Scientist I

IT Engagements; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

IT Engagements seeks a motivated Scientist 1 to join our Formulation team, working hands-on to synthesize and optimize lipid nanoparticles for nucleic acid delivery. You will collaborate with senior scientists and contribute to a non-viral delivery platform.

In this role, you will execute DoE-based campaigns, document results, support scale-up and stability studies, and maintain meticulous records while communicating findings to the team in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree with 4+ years in biopharma, or Master’s with 1+ year experience.
• LNP formulation and encapsulation experience (mRNA/siRNA/DNA).
• Proficiency with LNP characterization methods (DLS, zeta potential, Ribogreen).
• Strong Excel skills; experience with JMP/Prism preferred.
• Attention to detail, reproducible data, and effective communication.
• Experience with targeted LNPs and immune cell delivery is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Formulate and characterize lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) or targeted LNPs with nucleic acids for studies.
• Execute DoE-based screening to optimize compositions and processing.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to fulfill formulation requests.
• Support early-stage development, including scale-up and stability work.
• Maintain detailed records of formulation activities and results.
• Analyze and present experimental data to the team.
• Assist with routine lab management tasks and inventory.

Skills

Detail orientation

Data analysis

Communication

Collaboration

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's in chemistry/biochemistry/engineering

Master's in related field

Tools

JMP

Prism

MS Excel

Job description

Greetings from IT Engagements

IT Engagements is a global staff augmentation firm providing a wide-range of talent on-demand and total workforce solutions. We have an immediate opening for the below position with one of our premium clients.

Position Summary

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Scientist 1 to join our Formulation team. In this hands-on laboratory role, you will work closely with senior scientists to execute and optimize the synthesis of targeted and non-targeted lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) for nucleic acid delivery. The successful candidate will be a collaborative team player with strong technical and data analysis skills who is ready to contribute to our non-viral delivery platform.

Responsibilities

• Execute and optimize the formulation and characterization of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) or targeted lipid nanoparticle (tLNPs) encapsulating nucleic acids for in vitro and in vivo studies under the minor guidance of senior formulation scientists.




• Implement Design of Experiment (DoE) based screening campaigns to evaluate and establish optimal LNP compositions and processing parameters.




• Collaborate cross-functionally with internal teams to support and fulfill formulation requests.




• Support early-stage formulation development and downstream processing activities when needed, including cryoprotection, scale-up, and stability studies.




• Maintain detailed records documenting formulation activities and results.




• Analyze, interpret, and present experimental data to the formulation team.




• Contribute to routine lab management activities, including inventory tracking, supply ordering, buffer preparation, and autoclaving.

Requirements, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline with 4+ years of biopharma industry experience, OR a Master's degree with 1+ years of industry experience.




• LNP Expertise: Minimum of 2 years of hands-on laboratory experience specializing in LNP formulation and encapsulation of nucleic acids (mRNA, siRNA, or DNA).




• Analytical Skills: Proficiency with standard LNP characterization methods, including Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Zeta potential, and Ribogreen assays.




• Software & Data: High proficiency in MS Excel is required; hands-on experience with statistical and data analysis software (e.g., JMP, Prism) is preferred.




• Core Competencies: Strong attention to detail, a track record of producing reproducible data, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to communicate effectively within a fast-paced team environment.




• Preferred Skills: Prior experience with targeted LNP preparation (mAb, Fab, ScFv, VHH coated LNP) and immune cell delivery is highly desirable.

Regards,

Satya

[e-mail]