Scientist

Job Title: Scientist I - Formulation (Lipid Nanoparticles)

Location: San Diego, CA (Onsite)

Workplace Type: On-site

Employment Type: Contract on W2

Contract Duration: 12 Months

Job Description

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Scientist I to join our Formulation team. In this hands-on laboratory role, you will work alongside senior scientists to develop and optimize lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulations for nucleic acid delivery. This is an excellent opportunity for candidates with industry experience in nanoparticle formulation, analytical characterization, and formulation development.

Key Responsibilities

• Synthesize and characterize lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) for nucleic acid delivery.
• Perform formulation optimization using Design of Experiments (DoE).
• Conduct LNP characterization using DLS, Zeta Potential, and Ribogreen assays.
• Support formulation development, scale-up, cryoprotection, and stability studies.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data and present findings.
• Maintain accurate laboratory documentation and records.
• Assist with laboratory operations, including inventory management, buffer preparation, and autoclaving.
• Collaborate with cross-functional R&D teams.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, or a related field with 2 years of industry experience, OR Master’s degree with 1 year of industry experience.
• Hands-on experience with lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulation and nucleic acid encapsulation.
• Experience with DLS, Zeta Potential, and Ribogreen assays.
• Strong laboratory documentation and data analysis skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Tangential Flow Filtration (TFF), dialysis, or bioconjugation.
• Knowledge of JMP or GraphPad Prism.
• Experience supporting formulation development in a biopharmaceutical environment.