Scientist II/Senior Scientist, Analytical Development

Capstan Therapeutics Inc.; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative biotechnology company is seeking a Scientist II/Senior Scientist to enhance analytical methods for mRNA-based targeted lipid nanoparticles. In this role, you'll collaborate with a dynamic team to develop and optimize methods that support product characterization and process understanding. Your expertise will contribute to transformative therapies across various disease areas, including oncology and autoimmune disorders. Join a forward-thinking firm that values collaboration and offers a vibrant work environment, complete with numerous employee benefits and opportunities for professional growth.

Benefits

Performance bonus

Employee Stock Option Program

401(k) with employer matching

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Onsite Fully Stocked Kitchens

Gym and fitness class access

Qualifications

• PhD with 2-4 years or MS with 5-7 years of relevant experience required.
• Experience with biologics and lipid nanoparticles preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize analytical methods for tLNP drug products.
• Lead internal development through pre-validation of analytical methods.

Skills

LC/CE characterization

Analytical method development

Protein analysis

Communication skills

Education

PhD in relevant field

MS in relevant field

BS in relevant field

Tools

HPLC

LC-MS

CE

iCIEF

ELISA

Job description

About Capstan Therapeutics
Capstan is a biotechnology company with a mission to multiply the therapeutic possibilities for patients by developing targeted in vivo RNA technologies. Our proprietary CellSeeker tLNP platform technology is composed of novel LNPs conjugated with a recombinant protein binder, such as a monoclonal antibody. tLNPs are designed to deliver payloads, including mRNA or gene editing tools, capable of reprogramming specific cell types in vivo. Capstan’s CellSeeker technology has the potential to generate transformative therapies with possible applications across a broad range of disease areas, including autoimmune disorders, oncology, fibrosis, and monogenic blood disorders.

The Opportunity
We seek a Scientist II/Senior Scientist, Analytical Development to join an experienced, fast-paced and collaborative team. This position will be primarily responsible for developing and optimizing analytical methods supporting the biophysical characterization of mRNA-based targeted lipid nanoparticles (tLNPs) for Capstan’s pipeline. Working closely with the technology development and research teams, this position will support process/product understanding, support expansion of the tLNP platform, contribute to product investigations, and build phase-appropriate protein and tLNP QC and extended characterization methods.

Responsibilities & Duties:
• Develop and optimize analytical methods for characterizing tLNP drug products, with a particular focus on protein, protein conjugate, and lipid nanoparticle analysis
• Design and execute routine and non-routine analysis supporting process/platform development, stability, and product characterization. Support analytical investigations into deviations and OOS/OOT results
• Lead internal development through pre-validation of novel analytical methods to characterize tLNP components and product, including but not limited to HPLC, LC-MS, CE, iCIEF, ELISA, and/or plate-based assays
• Support method transfer to and qualification at CDMOs
• Mentor and train members of the analytical development team
• Clearly communicate findings through presentations and data summaries
• Author, review, and approve standard operating procedures, protocols, and reports

Requirements/Qualifications:
• Generally met with a PhD with 2-4 years, M.S. with 5-7 yrs, or B.S with 8+ years of relevant industry experience
• Technical expertise with LC/CE characterization of large molecules, such as antibodies/ADCs, mRNA, and/or gene therapy vectors
• Experience with extended characterization and release/stability testing of biologics and/or lipid nanoparticles preferred
• Experience drafting and reviewing technical documents, such as SOP, technical reports, and qualification/stability protocols
• Experience with method qualification and transfer preferred
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with a demonstrated capacity to thrive in collaborative, team-driven environments

Salary & Benefits:
• Salary range is $130,000 – $170,0000/year depending on experience.
• Performance bonus
• Employee Stock Option Program
• 401(k) Program including an employer matching contribution
• Medical coverage
• Dental coverage
• Vision coverage
• Short and Long Term Disability coverage
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Optional Dependent Care Account
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Company Paid Holidays
• Paid Sick Days
• Employee Assistance Program
• Onsite Fully Stocked Kitchens
• Alexandria Real Estate Tenant, perks include gym and fitness class access, discounts at affiliated restaurants, and frequent on-site meals.
• Fun team environment with many employee events throughout the year

If you are interested in hearing more, reach out to us. We believe that each team member will impact and improve the lives of those we work with, and those we work for—our patients.

Capstan Therapeutics, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against applicants or employees on the basis of race, religion, creed, color, ancestry, national origin, sex, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, military or veteran status, medical condition, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, California's Fair Employment and Housing Act, and applicable local law, applicants and employees with disabilities are eligible for and may request reasonable accommodations to participate in the job application or interview process and to perform the essential functions of the job, unless such accommodation constitutes an undue hardship. Please contact [e-mail] if you need assistance completing any forms or to otherwise participate in the application process.

Unsolicited resumes sent to Capstan from recruiters do not constitute any type of relationship between the recruiter and Capstan and do not obligate Capstan to pay fees should we hire from those resumes. We ask that external recruiters and/or agencies not contact or present candidates directly to our hiring managers or employees.