Director, LNP Formulation

Kernal Biologics, Inc.; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free parking

Monthly subway pass

Subsidized commuter rail pass

Free Bluebike membership

Flexible Spending Account

Paid parental leave

Family caregiver leave

Medical leave

Life insurance

On-site cafeteria

Competitive vacation and sick days

Job summary

Kernal Bio in Boston is seeking a senior leader to direct our mRNA delivery programs, overseeing novel LNP systems for in vivo therapies. You will report to the SVP of R&D and guide a multidisciplinary team toward milestone-driven results in immuno-oncology and immunology.

We require a PhD with 8–10 years’ hands-on lipid nanoparticle experience, strong IP strategy, and excellent communication. A startup mindset and collaboration across internal/external teams are essential for success.

Qualifications

• PhD in chemical engineering, organic chemistry or a related field.
• 8-10 years of hands-on experience with lipid nanoparticle systems for mRNA and/or siRNA delivery.
• Experience with targeted LNPs and conjugation of biomaterials.
• Experience with analytical techniques for LNPs (HPLC/UPLC, LC-MS, DLS, UV-Vis, fluorescence, Ribogreen, gel/capillary electrophoresis, flow cytometry).
• Excellent communication skills (oral and written).
• Startup mind-set and ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Industry experience with drug development processes and strong management skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee development of novel LNP compositions.
• Improve existing LNP formulations.
• Manage the LNP team.
• Advance targeted LNP delivery for in situ mRNA delivery.
• Oversee physicochemical characterization of LNP formulations.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to hit milestones.
• Guide RNA delivery strategy with emphasis on IP and deliverables.
• Prepare technical reports and regulatory documents as needed.
• Present findings at conferences and industry events.

Skills

Communication skills

Startup mindset

Team leadership

Willingness to learn

Problem solving

Education

PhD in chemical engineering or related

Tools

HPLC/UPLC

LC-MS

DLS

UV-Vis

Flow cytometry (CytoFLEX, NanoFCM)

Job description

Kernal Bio is a venture-backed therapeutics company engineering cells inside the body using AI-designed, selective mRNA and targeted LNP technology. By developing in vivo CAR-T therapies, Kernal Bio is advancing precision treatments for autoimmune diseases and blood cancers. The company was founded by experts from MIT, Harvard, Merck, and BMS, and its leadership team brings a track record of three FDA-approved therapies and over 120 patents. Based in Boston, the company is backed by Hummingbird Ventures, Amgen, Lilly, HBM, ARPA-H, and NVIDIA. Kernal Bio is transforming the future of cell therapy design and delivery.

Job Summary:

Kernal is seeking an individual with deep expertise in RNA delivery space to lead our mRNA delivery efforts. This person will report to the SVP of R&D and will be responsible for overseeing the development novel LNP (lipid nanoparticle) systems for in vivo mRNA delivery to support our immuno-oncology and immunology efforts. The successful candidate must be able to work in a fast paced and highly dynamic biotech environment. Ideal candidate will be a leader and a great team player with excellent communication skills and effective, inspiring management style.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee the development of novel LNP compositions
• Improve existing LNP formulations
• Manage company’s LNP team
• Advance targeted LNP delivery with novel approaches for in situ mRNA delivery
• Oversee physicochemical characterization of LNP formulations
• Work closely with internal teams and external collaborators and ensure delivery on key milestones
• Guide company’s RNA delivery strategy, with a particular emphasis on IP and key deliverables
• Stay up-to-date on RNA delivery literature and prepare technical reports and white papers
• Prepare technical documents and manuscripts for regulatory filings, IP prosecution, and publications
• Present scientific findings internally and externally at scientific conferences and industry events

Requirements:

• PhD in chemical engineering, organic chemistry or a related field
• 8-10 years of hands-on experience with lipid nanoparticle systems for mRNA and/or siRNA delivery
• Experience with targeted LNPs and conjugation of biomaterials
• Experience with analytical techniques for LNPs such as HPLC/UPLC, LC-MS, DLS, UV-Vis, fluorescence spectrophotometry, Ribogreen assay, gel electrophoresis, capillary electrophoresis, flow cytometry (CytoFLEX nano, NanoFCM) etc.
• Excellent communication skills (oral and written)
• Startup mind-set (innovative, enthusiastic, team player, and problem solver)
• Willingness to learn, teach, and grow in a fast-pace environment
• Industry experience, strong management skills and basic knowledge of the drug development processes
• Proficiency in design and characterization of novel lipids is a plus
• Competitive 401(k)
• Highly competitive healthcare coverage (PPO/HMO)
• Free parking, monthly subway pass, or a subsidized commuter rail pass
• Free Bluebike Membership
• Flexible Spending Account
• Paid parental leave, family caregiver leave, medical leave
• Paid life insurance coverage
• On-site cafeteria
• Competitive vacation and sick days per year

Kernal provides a diverse work environment and is committed to equal employment opportunities for all its employees and qualified applicants. We do not discriminate in employment practices for the race, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, religion, disability, or any other legally protected status. Kernal Bio will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities in accordance with applicable law.