Scientist II - Formulation (LNP)

Work Location: San Diego, CA. 92111

Schedule: Onsite, Mondays to Fridays

Starting Pay Rate: $42.00- $48.28 per hour

Position Overview

We are seeking a Scientist II to join our Formulation team, supporting the development and optimization of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) for nucleic acid delivery. This hands-on laboratory role focuses on the formulation, encapsulation, and characterization of targeted and non-targeted LNPs containing mRNA, siRNA, or DNA for in vitro and in vivo applications.

The successful candidate will execute formulation experiments, conduct Design of Experiments (DoE)-based screening campaigns, analyze experimental data, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to advance non-viral delivery technologies.

The ideal candidate has strong technical expertise in LNP formulation, analytical characterization, and experimental data analysis, with a demonstrated ability to produce reproducible results in a biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Lipid Nanoparticle Formulation: Develop, prepare, and optimize targeted and non-targeted lipid nanoparticles (LNPs and tLNPs) for nucleic acid delivery, including mRNA, siRNA, and DNA encapsulation.
• LNP Characterization: Perform physicochemical characterization of LNP formulations using Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), zeta potential analysis, and Ribogreen assays to evaluate particle size, surface charge, and nucleic acid encapsulation efficiency.
• Design of Experiments (DoE): Execute DoE-based formulation screening campaigns to evaluate lipid compositions, formulation variables, and processing parameters to identify optimal LNP formulations.
• Formulation Development: Support early-stage formulation development, process optimization, and downstream processing activities, including cryoprotection, formulation scale-up, and stability studies.
• Targeted LNP Development: Support the preparation and characterization of targeted LNPs using antibody-based targeting ligands, including monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), Fab fragments, single-chain variable fragments (scFvs), and VHH antibodies.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with internal research and development teams to coordinate formulation requests, meet project timelines, and support nucleic acid delivery studies.
• Data Analysis and Reporting: Analyze, interpret, and present formulation and characterization data to the Formulation team. Use Microsoft Excel and applicable statistical analysis software to evaluate experimental results and identify trends.
• Laboratory Documentation: Maintain accurate and detailed laboratory records, experimental protocols, formulation parameters, and results to support data integrity and reproducibility.
• Laboratory Operations: Perform routine laboratory management activities, including inventory tracking, supply ordering, buffer preparation, equipment maintenance, and autoclaving.
• Experimental Optimization: Troubleshoot formulation challenges, refine experimental procedures, and contribute to continuous improvement of LNP preparation and characterization workflows.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related scientific discipline, with at least 5 years of biopharmaceutical industry experience; or
• Master's degree in a related scientific discipline, with at least 2 years of biopharmaceutical industry experience.
• LNP Formulation Experience : Minimum of 2 years of hands-on laboratory experience in lipid nanoparticle formulation and nucleic acid encapsulation, including mRNA, siRNA, or DNA.
• Analytical Characterization : Demonstrated proficiency in LNP characterization techniques, including Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), zeta potential measurement, and Ribogreen assays.
• Data Analysis: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel for experimental data analysis, organization, and reporting.
• Experimental Design: Familiarity with formulation screening, experimental optimization, and Design of Experiments (DoE) methodologies.
• Laboratory Documentation: Ability to maintain detailed experimental records and generate accurate, reproducible laboratory data.

At Tailored Management, we help people get jobs and take pride in their work, so we better take pride in ours too. Not every company has the opportunity to meaningfully and directly impact individuals in a way that makes their lives tangibly better. To better support our employees, we offer a wide variety of benefit options to support you. We offer:

• Medical Coverage – HDHP, PPO, and Surest plan options
• Minimum Essential Coverage (MEC)
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Short-Term Disability (STD)
• Long-Term Disability (LTD)
• Life & AD&D Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Accident Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)