SD_Scientist I

Actalent; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 58,000 - 61,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre‑tax and R

Life Insurance

Short and long‑term disability

Health Spending Account

Transportation benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Time Off/Leave

Job summary

Actalent in San Diego, CA is seeking a Scientist I – Formulation (Lipid Nanoparticles) for an onsite contract role. You will work with sr scientists to formulate, characterize, and optimize LNP systems for nucleic acid delivery, supporting in vitro and in vivo studies.

This position emphasizes DoE-based screening, cross‑functional collaboration, meticulous data recording, and robust documentation to ensure reproducibility in a fast-paced research environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline with 4 years of biopharma industry experience, OR a Master’s degree with 1 year of industry experience.
• Minimum of 2 years of hands‑on laboratory experience specializing in LNP formulation and encapsulation of nucleic acids such as mRNA, siRNA, or DNA.
• Proficiency with standard LNP characterization methods, including Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), zeta potential measurements, and Ribogreen assays.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Excel for data analysis, organization, and reporting.
• Strong attention to detail and a demonstrated track record of producing reproducible experimental data.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple experiments and priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills to collaborate with cross‑functional teams and present scientific findings clearly.
• Hands‑on experience with statistical and data analysis software such as JMP or Prism.
• Prior experience with targeted LNP preparation, including mAb‑, Fab‑, ScFv‑, or VHH‑coated LNPs.
• Experience in immune cell delivery using LNP‑based systems.
• Experience in biochemistry, chemistry, or related fields with practical exposure to nucleic acid delivery platforms.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team and contribute to shared project goals.

Responsibilities

• Execute and optimize the formulation and characterization of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) and targeted lipid nanoparticles (tLNPs) encapsulating nucleic acids for in vitro and in vivo studies under the guidance of sr 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 and project needs.
• Support early‑stage formulation development and downstream processing activities, including cryoprotection strategies, scale‑up efforts, and stability studies.
• Maintain detailed and accurate records documenting formulation activities, experimental conditions, and results in accordance with internal standards.
• Analyze, interpret, and present experimental data to the formulation team in a clear and concise manner.
• Contribute to routine laboratory management activities, including inventory tracking, supply ordering, buffer preparation, and autoclaving to ensure smooth day‑to‑day operations.

Skills

LNP formulation

Nucleic acid encapsulation

DLS / zeta potential

Ribogreen assay

Excel data analysis

Detail-oriented

Organizational skills

Communication

JMP

GraphPad Prism

Education

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

Master’s degree with 1 year of industry experience

Tools

JMP

Prism

Job description

Job Title: Scientist I – Formulation (Lipid Nanoparticles)

Job Description

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Scientist I to join the Formulation team in an onsite role based in San Diego, CA. In this hands‑on laboratory position, you will work closely with sr scientists to execute and optimize the synthesis of targeted and non‑targeted lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) for nucleic acid delivery. You will contribute directly to the development of a non-viral delivery platform by formulating, characterizing, and improving LNP systems for in vitro and in vivo applications. This role is ideal for a collaborative team player with strong technical, analytical, and data interpretation skills who thrives in a fast‑paced research environment.

Responsibilities

• Execute and optimize the formulation and characterization of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) and targeted lipid nanoparticles (tLNPs) encapsulating nucleic acids for in vitro and in vivo studies under the guidance of sr 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 and project needs.

• Support early‑stage formulation development and downstream processing activities, including cryoprotection strategies, scale‑up efforts, and stability studies.

• Maintain detailed and accurate records documenting formulation activities, experimental conditions, and results in accordance with internal standards.

• Analyze, interpret, and present experimental data to the formulation team in a clear and concise manner.

• Contribute to routine laboratory management activities, including inventory tracking, supply ordering, buffer preparation, and autoclaving to ensure smooth day‑to‑day operations.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline with 4 years of biopharma industry experience, OR a Master’s degree with 1 year of industry experience.

• Minimum of 2 years of hands‑on laboratory experience specializing in LNP formulation and encapsulation of nucleic acids such as mRNA, siRNA, or DNA.

• Proficiency with standard LNP characterization methods, including Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), zeta potential measurements, and Ribogreen assays.

• High proficiency in Microsoft Excel for data analysis, organization, and reporting.

• Strong attention to detail and a demonstrated track record of producing reproducible experimental data.

• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple experiments and priorities in a fast‑paced environment.

• Effective verbal and written communication skills to collaborate with cross‑functional teams and present scientific findings clearly.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Hands‑on experience with statistical and data analysis software such as JMP or Prism.

• Prior experience with targeted LNP preparation, including mAb‑, Fab‑, ScFv‑, or VHH‑coated LNPs.

• Experience in immune cell delivery using LNP‑based systems.

• Experience in biochemistry, chemistry, or related fields with practical exposure to nucleic acid delivery platforms.

• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team and contribute to shared project goals.

Work Environment

This role is fully onsite in a laboratory setting in San Diego, CA, with no relocation support indicated. You will work in a hands‑on experimental environment focused on the formulation and characterization of lipid nanoparticles for nucleic acid delivery. The position involves frequent use of analytical instruments such as Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) systems and zeta potential analyzers, as well as conducting Ribogreen assays and related biochemical analyses. Daily work includes buffer preparation, autoclaving, and routine lab upkeep to maintain a safe and well‑organized facility. You will collaborate closely with sr scientists and cross‑functional teams in a fast‑paced, data‑driven environment that emphasizes careful documentation, reproducibility, and high‑quality experimental execution.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of San Diego, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $42.00 - $44.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job‑related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre‑tax and Roth post‑tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long‑term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in San Diego,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 4, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News‑Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.