Position Summary:

We are seeking an enthusiastic and hardworking Research Associate to join the Non-Viral Delivery team at Orbital. The successful candidate will support activities associated with formulation and characterization of LNPs and other non-viral delivery vehicles loaded with complex nucleic acid cargos. This individual will develop, manufacture, and characterize high-quality materials for key in vitro and in vivo studies in support of a variety of therapeutic applications. This individual will also partner with Automation and Data Science teams to develop high-throughput laboratory protocols and solutions for data capture. Strong technical, organizational, and communication skills are essential. The successful applicant will be a team player able to function in a highly collaborative and fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities:

* Execute protocols for preparation and characterization of LNPs and other non-viral delivery vehicles loaded with complex nucleic acid cargos for in vitro and in vivo studies.

* Develop and optimize formulation compositions and processes to achieve efficient delivery to a variety of cell and tissue types.

* Design and conduct experiments to elucidate formulation structure-activity relationships and maximize efficacy around physicochemical properties, in vitro transfection, and in vivo administration.

* Collaborate across the Orbital ecosystem to deploy high-throughput assays and advanced characterization techniques to assess formulation safety, stability, structure, and function.

* Interface with the Automation and Data Science teams to establish and optimize efficient workflows for laboratory SOPs and data capture.

* Coordinate sample preparation and shipment with internal and external collaborators.

* Maintain an accurate and detailed laboratory notebook as well as record of experiments.

* Aid in interpretation and communication of results and actively participate in scientific discussions and group meetings.

Qualifications:

* B.S .or M.S. degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemical engineering, Bioengineering or related field.

* 2-4 years of industry experience is required.

* Demonstrated hands-on experience with design, synthesis, and characterization of nanoparticle formulations in an industry environment is required.

* Working knowledge of current methods for non-viral delivery of nucleic acids (mRNA, RNAi, etc.) including lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), liposomes, and/or polymeric nanoparticles.

* Familiarity with the theory and practice of controlled mixing, buffer preparation and exchange (including tangential flow filtration), and sterile filtration.

* Proficiency in formulation analytics (DLS, zeta potential, UV-Vis and fluorescence spectrophotometry, HPLC, etc.).

* Prior experience with DoE and statistical software such as JMP is preferred.

* Outstanding intrapersonal skills and established cross-functional working habits.

* Excellent oral and written communication skills.

* Organized, detail-oriented, self-starter who takes initiative to seek improvements.