Scientist II - Formulation (LNP)

Tailored Management; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Coverage

Job summary

Tailored Management seeks a Scientist II to join the Formulation team and advance lipid nanoparticle formulations for nucleic acid delivery. The role encompasses formulation, encapsulation, and characterization of LNPs with mRNA, siRNA, or DNA for in vitro and in vivo use.

The successful candidate will perform DoE-based screening, analyze experimental data, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to push non-viral delivery technologies while ensuring reproducible results and meticulous

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with at least 5 years biopharmaceutical industry experience or Master's degree with at least 2 years industry experience.
• LNP formulation experience in lipid nanoparticles and nucleic acid encapsulation (mRNA/siRNA/DNA).
• Analytical characterization: DLS, zeta potential, Ribogreen assays.
• Advanced Excel data analysis for experiments.
• Familiarity with DoE and formulation screening methodologies.
• Ability to maintain thorough laboratory documentation.

Responsibilities

• Develop, prepare, and optimize LNPs for nucleic acid delivery (mRNA, siRNA, DNA).
• Characterize LNPs using DLS, zeta potential, and Ribogreen assays.
• Execute DoE-based formulation screening to identify optimal compositions.
• Support formulation development, scale-up, and stability studies.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to advance delivery technologies.
• Analyze data and report results to the Formulation team.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and SOPs.
• Handle routine lab operations, inventory, and equipment maintenance.
• Troubleshoot formulation challenges and drive optimization.

Skills

LNP formulation

Analytical characterization

Data analysis

DoE

Experimental design

Laboratory documentation

Laboratory operations

Experimental optimization

Education

Bachelor's degree in chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related field

Master's degree in related field

Job description

Starting Pay Rate: $42.00- $48.28 per hour

Position Overview

We are seeking a Scientist II to join our Formulation team, supporting the development and optimization of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) for nucleic acid delivery. This hands‑on laboratory role focuses on the formulation, encapsulation, and characterization of targeted and non‑targeted LNPs containing mRNA, siRNA, or DNA for in vitro and in vivo applications.

The successful candidate will execute formulation experiments, conduct Design of Experiments (DoE)-based screening campaigns, analyze experimental data, and collaborate with cross‑functional teams to advance non‑viral delivery technologies.

The ideal candidate has strong technical expertise in LNP formulation, analytical characterization, and experimental data analysis, with a demonstrated ability to produce reproducible results in a biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Lipid Nanoparticle Formulation: Develop, prepare, and optimize targeted and non-targeted lipid nanoparticles (LNPs and tLNPs) for nucleic acid delivery, including mRNA, siRNA, and DNA encapsulation.
• LNP Characterization: Perform physicochemical characterization of LNP formulations using Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), zeta potential analysis, and Ribogreen assays to evaluate particle size, surface charge, and nucleic acid encapsulation efficiency.
• Design of Experiments (DoE): Execute DoE-based formulation screening campaigns to evaluate lipid compositions, formulation variables, and processing parameters to identify optimal LNP formulations.
• Formulation Development: Support early‑stage formulation development, process optimization, and downstream processing activities, including cryoprotection, formulation scale‑up, and stability studies.
• Targeted LNP Development: Support the preparation and characterization of targeted LNPs using antibody‑based targeting ligands, including monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), Fab fragments, single‑chain variable fragments (scFvs), and VHH antibodies.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Partner with internal research and development teams to coordinate formulation requests, meet project timelines, and support nucleic acid delivery studies.
• Data Analysis and Reporting: Analyze, interpret, and present formulation and characterization data to the Formulation team. Use Microsoft Excel and applicable statistical analysis software to evaluate experimental results and identify trends.
• Laboratory Documentation: Maintain accurate and detailed laboratory records, experimental protocols, formulation parameters, and results to support data integrity and reproducibility.
• Laboratory Operations: Perform routine laboratory management activities, including inventory tracking, supply ordering, buffer preparation, equipment maintenance, and autoclaving.
• Experimental Optimization: Troubleshoot formulation challenges, refine experimental procedures, and contribute to continuous improvement of LNP preparation and characterization workflows.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related scientific discipline, with at least 5 years of biopharmaceutical industry experience; or
• Master's degree in a related scientific discipline, with at least 2 years of biopharmaceutical industry experience.
• LNP Formulation Experience: Minimum of 2 years of hands‑on laboratory experience in lipid nanoparticle formulation and nucleic acid encapsulation, including mRNA, siRNA, or DNA.
• Analytical Characterization: Demonstrated proficiency in LNP characterization techniques, including Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), zeta potential measurement, and Ribogreen assays.
• Data Analysis: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel for experimental data analysis, organization, and reporting.
• Experimental Design: Familiarity with formulation screening, experimental optimization, and Design of Experiments (DoE) methodologies.
• Laboratory Documentation: Ability to maintain detailed experimental records and generate accurate, reproducible laboratory data.

• Medical Coverage - HDHP, PPO, and Surest plan options