SD_Scientist I

Advanced Clinical; California (MO); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Life insurance

Disability insurance

401k benefits

Job summary

Advanced Group is seeking a Scientist I in San Diego, CA to formulate and characterize lipid nanoparticles for nucleic acid delivery. The role emphasizes hands-on lab work, data analysis, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to advance R&D projects.

Responsibilities include DoE-driven studies, particle characterization (DLS, Zeta Potential, Ribogreen), data summarization, and support for scale-up and stability testing in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a scientific field with 4+ years of industry experience, or Master's degree with 1+ year.
• Minimum 2 years of hands-on LNP formulation experience with nucleic acid encapsulation.
• Experience with mRNA, siRNA, DNA or related nucleic acid delivery systems.
• Proficiency with LNP characterization techniques: DLS, Zeta Potential, Ribogreen.
• Strong Excel and scientific data analysis skills.

Responsibilities

• Formulate and characterize lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) encapsulating nucleic acids.
• Support optimization of formulation parameters and LNP compositions.
• Design and execute formulation studies using Design of Experiments (DoE).
• Perform routine LNP characterization using DLS, Zeta Potential, and Ribogreen assays.
• Analyze results, summarize findings, and present data to project teams.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records per procedures.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on formulation and development.
• Assist with formulation scale-up, stability testing, and process development.
• Support day-to-day lab operations including inventory, reagents, equipment, and organization.

Skills

LNP formulation

Data analysis

Excel

Education

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

Master's degree in related field

Tools

DLS

Zeta Potential

RiboGreen assay

Job description

We are seeking a motivated Scientist I onsite in San Diego, CA to support the development of lipid nanoparticle (LNP) delivery systems for nucleic acid-based applications. This hands‑on laboratory role will focus on formulating, characterizing, and optimizing LNPs while collaborating with cross‑functional teams to advance research and development initiatives.

The ideal candidate will have practical experience with LNP formulation, strong data analysis skills, and a passion for developing innovative delivery technologies in a fast‑paced scientific environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Formulate and characterize lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) encapsulating nucleic acids, including mRNA, siRNA, and DNA.
• Support optimization of formulation parameters and LNP compositions to improve performance and reproducibility.
• Design and execute formulation studies using Design of Experiments (DoE) approaches.
• Perform routine characterization of LNPs using analytical techniques such as Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Zeta Potential, and Ribogreen assays.
• Analyze experimental results, summarize findings, and present data to project teams.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and documentation in accordance with established procedures.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to support formulation and development activities.
• Assist with formulation scale‑up, stability testing, and related process development efforts.
• Support day‑to‑day laboratory operations, including inventory management, reagent preparation, equipment maintenance, and general lab organization.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related scientific discipline with 4+ years of industry experience ; OR
• Master's degree in a related field with 1+ years of industry experience.

Required Experience

• Minimum 2 years of hands‑on experience with lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulation and nucleic acid encapsulation.
• Experience working with mRNA, siRNA, DNA, or related nucleic acid delivery systems.
• Proficiency with LNP characterization techniques, including:
  • Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS)
  • Zeta Potential Analysis
  • Ribogreen Assays
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and scientific data analysis.

Preferred Experience

• Experience with statistical software such as JMP, GraphPad Prism, or similar data analysis tools.
• Experience supporting formulation development, process optimization, stability studies, or scale‑up activities.
• Experience with targeted LNP technologies and ligand‑conjugated nanoparticle systems.
• Familiarity with immune cell delivery applications or advanced drug delivery platforms.

TO BE A BEST FIT, YOUR STRENGTHS INCLUDE

• Strong laboratory and experimental execution skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to generating high‑quality, reproducible data.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
• Ability to organize, analyze, and interpret complex datasets.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong organizational and time‑management skills in a dynamic research environment.

Full‑time employees are also eligible for benefits options such as health coverage, life insurance, disability insurance, and 401k benefits.

At Advanced Group, our commitment to diversity and inclusion in every part of our organization is crucial to fulfilling our mission and demonstrating our REAL values. Advanced Group is committed to providing employment opportunities without regard to sex, race, color, age, national origin, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation or sexual preference, pregnancy or maternity, genetic information, marital status, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

Advanced Group complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and candidates with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact [e-mail].