Associate Research Scientist, Non-Viral Delivery (LNP)

GForce Life Sciences; Lexington (MA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

GForce Life Sciences is assisting a biotechnology client in Lexington, MA, to recruit an Associate Research Scientist in non-viral delivery (LNP). This role supports platform development and preclinical research within a multinational team.

The position emphasizes formulating LNPs, stability studies, ligand conjugation, analytical characterization, and in vitro assays, with rigorous documentation and clear communication of results.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree with ~3 years of relevant experience, or PhD with 1–3 years in pharmaceutical sciences, chemical engineering, bioengineering, molecular biology, biochemistry, or related fields.
• Hands-on experience formulating LNPs at small to mid-scale using microfluidics.
• Experience with analytical characterization techniques such as dynamic light scattering, fluorescence‑based nucleic acid assays, chromatography, or similar methods.
• Ability to independently follow laboratory procedures, maintain accurate records, and operate within established SOPs.

Responsibilities

• Formulate and characterize nucleic acid-loaded lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) at small to mid-scale using microfluidic techniques.
• Conduct stability studies to optimize formulation parameters for enhanced stability of drug products.
• Support ligand conjugation to LNPs, including targeted variants, and assist with advanced analytical characterization methods.
• Execute in vitro assays, including mammalian cell culture, potency, uptake, and viability assessments as applicable.
• Plan, document, and analyze experiments with scientific rigor and attention to detail.
• Communicate experimental results through presentations, written reports, and team discussions.

Skills

LNP formulation

Microfluidics

Analytical characterization

SOP compliance

Education

Master’s degree with ~3 years or PhD with 1–3 years in relevant fields

Tools

Dynamic light scattering

Chromatography

Job description

Our client, a biotechnology organization engaged in nanoparticle and nucleic acid delivery research, has engaged GForce Life Sciences to provide an associate research scientist in non-viral delivery (LNP). This laboratory-based role supports platform development and preclinical research activities within a collaborative, multinational team focused on advancing synthetic, non-viral nanomedicines.

Responsibilities

• Formulate and characterize nucleic acid-loaded lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) at small to mid-scale using microfluidic techniques, ensuring reproducibility, scalability, and product quality.
• Conduct stability studies to optimize formulation parameters for enhanced stability of drug products.
• Support ligand conjugation to LNPs, including targeted variants, and assist with advanced analytical characterization methods.
• Execute in vitro assays, including mammalian cell culture, potency, uptake, and viability assessments as applicable.
• Plan, document, and analyze experiments with scientific rigor and attention to detail.
• Communicate experimental results through presentations, written reports, and team discussions.

Mandatory requirements

• 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 related fields.
• Hands‑on experience formulating LNPs at small to mid-scale using microfluidics.
• Experience with analytical characterization techniques such as dynamic light scattering, fluorescence‑based nucleic acid assays, chromatography, or similar methods.
• Ability to independently follow laboratory procedures, maintain accurate records, and operate within established SOPs.

Nice to have

• Experience with mammalian cell culture and cell‑based assays.
• Familiarity with laboratory automation or high‑throughput workflows.
• Experience preparing scientific reports, presentations, or publications.