Scientist II – LNP Formulation

Planet Pharma; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Planet Pharma seeks a motivated Scientist 1 to join our Formulation team to execute and optimize lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulations for nucleic acid delivery. You will work closely with senior scientists, using DoE to optimize compositions, and collaborate across teams to fulfill formulation requests.

You will analyze data, maintain rigorous records, and contribute to early-stage development, scale-up, and stability studies while supporting lab operations in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related with 5+ years of biopharma industry experience, OR a Master's with 2+ years of industry experience.
• Minimum 2 years hands-on experience in LNP formulation and encapsulation of nucleic acids.
• Proficiency with LNP characterization methods including DLS and Zeta potential, plus Ribogreen assays.
• Strong Excel skills and experience with statistical software (JMP, Prism).
• Strong attention to detail, reproducible data, and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Execute and optimize formulation and characterization of LNPs or tLNPs encapsulating nucleic acids for in vitro and in vivo studies.
• Implement DoE-based screening campaigns to identify optimal LNP compositions and processing parameters.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to support formulation requests and deliver timely results.
• Support early-stage formulation development, including cryoprotection, scale-up, and stability studies.
• Maintain detailed records of formulation activities and results.
• Analyze, interpret, and present experimental data to the formulation team.
• Contribute to routine lab management, including inventory, buffer prep, and autoclaving.

Skills

LNP formulation

DoE screening

Data analysis

DLS

Zeta potential

Ribogreen

MS Excel

JMP

Prism

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's in Chemistry/Biochemistry/Chemical Engineering

Master's in related field

Tools

MS Excel

JMP

Prism

DLS instrumentation

Zeta potential instrumentation

Job description

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: Bachelors degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline with 5+ years of biopharma industry experience, OR a Masters degree with 2+ 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.

Pay Rate Range: $35-48/hr depending on experience