Lipid Nanoparticle Formulation Scientist I

Actalent; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 58,000 - 61,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre‑tax and R

Life Insurance

Short and long‑term disability

Health Spending Account

Transportation benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Time Off/Leave

Job summary

Actalent in San Diego, CA is seeking a Scientist I – Formulation (Lipid Nanoparticles) for an onsite contract role. You will work with sr scientists to formulate, characterize, and optimize LNP systems for nucleic acid delivery, supporting in vitro and in vivo studies.

This position emphasizes DoE-based screening, cross‑functional collaboration, meticulous data recording, and robust documentation to ensure reproducibility in a fast-paced research environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline with 4 years of biopharma industry experience, OR a Master’s degree with 1 year of industry experience.
• Minimum of 2 years of hands‑on laboratory experience specializing in LNP formulation and encapsulation of nucleic acids such as mRNA, siRNA, or DNA.
• Proficiency with standard LNP characterization methods, including Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), zeta potential measurements, and Ribogreen assays.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Excel for data analysis, organization, and reporting.
• Strong attention to detail and a demonstrated track record of producing reproducible experimental data.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple experiments and priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills to collaborate with cross‑functional teams and present scientific findings clearly.
• Hands‑on experience with statistical and data analysis software such as JMP or Prism.
• Prior experience with targeted LNP preparation, including mAb‑, Fab‑, ScFv‑, or VHH‑coated LNPs.
• Experience in immune cell delivery using LNP‑based systems.
• Experience in biochemistry, chemistry, or related fields with practical exposure to nucleic acid delivery platforms.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team and contribute to shared project goals.

Responsibilities

• Execute and optimize the formulation and characterization of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) and targeted lipid nanoparticles (tLNPs) encapsulating nucleic acids for in vitro and in vivo studies under the guidance of sr formulation scientists.
• Implement Design of Experiment (DoE) based screening campaigns to evaluate and establish optimal LNP compositions and processing parameters.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with internal teams to support and fulfill formulation requests and project needs.
• Support early‑stage formulation development and downstream processing activities, including cryoprotection strategies, scale‑up efforts, and stability studies.
• Maintain detailed and accurate records documenting formulation activities, experimental conditions, and results in accordance with internal standards.
• Analyze, interpret, and present experimental data to the formulation team in a clear and concise manner.
• Contribute to routine laboratory management activities, including inventory tracking, supply ordering, buffer preparation, and autoclaving to ensure smooth day‑to‑day operations.

Skills

LNP formulation

Nucleic acid encapsulation

DLS / zeta potential

Ribogreen assay

Excel data analysis

Detail-oriented

Organizational skills

Communication

JMP

GraphPad Prism

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline

Master’s degree with 1 year of industry experience

Tools

JMP

Prism

Job description

Actalent in San Diego, CA is seeking a Scientist I – Formulation (Lipid Nanoparticles) for an onsite contract role. You will work with sr scientists to formulate, characterize, and optimize LNP systems for nucleic acid delivery, supporting in vitro and in vivo studies.

This position emphasizes DoE-based screening, cross‑functional collaboration, meticulous data recording, and robust documentation to ensure reproducibility in a fast-paced research environment.