Principal Scientist, LNP

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

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to the design, development, and optimization of LNP formulations for mRNA delivery, including targeted LNP systems incorporating conjugated or functionalized lipids.
• Evaluate lipid composition, formulation parameters, and mixing conditions to optimize particle size, polydispersity, encapsulation efficiency, stability, release characteristics, and biological performance.
• Develop scalable, GMP-compatible manufacturing processes to support program advancement.
• Apply Quality by Design (QbD) principles and Design of Experiment (DoE) studies to study design and execution.
• Lead the development and optimization of analytical characterization methods (both in-house and at the external CDMO), including but not limited to DLS, fluorescence-based assays such as Ribogreen, HPLC/UPLC methods (CAD, UV, IP-RP, SEC, IEX), LC-MS, and endotoxin testing.
• Interpret analytical and stability data to establish meaningful correlations between physicochemical properties and biological function.
• Collaborate closely with platform biology teams to support in vitro and in vivo studies, prepare development reports and technical documentation, and contribute to technology transfer activities with external CDMO partners.
• Spearhead IND-enabling documentation and contribute to defining the long-term strategy for scalable LNP platform development.
• Perform other responsibilities as required based on business needs.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, or a related field with a minimum 4 years of relevant industry experience; or M.S. with 8+ years; or B.S. with 10+ years.
• Demonstrated in-depth expertise in LNP formulation and process development, including hands-on experience with microfluidic or scalable mixing technologies and downstream purification strategies such as TFF.
• Strong experience with analytical characterization of LNP systems and application of statistical design tools for process optimization.
• Highly organized, scientifically rigorous, and capable of independently driving projects while collaborating effectively in a multidisciplinary startup environment.
• Experience with mRNA therapeutics or nucleic acid delivery systems.
• Prior exposure to immunotherapy or cell therapy platforms preferred.
• Familiarity with regulatory expectations for CMC development and experience supporting technology transfer to external manufacturing partners preferred.
• Experience correlating formulation attributes with in vivo performance highly desirable.
  Ability to actively serve, collaborate, and develop relationships inside and outside the organization.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; great attention to detail and the ability to drive timely and fact-based decision making.
• Ability to function in a rapidly changing environment and handle multiple priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to partner, build trust, and cultivate positive working relationships with CDMOs.
• Experience with mRNA production and analytical quality control preferred.
• Effectively communicate changes and resolve issues with CDMOs.
• Lead and/or participate in cross functional development and manufacturing projects to ensure company objectives are met and exceeded.
• Ability to don and wear appropriate clean room attire and wear all required Personal Protective Equipment.