Scientist, Non-Viral Gene Delivery for Neural Interfaces

Merge; San Francisco, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Merge Labs is seeking a Scientist in the Delivery team to advance non-viral gene delivery and molecular biosensors toward preclinical translation. You will work across bioengineering, neuroscience, and in vivo biology to bridge molecular engineering and neural expression in preclinical models.

In this role you will formulate LNPs and polymeric nanoparticles, design in vivo studies, and collaborate with cross-disciplinary experts while mentoring junior researchers as programs grow.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or equivalent experience leading research projects end-to-end in bioengineering, chemical engineering, neurobiology, drug delivery or related field.
• Hands-on experience with non-viral delivery vehicles including lipid or polymeric nanoparticles.
• Experience developing, optimizing, or evaluating gene delivery modalities.
• In vivo studies with interpretation of delivery and expression results.

Responsibilities

• Identify best non-viral delivery technologies and secure access through collaborations or in-licensing.
• Work hands-on to formulate and characterize LNPs, polymeric nanoparticles, and other vehicles for CNS delivery.
• Define success criteria and develop assays/readouts to measure them.
• Design, run, and interpret in vivo studies in rodents and large animal models as needed.
• Evaluate approaches pairing non-viral delivery with ultrasound for BBB opening.
• Assess durability of expression and repeat dosing considerations.
• Collaborate with molecular engineering and neurobiology on payload design.
• Operate independently and mentor research associates as programs grow.

Skills

Non-viral delivery

In vivo studies

Gene delivery

Multidisciplinary collaboration

Project leadership

Education

Ph.D. or equivalent experience

Tools

Lipid nanoparticles

Polymeric nanoparticles

Job description

Merge Labs is seeking a Scientist in the Delivery team to advance non-viral gene delivery and molecular biosensors toward preclinical translation. You will work across bioengineering, neuroscience, and in vivo biology to bridge molecular engineering and neural expression in preclinical models.

In this role you will formulate LNPs and polymeric nanoparticles, design in vivo studies, and collaborate with cross-disciplinary experts while mentoring junior researchers as programs grow.