Scientist I – Lipid Nanoparticles

dawarconsulting; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Scientist I – Lipid Nanoparticles is sought for a San Diego, CA-based role focused on developing and optimizing lipid nanoparticle formulations for nucleic acid delivery. The candidate will perform LNP synthesis, characterization, and data analysis while collaborating with cross‑functional teams to advance non-viral drug delivery platforms.

The role requires hands‑on experience with LNP formulation, DLS, Zeta potential, and Ribogreen assays, plus DoE-based optimization and potential scale‑up

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field with 2+ years biopharma experience, or Master's with 1+ year in industry.
• Hands‑on experience with LNP formulation and nucleic acid encapsulation (mRNA, siRNA, or DNA).
• Experience with Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Zeta Potential, and Ribogreen assays.
• Preferred experience with TFF, dialysis, bioconjugation, and statistical analysis tools (JMP, Prism).

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and characterize LNP formulations encapsulating mRNA, siRNA, or DNA for in vitro and in vivo studies.
• Design and execute formulation optimization studies using DoE.
• Perform LNP characterization using DLS, Zeta Potential, and Ribogreen assays.
• Support formulation development activities, including scale-up, stability studies, cryoprotection, and downstream processing.
• Analyze experimental data, maintain accurate laboratory documentation, and present findings to project teams.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams and support routine laboratory operations.

Skills

LNP formulation

Nucleic acid encapsulation

DLS

Zeta potential

Ribogreen assays

DoE (Design of Experiments)

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

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

Master's degree in related field (optional)

Tools

JMP

Prism

Tangential Flow Filtration (TFF)

Dialysis

Bioconjugation

Job description

Scientist I – Lipid Nanoparticles

Our client, a world leader in biotechnology and gene therapy, is looking for a “Scientist I – Lipid Nanoparticles” based in San Diego, CA.

Job Duration: Long Term Contract (Possibility Of Extension) Pay Rate : $49/hr on W2 Company Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Paid Sick leave, 401K

Seeking a hands‑on Scientist I to support the development of lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulations for nucleic acid delivery. This role involves LNP synthesis, formulation optimization, characterization, data analysis, and collaboration with cross‑functional teams to advance non-viral drug delivery platforms.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and characterize LNP formulations encapsulating mRNA, siRNA, or DNA for in vitro and in vivo studies.
• Design and execute formulation optimization studies using Design of Experiments (DoE).
• Perform LNP characterization using DLS, Zeta Potential, and Ribogreen assays.
• Support formulation development activities, including scale-up, stability studies, cryoprotection, and downstream processing.
• Analyze experimental data, maintain accurate laboratory documentation, and present findings to project teams.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams and support routine laboratory operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field with 2+ years of biopharma experience, or a Master's degree with 1+ year of industry experience.
• Hands‑on experience with LNP formulation and nucleic acid encapsulation (mRNA, siRNA, or DNA).
• Experience with Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Zeta Potential, and Ribogreen assays.
• Preferred experience with Tangential Flow Filtration (TFF), dialysis, bioconjugation, and statistical analysis tools (JMP, Prism).