Postdoctoral Researcher: Precision Delivery of RNA Therapeutics

Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; Carlsbad (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 87,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Job summary

Ionis Pharmaceuticals in Carlsbad, CA, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher in Precision Delivery of RNA Therapeutics. The role focuses on receptor-based delivery strategies to enable efficient uptake of RNA-targeted modalities in immune cell subsets, blending receptor biology with screening and in vivo validation to generate proof-of-concept data.

Successful candidates will contribute to innovative therapeutic approaches, potentially patentable discoveries, and publications while

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Immunology, or related field.
• Ability to work full-time onsite in Carlsbad, CA.
• Experience with aseptic cell culture techniques.

Responsibilities

• Identify and prioritize cell surface receptors relevant to hematopoietic cells biology.
• Validate receptor expression and function using flow cytometry, imaging and qPCR.
• Design and execute in vitro and in vivo studies to evaluate target knockdown, delivery efficiency, and cell type specificity.

Skills

Problem solving

Written communication

Verbal communication

Data interpretation

Education

PhD in Cell Biology

PhD in Molecular Biology

PhD in Immunology

Tools

Flow cytometry

qPCR

In vivo studies

Aseptic cell culture

Job description

Headquartered in Carlsbad, California, and with offices in Boston, Massachusetts, and Dublin, Ireland, Ionis has been at work for more than three decades discovering medical breakthroughs that have redefined life for people with serious diseases. We're pioneers in RNA-targeted medicines, and our platform continues to revolutionize drug discovery and transform lives for patients with unmet needs. With multiple marketed medicines and a leading pipeline in neurology, cardiology and select areas of high patient needs, we continue to drive innovation in RNA therapies in addition to advancing new approaches in gene editing to provide greater value to patients and are well positioned financially to deliver on our strategic goals.

At Ionis, we pride ourselves on cultivating a challenging, motivating and rewarding environment that fosters innovation and scientific excellence. We know that our success is a direct result of the exceptional talents and dedication of our employees.

With an unprecedented opportunity to change the course of human health, we look to add diverse individuals, skill sets and perspectives to our exceptional team. We continue to invest time, money and energy into making our onsite, hybrid and remote work environments a place where solid and lasting relationships are built and where our culture and employees can thrive.

We're building on our rich history, and we believe our greatest achievements are ahead of us. If you're passionate about the opportunity to have meaningful impact on patients in need, we invite you to apply and join us. Experience and contribute to our unique culture while you develop and expand your career!

POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER: PRECISION DELIVERY OF RNA THERAPEUTICS

SUMMARY

We are seeking a motivated and productive Postdoctoral Fellow to contribute to advancing targeted RNA therapeutics delivery. This role offers a unique opportunity to gain deep research experience in a fast-paced industry environment while making a meaningful contribution to the development of next-generation RNA medicines.

The successful candidate will explore and validate receptor-based delivery strategies on immune cell subsets to enable efficient uptake of diverse RNA-targeted modalities. The project integrates receptor biology and screening, in vitro and in vivo validation strategies to overcome delivery challenges and establish compelling proof-of-concept data.

This position provides a rare chance to shape innovative therapeutic approaches, generate patentable and publishable discoveries, and work at the intersection of cutting-edge science and real-world drug development.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Identify and prioritize cell surface receptors relevant to hematopoietic cells biology, applying scientific creativity and critical thinking to advance delivery strategies.
• Validate receptor expression and function using flow cytometry, imaging and qPCR.
• Design and execute in vitro and in vivo studies to evaluate target knockdown, delivery efficiency, and cell type specificity, exercising sound scientific judgment.
• Analyze and interpret complex datasets to guide decision-making, review key technical factors, and shape project strategy.
• Document experimental results and communicate clear, concise findings through regular internal presentations, writing manuscripts for scientific publications.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and external partners, building alignment around technical decisions and contributing to collective problem-solving.
• Contribute to innovation and intellectual property development through rigorous experimentation and documentation.
• Demonstrate professionalism and uphold the company's culture, core principles, and collaborative working norms.

REQUIREMENTS

• Ph.D. in in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Immunology, or a related field
• Ability to work full-time onsite in Carlsbad, CA
• Experience with aseptic cell culture techniques
• In vivo study experience or willingness to learn
• Experience with molecular biology methods (e.g., RNA analysis, qPCR)
• Experience in receptor biology, cellular uptake mechanisms, or intracellular trafficking is a plus
• Background in immunology and lymphocyte biology is a plus
• Familiarity with flow cytometry, including panel design and data analysis is a plus
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to design experiments independently
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for publication and presentation

Ionis offers an excellent benefits package! Follow this link for more details: Ionis Benefits

Full Benefits Link: https://ionis.com/careers#:~:text=Highly%20competitive%20benefits

The pay scale for this position is $65,000 to $87,000

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE. PRINCIPALS ONLY.

Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and all its subsidiaries are proud to be EEO employers.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.

For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.