Associate Research Scientist Contractor, Non-Viral Delivery (LNP)

Spectraforce Technologies; Lexington (MA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Spectraforce Technologies seeks an Associate Research Scientist Contractor in Lexington, MA, to support non-viral LNP delivery research. The role focuses on formulation, characterization, and evaluation of LNP systems for nucleic acid delivery in a lab setting.

The position requires a Master's degree (or PhD with relevant experience), hands-on LNP expertise, and strong data analysis and communication skills. This is an onsite 12-month contract with standard working hours.

Qualifications

• Master's degree (or PhD with relevant experience) in a pharmaceutical/science field.
• Hands-on LNP formulation experience at small to mid-scale using microfluidics.
• Experience with analytical methods: DLS, fluorescence assays, chromatography.
• Mammalian cell culture skills and ability to document results accurately.

Responsibilities

• Formulate and characterize nucleic acid-loaded LNPs at small to mid-scale.
• Conduct stability studies and optimize formulation parameters.
• Support ligand conjugation to LNPs and perform advanced analyses.
• Execute in vitro assays including cell culture, potency, uptake, and viability.
• Plan, document, and analyze experiments with scientific rigor and clear reporting.

Skills

LNP formulation

Mammalian cell culture

Data analysis

Scientific communication

Education

Master's degree in pharmaceutical sciences / related fields

PhD with 1–3 years of relevant experience

Tools

Microfluidics

Dynamic light scattering

Chromatography

High-throughput workflows

Job description

Job Title

Associate Research Scientist Contractor, Non-Viral Delivery (LNP)

Location

Lexington, MA

Duration

12 Months (Possibility of extension depending upon business requirements and performance)

Reporting Expectations

Onsite; Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Top skills per Manager

• Hands-on experience with LNP formulation and characterization.
• Experience conducting mammalian cell culture and in vitro assays.
• Strong experimental documentation, data analysis, and communication skills.

Job Description

• As an Associate Scientist Contractor in the Nucleic Acid Delivery, Formulations & Bioanalysis department, you will support a collaborative, multinational team focused on advancing synthetic, non-viral nanomedicines.
• This laboratory-based role will contribute to the formulation, characterization, and evaluation of lipid nanoparticle (LNP) systems for nucleic acid delivery, supporting platform development and preclinical research activities through internal and external collaborations.

Essential Functions

• Formulate and characterize nucleic acid-loaded LNPs at small to mid-scale using microfluidics, with attention to reproducibility, scalability, product quality, and consistency.
• Conduct stability studies to evaluate and improve LNP formulation, including assessment of critical formulation parameters for optimizing stability of drug product.
• Support ligand conjugation to LNPs, including targeted LNPs, and assist with advanced analytical characterization methods.
• Execute in vitro assays, including mammalian cell culture, potency, uptake, and viability assays, as applicable.
• Plan, execute, document, and analyze experiments with appropriate scientific rigor and attention to detail.
• Communicate results clearly through internal presentations, written summaries, reports, and team discussions.

Qualifications

• Master's degree with approximately 3 years of relevant experience, or PhD with 1-3 years of relevant experience, in pharmaceutical sciences, chemical engineering, bioengineering, molecular biology, biochemistry, or a related discipline.
• Relevant experience may include a combination of industry and academic work and should include some of the following:
• Hands-on experience formulating LNPs at small to mid-scale using microfluidics.
• Experience with analytical characterization methods, such as dynamic light scattering, fluorescence-based nucleic acid assays, chromatography, or related techniques.
• Hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture and cell-based assays highly desirable.
• Ability to independently follow laboratory procedures, maintain accurate records, and operate within established equipment and laboratory SOPs.
• Experience with laboratory automation or high-throughput workflows is desirable.
• Experience preparing scientific reports, presentations, or publications is highly desirable.