Associate Formulation Development Scientist

Phosphorex, Inc.; Hopkinton (MA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Phosphorex, Inc. in Hopkinton is seeking an Associate Scientist to specialize in the formulation and characterization of drug delivery systems. The role involves optimizing formulations for cell targeting, including hands-on laboratory work and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and strong analytical skills, along with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Experience with microfluidics and biodegradable polymers is preferred, contributing to innovative therapeutic developments.

Qualifications

• 0-2 years relevant experience in drug delivery systems.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and within a team.

Responsibilities

• Assist in optimization of drug delivery systems for nucleic acids and peptides.
• Prepare polymeric and lipid-based formulations via microfluidics.
• Characterize formulations including particle size analysis and drug content.
• Collaborate with project teams to facilitate project plans.
• Maintain laboratory notebook and adhere to safety practices.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Organizational skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, pharmacy, pharmaceutical sciences, engineering, or relevant discipline

Job description

The Associate Scientist is a specialist in the formulation and characterization of particulate based drug delivery systems including lipid and polymeric nanoparticles. The Associate Scientist participates in the development and optimization of formulations to enable cell and tissue targeting contributing to the development of novel therapeutics. They perform hands‑on experiments in a laboratory setting, leading the execution of upstream (buffer prep, emulsification, microfluidics) and downstream (buffer exchange, concentration, etc.) formulation development activities. The Associate Scientist is a team player who has laboratory and technical experience with a high attention to detail and desire to work in a fast‑paced environment and contribute to a result orientated team.

Role and Responsibilities

• Assist in development and optimization of particulate based drug delivery systems to enable delivery of nucleic acids, peptides and small molecules for cell and tissue targeting by:
• Preparing polymeric and lipid-based microsphere and nanoparticle formulations via microfluidics, emulsification, etc.
• Purification and downstream processing of formulations via dialysis, centrifugation and tangential flow filtration
• Characterization of formulations including particle size analysis, zeta potential, drug content, encapsulation efficiency and in vitro release
• Evaluating short term stability of frozen and lyophilized formulations to support proof of concept animal studies.
• Collaborate with project team(s) to define and execute project plans to facilitate the development and optimization of formulations and processes to support feasibility and pre‑clinical studies.
• Work collaboratively across multiple departments (Operations, Analytical Services, Process Development) to facilitate project teams’ ability to successfully meet project objectives in a timely and organized fashion.
• Prepare and review documents including experimental methods, batch records, SOPs, and reports.
• Maintain detailed laboratory notebook.
• Adhere to Phosphorex’s Environmental Health and Safety practices and SOPs to maintain a safe, clean, and organized work environment free of safety hazards.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, pharmacy, pharmaceutical sciences, engineering, or other relevant discipline with 0-2 years relevant experience
• Strong analytical and critical thinking abilities
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively with scientists and engineers working in other disciplines.
• Ability to work independently as well as with an interdisciplinary team in a highly collaborative environment.
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to multiple projects in parallel.
• Well versed with Microsoft Office applications.

Preferred Skills

• Prior experience with microfluidic fabrication of Lipid Nanoparticles (LNPs) and/or characterization of LNPs.
• Prior experience with biodegradable polymeric systems and development of micro-and nano-particle formulations.
• Experience in CDMO environment.