Principal Scientist, LNP

Planet Pharma; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Planet Pharma is seeking an accomplished researcher to contribute to design, development, and optimization of LNP formulations for mRNA delivery. The role offers collaboration with biology teams and external CDMOs to advance scalable, GMP-compliant manufacturing processes.

The candidate will apply QbD and DoE to study design and execution, lead analytical characterization (DLS, Ribogreen, HPLC/UPLC, LC-MS), and interpret data to relate formulation attributes to biological function.

Qualifications

• PhD with 4+ years in industry or MS with 8+ years or BS with 10+ years in relevant fields.
• Deep expertise in LNP formulation and scalable process development.
• Experience with analytical characterization and statistical design for optimization.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to design, development, and optimization of LNP formulations for mRNA delivery.
• Evaluate lipid composition, formulation parameters, and mixing to optimize particle size and performance.
• Develop GMP-compatible manufacturing processes to support program advancement.
• Apply QbD and DoE studies to study design and execution.
• Lead analytical characterization efforts (DLS, Ribogreen, HPLC/UPLC, LC-MS, endotoxin testing).
• Interpret data to correlate physicochemical properties with biology.
• Collaborate with biology teams for in vitro/in vivo studies and tech transfer with CDMOs.
• Spearhead IND-enabling documentation and long-term LNP platform strategy.

Skills

LNP formulation expertise

DoE/QbD methodology

Analytical thinking

Project leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

PhD in Chemical Engineering or related field

MS in related field

BS in related field

Tools

DLS

Ribogreen

HPLC/UPLC

LC-MS

Endotoxin testing

TFF downstream purification

Job description

• 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.

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.