Associate Scientist - LNP Analytical Development

Commonwealth Sciences, Inc.; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth Sciences, Inc. in Boston, MA seeks a hands-on analytical scientist to design and execute assays for drug substances, products and LNP formulations.

You will characterize nanoparticles with DLS, PALS, and chromatographic techniques, generate data to support discovery and preclinical programs, and collaborate with formulation and process development teams. You will independently plan experiments, troubleshoot analytical challenges, document results, and help transfer methods to

Qualifications

• BS degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Formulation Science, Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, or related discipline with approx. 3–5 years lab experience; or MS with approx. 1–3 years experience.
• Industry experience in biotech/pharma/drug delivery strongly preferred.
• Hands-on experience characterizing LNPs, lipid nanoparticles, liposomes, or other nanoparticle 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 analytical characterization of LNPs or other drug delivery systems.
• Experience with aseptic lab practices and mammalian cell culture is a plus.
• Ability to independently plan and execute experiments while managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, optimize, and execute analytical assays for drug substances, products, and LNP formulations.
• Characterize LNP formulations using DLS, PALS, UPLC/HPLC, SEC, IP-RP, UV/CAD, pH and osmolality.
• Generate and evaluate data to assess LNP quality, formulation, and product performance.
• Collaborate with cross-functional groups to coordinate experiments and set priorities.
• Independently conduct lab studies, interpret results, troubleshoot, and report conclusions.
• Maintain accurate lab records, notebooks, and protocols per procedures.
• Identify opportunities to improve analytical methods, approaches, and workflows.
• Assist with development and transfer of methods to CRO/CDMO partners.
• Prepare and maintain reagents, standards, controls for testing.
• Contribute to lab operations including equipment maintenance, calibration, and safety.

Skills

Experiment planning

Prioritization

Cross-functional collaboration

Troubleshooting

Technical reporting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Formulation Science, Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, or related field

Master's degree (MS) with 1–3 years experience

Tools

DLS

PALS

UPLC/HPLC

SEC

IP-RP

UV/CAD

NanoAnalyzer

Job description

Responsibilities

• 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.