Scientist II - LNP Formulation

Apollopros; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Apollopros is seeking a Scientist II - LNP Formulation in San Diego to lead hands-on formulation and optimization of lipid nanoparticles for nucleic acid delivery. You will work with senior scientists to design experiments, analyze data, and advance preclinical programs.

The role requires 5+ years in biopharma with LNP experience, strong DoE usage, and proficiency in DLS, zeta potential, and Ribogreen assays. This onsite position offers deep cross-functional collaboration and scale-up support.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related scientific discipline with 5+ years in biopharmaceutical industry, OR Master's with 2+ years.
• 2+ years hands-on experience in lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulation and nucleic acid encapsulation.
• Direct experience with nucleic acid payloads (mRNA, siRNA, or DNA).
• Strong knowledge of LNP characterization (DLS, Zeta Potential, Ribogreen).
• Advanced Excel skills for data analysis and reporting.
• Excellent attention to detail with reproducible data.
• Strong organizational, communication, and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Formulate and optimize LNPs and targeted LNPs for delivery of nucleic acids (mRNA/siRNA/DNA).
• Design and conduct experiments to improve encapsulation efficiency and formulation robustness.
• Implement DoE strategies to optimize formulations and manufacturing parameters.
• Collaborate with research, analytical, and development teams; present results to leadership.

Skills

LNP formulation

Nucleic acid delivery

DoE design

DLS

Zeta potential

Ribogreen assays

Excel data analysis

Attention to detail

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry/Biochemistry/Chemical Engineering/Pharmaceutical Sciences

Master's degree in related field

Tools

JMP

GraphPad Prism

Job description

Scientist II - LNP Formulation Location: San Diego, CA (Onsite) Relocation Assistance: Not Available

Help Advance the Future of Nucleic Acid Delivery We are seeking a talented and highly motivated Scientist II - LNP Formulation to join an innovative formulation development team focused on advancing non-viral delivery technologies. This hands-on laboratory role is ideal for scientists with experience in lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulation, nucleic acid delivery, and formulation development who are eager to contribute to cutting-edge therapeutic programs. Working alongside experienced formulation scientists, you will support the development, optimization, and characterization of both targeted and non-targeted lipid nanoparticles for in vitro and in vivo applications.

Key Responsibilities

Lipid Nanoparticle Formulation & Development

Formulate and optimize lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) and targeted lipid nanoparticles (tLNPs) for the delivery of nucleic acids, including mRNA, siRNA, and DNA. Execute formulation activities with guidance from senior scientists to support preclinical research programs. Design and conduct experiments to improve nanoparticle performance, encapsulation efficiency, and overall formulation robustness. Support early-stage formulation development activities and process optimization efforts.

Experimental Design & Characterization

Implement Design of Experiments (DoE) strategies to evaluate formulation variables and identify optimal LNP compositions and manufacturing parameters. Perform and interpret LNP characterization studies using techniques such as: Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) Zeta Potential Analysis Ribogreen Assays Analyze formulation performance data and generate actionable insights to guide development decisions.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Partner with research, analytical, and development teams to support formulation requests and project objectives. Contribute technical expertise to ongoing development programs and provide formulation support across multiple initiatives. Present experimental findings, recommendations, and project updates to team members and leadership.

Scale-Up & Process Support

Assist with downstream processing and formulation activities, including: Cryoprotection studies Stability assessments Process scale-up initiatives Support efforts to improve formulation reproducibility and manufacturability.

Documentation & Laboratory Operations

Maintain accurate, organized, and detailed laboratory records documenting experiments, observations, and results. Ensure data integrity and compliance with laboratory documentation standards. Participate in routine laboratory operations, including: Inventory management Supply ordering Buffer preparation Equipment maintenance and autoclaving activities.

Qualifications Required

Required Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related scientific discipline with 5+ years of biopharmaceutical industry experience, OR Master's degree in a related field with 2+ years of industry experience. Minimum 2 years of hands-on experience in lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulation and nucleic acid encapsulation. Direct experience working with nucleic acid payloads such as mRNA, siRNA, or DNA. Strong knowledge of LNP characterization methodologies, including DLS, Zeta Potential, and Ribogreen assays. Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel for data analysis and reporting. Exceptional attention to detail with a demonstrated record of generating high-quality, reproducible experimental data. Strong organizational, communication, and collaboration skills in a fast-paced research environment.

Preferred Experience

Experience with statistical analysis and visualization software such as JMP and GraphPad Prism. Hands-on experience developing targeted lipid nanoparticles (tLNPs), including: Monoclonal antibody (mAb)-coated LNPs Fab-coated LNPs ScFv-coated LNPs VHH-coated LNPs Experience supporting immune cell-targeted delivery applications. Knowledge of formulation scale-up and stability assessment workflows.

Why Join This Opportunity?

Contribute to innovative LNP and nucleic acid delivery technologies. Work on impactful research programs supporting next-generation therapeutics. Gain exposure to advanced formulation development, characterization, and scale-up activities. Collaborate with a highly skilled, cross-functional scientific team in a fast-paced biopharmaceutical environment.

Position Type: Contract

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