Senior Scientist / Principal Scientist / Associate Director, Formulation & Downstream Process D[...]

Pivotal Life Sciences; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

401k Match of 4%

Paid Time Off

Equity opportunities

Job summary

Pivotal Life Sciences in San Diego is hiring for multiple high-level positions in biotech, including Directors and Scientists focusing on gene editing technologies. The ideal candidates will have substantial experience in pharmaceutical formulation and leadership in scientific development. Roles include formulation development, bioprocessing, and analytical research. Competitive salaries and extensive benefits are offered, ensuring a supportive and innovative work environment.

The organization emphasizes inclusivity and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of pharmaceutical formulation experience, at least 5 years focused on lipid nanoparticle systems.
• 3+ years of direct people management experience.
• 6+ years of experience in bacterial protein expression and bioprocess development.

Responsibilities

• Lead a formulation sciences team for drug delivery systems.
• Provide technical expertise for bacterial protein production.
• Develop and validate analytical methods for gene editing platform.

Skills

Pharmaceutical formulation experience

Lipid nanoparticle drug delivery systems

People management

Analytical method development

CRISPR gene editing

Education

Ph.D. in relevant field

M.S. with industry experience

Bachelor's degree in relevant field

Job description

View all open roles and apply directly here: https://pivotal.bamboohr.com/careers

Job Title

Multiple Director, Scientist & Research Associate Roles, Biotech & Gene Editing

About Us

We are an innovative, venture-backed, stealth-mode biotech focused on developing best-in-class delivery for in vivo gene editing.

Experience

We are excited to present six newly created positions! High‑level information is listed below for each position, and detailed information can be found by clicking on the Apply button to be directed to our application portal where you can submit your resume and cover letter for the positions you are interested in pursuing. Please make note of the position location before applying. Title level and salary will be commensurate with experience.

Four Open Positions in San Diego, CA:

• We are seeking an experienced formulation leader to join our team as Associate Director / Director, Formulation Development. This individual will lead and build a formulation sciences team responsible for the design, development, optimization, and scale‑up of lipid nanoparticle (LNP) drug delivery systems for gene editing therapeutics. The successful candidate will set the scientific and strategic direction for LNP formulation, drive process development from research through GMP manufacturing, and serve as a key cross‑functional partner to preclinical, CMC, and clinical teams. Title and salary will be commensurate with experience.
• Senior Scientist / Principal Scientist, Bioprocess Development (San Diego, CA)
• This role will provide technical expertise for bacterial protein production programs supporting research and development. The successful candidate will be part of a dynamic team of scientists responsible for process development, scale‑up strategy and external manufacturing oversight. Title level and compensation will be commensurate with experience.
• We are seeking a highly skilled Analytical Scientist to join our team in a hands‑on, lab‑based role. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing, validating, and executing analytical methods for the characterization of proteins, RNA, and lipids, central to our lipid nanoparticle (LNP) gene editing platform. This role requires deep expertise in LC/MS and complementary analytical techniques, with the ability to independently design experiments, troubleshoot complex analytical challenges, and deliver high‑quality data to support research, process development, and regulatory submissions. The Analytical Scientist will serve as a subject matter expert across the organization on bioanalytical methodologies. Title and salary will be commensurate with experience.
• We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled individual to join our team as a Research Associate in Formulation Development. The successful candidate will be responsible for designing, executing, analyzing, and making recommendations on research protocols for lipid nanoparticle (LNP) drug delivery systems aimed at gene editing. Title level and salary will be commensurate with experience.

Two Open Positions in Boston, MA:

• The In Vivo Studies team is hiring a Senior / Principal Research Associate to support the planning, execution, and analysis of in vivo pharmacology and biodistribution studies that advance our preclinical programs. This is a hands‑on role for a scientifically rigorous, highly organized researcher who can execute rodent studies, collect high‑quality samples, maintain strong study records, and partner closely with Translational Research, Delivery, Editing, and Program teams.
• Senior Research Associate, Translational Research (Boston, MA)
• The Translational Research team is hiring a Senior Research Associate to lead the cellular and molecular characterization of delivery and editing platforms supporting our preclinical programs. This is a hands‑on bench role with significant ownership of experimental design, execution, and data interpretation.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Pharmaceutics, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field; or M.S. with commensurate industry experience.
• 10+ years of pharmaceutical formulation experience, with at least 5 years focused on lipid nanoparticle or related nanoparticle drug delivery systems.
• 3+ years of direct people management experience, with a demonstrated track record of building and developing high‑performing teams.
• Senior Scientist / Principal Scientist, Bioprocess Development (San Diego, CA)
• Ph.D. degree in Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• 6+ years of progressive experience in bacterial protein expression, purification, and bioprocess development.
• Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related field.
• 3+ years of industry or postdoctoral experience in bioanalytical method development and characterization of biopharmaceuticals, nucleic acids, or lipid‑based drug products.
• Bachelor's degree or higher in Chemistry, Pharmaceutics, Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in pharmaceutical formulation, with a focus on lipid nanoparticle drug delivery systems.
• Senior Research Associate, Translational Research (Boston, MA)
• BS with 6+ years or MS with 4+ years of hands‑on research experience in molecular and cell biology in industry or academia.
• Direct experience with CRISPR gene editing, including assay readouts for editing efficiency (amplicon NGS, TIDE/ICE, or equivalent).
• BS or MS in biology, pharmacology, molecular biology, biomedical sciences, veterinary technology, or a related discipline
• 5-6 years of relevant hands‑on research experience in industry or an equivalent research setting.

Salary Range

The broad range for all positions: $65,000 - $200,000. Job specific salary ranges are in the application portal.

• Competitive salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional growth and leadership development.
• Fast‑paced, collaborative, and innovative work environment.
• We offer an exceptional benefits package to include Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability, a 401k Match of 4%, Paid Time Off and Equity.

How to Apply

Interested candidates will click Apply to proceed to our application portal and will need to submit a resume and cover letter detailing relevant experience. To be considered for the role, applicants must be:

• Eligible to work in the United States for any employer without current or future sponsorship.
• Able to work onsite in the lab, based on the location listed for the position (either San Diego, CA or Boston, MA). Please check the position listing when you Apply for the location of each role.
• Direct candidates only and not from a third party, i.e., staffing agency.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.