Research Associate/Senior Research Associate, Analytical Development

Seawolf Therapeutics, Inc.; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

401K

Stock options

Bonus

Job summary

Seawolf Therapeutics, Inc. in San Diego, CA seeks a Research Associate/Sr. Research Associate for Analytical Development. 80% lab work and 20% data entry, focusing on HPLC- and CE-based analyses of lipid nanoparticle drug products. You will develop methods, run analyses, and maintain rigorous data records in a fast-paced startup environment.

BS/MS in chemistry/engineering with 2+ years in industry is required; collaboration across teams and strong communication are essential.

Qualifications

• BS/MS in chemistry, chemical engineering, or bioengineering with 2+ years in industry.
• Hands-on HPLC and CE setup with data analysis experience.
• Familiar with SOPs and method development/validation.

Responsibilities

• Develop analytical methods for lipids, nucleic acids and nanoparticle formulations.
• Perform routine testing of LNP drug products for concentration, identity and purity.
• Maintain detailed experimental documentation and inventory.
• Collaborate across teams to drive analytical innovation and problem solving.
• Present results and ensure scientific integrity in all work.

Skills

HPLC

CE

Data analysis

SOP adherence

Excel

Troubleshooting

Automation tools

Education

BS/MS in chemistry, chemical engineering or bioengineering

Tools

HPLC instruments

CE instruments

Automation tools

Job description

Seawolf Therapeutics is a venture-backed company based in San Diego, CA. We are an innovative and collaborative team developing DNA-based medicines that will be first-in-class and best-in-class long-acting therapeutics for patients living with unmet medical needs. Come join our team and be an agent of change.

Overview of the Role

We are seeking a Research Associate/Sr. Research Associate to join our Analytical Development team and facilitate our formulation development efforts. This is a hands‑on, on‑site laboratory role, with approximately 80% lab‑based work and 20% dedicated to data entry and experiment planning. This individual will be actively engaged in developing methodologies to analyze advanced nucleic acid‑based therapeutics. A key point of focus will be execution of high‑performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)‑and capillary electrophoresis (CE)‑based analyses for characterizing lipid nanoparticle (LNP) drug product formulations. This role requires both the ability to execute routine testing following standard operating procedures (SOPs) and the initiative to assist in developing new analytical methods in collaboration with other analytical team members. This role additionally requires a passion for scientific discovery, interdisciplinary collaboration, good organization and record keeping, and the ability to present and discuss work across functional teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the development of new analytical methods for the characterization of lipids, nucleic acids, and nanoparticle formulations.
• Perform routine analytical testing of in‑process and drug product LNP formulations to assess key attributes such as concentration, identity, purity, and integrity.
• Maintain meticulous documentation of all experimental data, procedures, and protocols.
• Maintain organized storage and inventory of supplies and materials.
• Collaborate with a team of scientists to creatively solve problems and drive innovation.
• Maintain high standards for scientific integrity and accountability.
• Communicate across departments and support project teams.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• BS/MS in chemistry, chemical engineering, bioengineering or related field with at least 2 years of relevant industry experience.

Technical Skills

• Prior hands‑on experience with the following:
• HPLC instrument setup and data analysis, ideally across multiple separation modalities with different stationary and mobile phases.
• CE instrument setup and data analysis, ideally across multiple instrumentation platforms.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills for experimental and equipment‑related issues.
• Fundamental knowledge of assay development, performance, and quality standards, including how to assess accuracy and precision during method qualification or validation.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Suite (Excel, Word) for data documentation and analysis.
• Experience with automation tools is a plus.
• Able to conduct self‑directed research and thrive in a fast‑paced entrepreneurial setting with a diverse team of coworkers.

Organizational & Soft Skills

• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and meticulous data documentation.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks while maintaining accuracy.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills for cross‑functional collaboration.
• Exceptional problem‑solving skills, outstanding interpersonal skills, creativity, enthusiasm, reliability.
• Flexibility to adapt to evolving project priorities in a dynamic environment.
• A team‑oriented, startup mentality, willing to take on multiple responsibilities.
• Scientifically curious, paired with a strong work ethic and grit.

Authorization

• Applicants must have authorization to work in the US

The anticipated salary range for candidates who will work in San Diego, CA is $60,000 to $95,000. The final salary offered to a successful candidate will be dependent on several factors that may include but are not limited to the type and length of experience within the job, type and length of experience within the industry, education, etc.

Seawolf provides competitive salaries and an excellent benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401K, stock options and bonus.