Lead In Vitro Delivery Scientist – LNP/mRNA

Averna Therapeutics Inc.; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Averna Therapeutics Inc. is seeking a Senior Scientist / Principal Scientist, Delivery Sciences to lead in vitro analysis of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) and develop therapeutics for rare genetic diseases, cancer, and autoimmune conditions.

This role reports to the Director, Delivery Sciences and collaborates with RNA Sciences, Discovery, Immunology, and CMC teams. The successful candidate will design, execute, and optimize screening assays, mentor junior staff, present data to senior management,

Qualifications

• Ph.D. required with 3–6+ years of industry research experience.
• Experience with tissue culture (primary and cancer cell lines) and ELISAs is required.
• Hands-on experience with mRNA-LNP formulation and standard analytics is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Devise, optimize, and conduct in vitro assays for screening and evaluating mRNA-LNPs in various cell lines.
• Investigate mechanism of action for uptake and intracellular activity of LNPs and RNA payloads.
• Formulate, characterize, and analyze mRNA-LNPs to drive pipeline and platform projects; support in vivo studies as needed.
• Manage key CROs and evaluate external technologies.

Skills

Strong communication

Multidisciplinary collaboration

Adaptability

Troubleshooting

Education

Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering / Chemistry / Biological Engineering / Biology / Immunology

Tools

mRNA-LNP formulation

Ribogreen assay

DLS

Flow cytometry

Job description

Averna Therapeutics Inc. is seeking a Senior Scientist / Principal Scientist, Delivery Sciences to lead in vitro analysis of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) and develop therapeutics for rare genetic diseases, cancer, and autoimmune conditions.

This role reports to the Director, Delivery Sciences and collaborates with RNA Sciences, Discovery, Immunology, and CMC teams. The successful candidate will design, execute, and optimize screening assays, mentor junior staff, present data to senior management,