Lead LNP Formulation Scientist – mRNA Delivery

Planet Pharma; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Planet Pharma is seeking a PhD-level scientist to lead the design, optimization, and manufacturing of LNP formulations for mRNA delivery. The role demands hands-on experience with microfluidic and scalable mixing, analytical characterization, and regulatory readiness.

You will work cross-functionally with biology and CDMOs to advance IND-enabling programs and long-term LNP platform strategy. The candidate should have a strong track record in nucleic acid delivery, strong analytical skills, and

Qualifications

• Ph.D. with 4+ years industry experience or MS with 8+ years or BS with 10+ years.
• Deep expertise in LNP formulation and process development.
• Hands-on with microfluidic or scalable mixing technologies and downstream purification (e.g., TFF).
• Strong analytical characterization experience and statistical design tools.
• Experience with mRNA therapeutics or nucleic acid delivery systems.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to design, development, and optimization of LNP formulations for mRNA delivery.
• Evaluate lipid compositions and mixing to optimize particle size, encapsulation, stability.
• Develop GMP-compatible scalable manufacturing processes.
• Apply QbD and DoE studies to design and execution.
• Lead development of analytical methods (DLS, Ribogreen, HPLC/UPLC, LC-MS, endotoxin testing).
• Interpret data to correlate physicochemical properties with biology.
• Collaborate with platform biology teams and external CDMO partners.
• Lead IND-enabling documentation and long-term strategy for LNP platform.

Skills

LNP formulation

Process development

DoE

QbD

mRNA delivery

Statistical design tools

analytical skills

collaboration

regulatory readiness

CDMO collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry or related field

M.S. with 8+ years of experience

B.S. with 10+ years of experience

Tools

DLS

HPLC/UPLC

LC-MS

Ribogreen

TFF

Job description

Planet Pharma is seeking a PhD-level scientist to lead the design, optimization, and manufacturing of LNP formulations for mRNA delivery. The role demands hands-on experience with microfluidic and scalable mixing, analytical characterization, and regulatory readiness.

You will work cross-functionally with biology and CDMOs to advance IND-enabling programs and long-term LNP platform strategy. The candidate should have a strong track record in nucleic acid delivery, strong analytical skills, and