What are the responsibilities and job description for the Formulation and Delivery Scientist position at SILVEC BIOLOGICS?
Formulation and Delivery Scientist / Ag-Biotech
Silvec is a biotechnology and nanotechnology company focused on developing RNA-based solutions for plant pathogens and insect pests. Our lab leverages proprietary, cutting-edge RNA technologies to create environmentally responsible crop protection tools. Located in a 9,000 sq ft facility in Gaithersburg, Maryland - at the heart of the Washington DC biotech corridor - we maintain active collaborations with leading academic and federal research institutions.
Position Overview:
We are seeking an accomplished formulation scientist to lead the development of sprayable and root-uptake formulations for the delivery of Virus-Induced Gene Silencing (VIGS) vectors, and other RNA products in crops. This position will focus on engineering robust, scalable, and field-deployable solutions. This role is critical to our pipeline of next-generation biological tools and offers a unique opportunity to advance RNA-based technologies through practical formulation science and real-world application.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and optimize foliar spray and root-uptake formulations and coatings for efficient and consistent delivery of RNA products in a variety of annual crop species including soybean, canola, potato and wheat.
- Ensure stability, compatibility, and performance of formulations across environmental conditions, delivery equipment, and crop types
- Collaborate with molecular biology and plant pathology teams to validate gene regulation efficiency, target specificity, and phenotypic outcomes post-delivery
- Design and execute greenhouse and field trials to evaluate silencing efficacy and delivery success
- Scale formulations from lab bench to pilot to production while maintaining quality and efficacy
- Address regulatory and biosafety considerations for viral vector use in open-field agriculture
- Analyze data, generate technical documentation, and present findings to R&D leadership and commercial teams
Qualifications:
- Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Biomaterials Science, Chemistry, or related discipline in one of these fields with 5 years’ experience in a relevant setting (ag-biotech, crop protection)
- Demonstrated success in developing and scaling agricultural spray formulations and delivery technologies, preferably for RNA-based products
- Understanding of field application methods and formulation delivery challenges
- Strong data analysis, communication, and project management skills
- Ability to work within an interdisciplinary team
Salary range $90,000 - $120,000 commensurate with experience. Compensation includes healthcare coverage and matching 401(k).
Join us in shaping the future of sustainable crop protection - Please send a cover letter and CV
Candidate must already be authorized to work in the US
Pay: $90,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
Salary : $90,000 - $120,000