Associate Scientist – LNP Analytical Development

Commonwealth Sciences, Inc.; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth Sciences, Inc. seeks an Associate Scientist to join our LNP Analytical Development team in Boston.

You will design, develop, and execute analytical assays to characterize drug substances, formulations, and lipid nanoparticle systems, enabling discovery and preclinical programs. The role involves hands-on characterization using DLS, PALS, UPLC/HPLC, SEC, IP-RP, UV/CAD, and measurements of pH and osmolality, with collaboration across formulation, process development, and research

Qualifications

• BS or MS with relevant laboratory experience in biotech/pharma.
• Hands-on experience characterizing LNPs or nanoparticle delivery systems.
• Experience with DLS, PALS, UPLC/HPLC, SEC, IP-RP, UV/CAD, pH, osmolality.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and execute analytical assays for drug substances, formulations and LNPs.
• Characterize LNPs using DLS, PALS, UPLC/HPLC, SEC and related methods.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to prioritize projects and interpretations.

Skills

DLS

PALS

UPLC/HPLC

SEC

IP-RP

UV/CAD

pH

osmolality

LNP characterization

experimental planning

multi-tasking

Education

BS in Chemistry

MS in Chemistry

Tools

NanoAnalyzer

DLS instrument

HPLC/UPLC System

Job description

Associate Scientist – LNP Analytical Development

• Design, develop, optimize, and execute analytical assays used to characterize drug substances, drug products, and LNP-based formulations.
• Perform physicochemical and biochemical characterization of LNP and targeted LNP formulations using techniques including dynamic light scattering (DLS), PALS, UPLC/ HPLC, SEC, IP-RP, UV/CAD detection, pH, osmolality, and related analytical methods.
• Generate and evaluate analytical data to assess LNP quality, formulation characteristics, and product performance in support of discovery and preclinical programs.
• Collaborate with formulation, process development, research, and other cross-functional groups to coordinate experiments and establish project priorities.
• Independently conduct laboratory studies, interpret results, troubleshoot analytical challenges, and communicate conclusions through technical reports, presentations, and team meetings.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records, electronic notebooks, experimental protocols, and other documentation in accordance with company procedures.
• Identify opportunities to improve analytical methods, experimental approaches, and laboratory workflows.
• Assist with the development and transfer of analytical methods to external CRO and CDMO partners.
• Prepare, qualify, and maintain assay reagents, standards, controls, and other materials required for analytical testing.
• Contribute to laboratory operations, including equipment maintenance, troubleshooting, calibration, and general laboratory safety.

Requirements:

• BS degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Formulation Science, Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, or a related discipline with approximately 3–5 years of relevant laboratory experience; or MS with approximately 1–3 years of experience.
• Industry experience in biotech, pharmaceutical, drug delivery, or a related setting strongly preferred
• Demonstrated hands‑on experience characterizing LNPs, lipid nanoparticles, liposomes, or other nanoparticle‑based delivery systems.
• Experience with analytical techniques such as DLS, PALS, UPLC/HPLC, SEC, IP‑RP, UV/CAD, NanoAnalyzer, pH, osmolality, or comparable methods.
• Practical understanding of formulation development and/or analytical characterization of LNPs or other drug delivery systems.
• Experience with aseptic laboratory practices and mammalian cell culture is a plus.
• Ability to independently plan and execute experiments while managing multiple priorities in a fast‑paced research environment.