Principal Scientist

Direct-hire, onsite opportunity with a U.S.-based biopharmaceutical company. As a Principal Scientist, Lipid Chemistry you will be focused on developing lipid nanoparticle delivered mRNA medicine. This position will lead the design and synthesis of novel lipids including but not limited to ionizable lipids and other proprietary delivery chemistries. The ideal candidate brings strong instincts in advanced organic synthesis, route planning, and reaction optimization, with the creativity and rigor to generate high-quality analog series quickly. Success in this chemistry focused role depends on the ability to independently conceive, synthesize, purify, and characterize compounds, then use data to iterate rapidly toward improved molecules.

Responsibilities & Duties

• Lead and optimize novel lipid designs and chemistries from diverse structural families for LNP platform technology development
• Plan and execute efficient synthetic routes for target molecules and close analogs. Optimize reactions, troubleshoot challenging transformations, and solve synthetic bottlenecks.
• Design multistep routes of synthesis and purification for scalability and purity in keeping with project goals and timelines. Generate focused analog libraries to explore structure–activity relationships and guide design decisions.
• Independently lead research efforts through deep technical understanding and work collaboratively within a cross-functional product development team to drive design, functional screening, development and production of novel tLNP formulations for targeted, extra hepatic delivery of nucleic acid payloads.
• Review scientific literature, patents, scientific abstracts to stay up to date on latest in the field. Provide scientific expertise in the organization with special emphasis on lipid nanoparticle-based drug targeting delivery systems for nucleic acids
• Represent department in cross-functional platforms, pipeline and development teams. Collaborate with cross-functional discovery teams to translate in vitro and in vivo experimental findings into improved molecular designs.
• Present synthetic strategies, experimental results, and SAR insights clearly and concisely.
• Effectively communicate complex technical topics to collaborators and management. Present synthetic strategies, experimental results, and SAR insights clearly and concisely.

Qualifications

• PhD in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or Pharmaceutical Sciences.
• 8+ years related experience in the pharmaceutical industry for which you have been responsible for independent contributions in the design and development of novel lipids and other delivery chemistries
• Demonstrated deep expertise in synthetic organic chemistry with a strong publication or industry record.
• Deep technical prowess and demonstrated ability with respect to successful design, synthetic routes, purification strategies, analytical characterization (e.g. NHR, LC/MS) for lipids and LNP formulations.
• Extensive experience in advanced route design, synthesis planning, and execution of complex multi-step syntheses.
• Strong problem-solving skills in synthesis, including reaction development, optimization, and troubleshooting.
• Strong proficiency authoring and reviewing technical reports.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

Suna Solutions provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Applicants, with criminal histories, are considered in a manner that is consistent with local, state, and federal laws.

REQUESTING AN ACCOMODATION

Suna Solutions is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for persons with disabilities or religious observances, including reasonable accommodation when needed. If you are hired by Suna Solutions and require accommodation to perform the essential functions of your role, you will be asked to participate in our reasonable accommodation process. Accommodations made to facilitate the recruiting process are not a guarantee of future or continued accommodations once hired.

If you would like to be considered for employment opportunities with Suna Solutions and have accommodation needs for a disability or religious observance, please call us at View phone number on click.appcast.io, send us an email or speak with your recruiter.

PAY TRANSPARENCY POLICY STATEMENT

Compensation for roles at Suna Solutions varies depending on a wide array of factors including but not limited to the specific client, office or remote location, role, skill set and level of experience. As required by local law, Suna Solutions provides a reasonable pay scale to include the hourly or salary range that Suna Solutions reasonably expects to pay for roles that may be hired in California, Colorado, New York City or Washington as set forth below.

Pay Scale of Starting Pay for role: $137,500-$261,000 DOE