Scientist

Russell Tobin; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Russell Tobin, partnering with a biopharmaceutical company in San Diego, seeks a Scientist to advance lipid nanoparticle formulation for nucleic acid delivery. You will formulate LNPs, run DoE screening, and collaborate with cross-functional teams on early‑stage development.

This onsite contract role is 3 months with possible extension, offering $40–$45.45 per hour depending on experience. Requires 4+ years in biopharma, hands-on LNP formulation and encapsulation (mRNA/siRNA/DNA), and strong

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field with 4+ years in biopharma.
• Master's degree with 1+ years in industry acceptable.
• 2+ years hands-on LNP formulation and nucleic acid encapsulation (mRNA/siRNA/DNA).
• Experience with LNP characterization techniques (DLS, zeta potential, RiboGreen).
• Hands-on experience with targeted LNP preparation (mAb-, Fab-, ScFv-, VHH-coated) and immune cell delivery.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel; JMP/GraphPad Prism preferred.
• Detail-oriented with reproducible data; strong teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Execute and optimize the formulation and characterization of targeted and non-targeted lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) for nucleic acid delivery.
• Formulate LNPs encapsulating mRNA, siRNA, or DNA for in vitro and in vivo studies.
• Execute Design of Experiments (DoE) screening campaigns to optimize LNP compositions and processing parameters.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support formulation requests and early-stage formulation development.
• Support downstream processing activities, including cryoprotection, scale-up, and stability studies.
• Maintain detailed laboratory records and documentation of formulation activities and results.
• Analyze, interpret, and present experimental data to the formulation team.
• Support laboratory operations, including inventory tracking, supply ordering, buffer preparation, and autoclaving.

Skills

LNP formulation

Nucleic acid encapsulation

DLS

Zeta potential

RiboGreen assays

Targeted LNPs

Immune cell delivery

Excel

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field

Master's degree with 1+ years industry experience

Tools

JMP

GraphPad Prism

Job description

Scientist

Russell Tobin is partnering with a biopharmaceutical company to identify a Scientist for an opportunity in San Diego, CA.

Responsibilities

• Execute and optimize the formulation and characterization of targeted and non-targeted lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) for nucleic acid delivery.
• Formulate LNPs encapsulating mRNA, siRNA, or DNA for in vitro and in vivo studies.
• Execute Design of Experiments (DoE) screening campaigns to optimize LNP compositions and processing parameters.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support formulation requests and early-stage formulation development.
• Support downstream processing activities, including cryoprotection, scale-up, and stability studies.
• Maintain detailed laboratory records and documentation of formulation activities and results.
• Analyze, interpret, and present experimental data to the formulation team.
• Support laboratory operations, including inventory tracking, supply ordering, buffer preparation, and autoclaving.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field with 4+ years of biopharmaceutical industry experience, OR Master's degree with 1+ years of industry experience.
• Minimum 2 years of hands-on LNP formulation and nucleic acid encapsulation experience involving mRNA, siRNA, or DNA.
• Experience with LNP characterization techniques, including Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Zeta potential, and RiboGreen assays.
• Must have prior hands-on experience with targeted LNP preparation, including mAb-, Fab-, ScFv-, or VHH-coated LNPs, and immune cell delivery.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel; experience with JMP, GraphPad Prism, or similar data analysis software is preferred.
• Strong attention to detail with a demonstrated ability to generate reproducible experimental data.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and teamwork skills..
• Position Type: Contract - 3 months contract with the possibility of extension

Additional Details

• Location model: 100% Onsite - San Diego, CA
• Position Type: Contract - 3 months contract with the possibility of extension
• Pay range approved: $40/hr - $45.45/hr depending on experience

For workers in the United States, PrideGlobal and it's affiliates offers eligible employee’s comprehensive healthcare coverage (medical, dental, and vision plans), supplemental coverage (accident insurance, critical illness insurance and hospital indemnity), 401(k)-retirement savings, life & disability insurance, an employee assistance program, legal support, pet insurance and employee discounts with preferred vendors.

Equal Employment Opportunity

PrideGlobal and its affiliates are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of the race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, reproductive health decision making, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Fair Chance Employment

PrideGlobal and its affiliates are a Fair Chance employer. We consider all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with applicable state and local Fair Chance laws and ordinances, including, the California Fair Chance Act and all applicable local Fair Chance ordinances.

Accommodations

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, or to perform the essential functions of this role, please contact us.

Only applicable for San Francisco Candidates: Under the San Francisco Lactation in the Workplace Ordinance, we will provide written notice of lactation accommodation rights, and this notice will automatically be given upon hiring, any inquiry of parental leave or lactation accommodation.

Only applicable for Kentucky positions: For this type of employment, state law requires a criminal record check as a condition of employment. This applies to direct care staff (Examples: RN, LPN, Nurse Aides, Therapists) referred to Kentucky nursing facilities, assisted living communities, or long-term care facilities, in accordance with KRS 216.793.

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