Scientist II - LNP Formulation

Spectraforce Technologies, Inc.; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 83,000 - 117,000; Full time

Job summary

SpectrumForce Technologies, Inc. in San Diego is seeking a Scientist II to join our Formulation team. The role focuses on hands-on synthesis, formulation, and optimization of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) for nucleic acid delivery, under senior scientists' guidance.

The position emphasizes DoE-driven screening, data analysis, and meticulous record-keeping to advance early-stage development, including scale-up and stability studies. Strong Excel and LNP characterization skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field with 5+ years in biopharma.
• Master's degree with 2+ years of industry experience.
• Minimum 2 years hands-on LNP formulation and nucleic acid encapsulation.
• Proficiency with DLS, zeta potential, Ribogreen assays.
• Excel and data analysis software experience (JMP/Prism) preferred.
• Attention to detail with reproducible data.
• Targeted LNP prep and immune cell delivery experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Execute and optimize the formulation and characterization of LNPs or tLNPs encapsulating nucleic acids for in vitro and in vivo studies.
• Implement DoE-based screening campaigns to establish optimal LNP compositions and processing parameters.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to support formulation requests.
• Support early-stage formulation development, 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 such as inventory tracking and buffer preparation.

Skills

LNP formulation & encapsulation

LNP characterization (DLS, zeta, Ribog

Attention to detail

Excel

Statistics software (JMP, Prism)

Communication

Targeted LNP prep

Immune cell delivery

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline

Master's degree in related field

Tools

MS Excel

JMP

GraphPad Prism

Job description

Title: Scientist II - LNP Formulation

Duration: 2+ Months

Location: San Diego, CA,, 92111

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 5+ years of biopharma industry experience, OR a Master's 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.