Senior LNP Formulation & Analytics Scientist

Pivotal Life Sciences; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Pivotal Life Sciences is seeking a Senior Research Associate to perform hands-on analytical characterization of LNP formulations and contribute to formulation activities. You will use techniques like NanoFCM, DLS, NTA, and HPLC to generate high‑quality data that informs formulation decisions and supports regulatory readiness.

You will work at the bench to optimize microfluidic mixing, characterize particle properties, and troubleshoot analytical workflows while collaborating with formulation,

Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemistry, Pharmaceutics, Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field; Ph.D. candidates with relevant experience encouraged.
• 3–5+ years of hands-on pharma/biopharma formulation or analytical characterization, focusing on lipid nanoparticles or similar systems.
• Direct experience with nanoparticle sizing/characterization (DLS, NTA, NanoFCM or flow cytometry).
• Proficiency with encapsulation efficiency assays (e.g., RiboGreen/PicoGreen).
• Familiarity with LNP formulation workflows (microfluidic mixing).
• Strong data analysis skills and ability to generate publication-ready figures/reports.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to manage multiple assays/projects.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities; comfortable presenting data to cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine and advanced analytical characterization of LNP formulations (DLS, NTA, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, NanoFCM).
• Operate, calibrate, and troubleshoot NanoFCM; optimize methods for single-particle analysis of LNP/tLNP populations.
• Support LNP formulation activities using microfluidic platforms (NanoAssemblr) including lipid stock prep and parameter optimization.
• Carry out additional assays (cryo-TEM prep, HPLC lipid/RNA quantitation, RNA integrity gels, UV/Vis).
• Analyze and present data to support formulation development; generate clear summaries and cross-functional reports.
• Maintain electronic lab notebooks with data traceability; ensure instrument maintenance and inventory control.
• Contribute to SOP development, method qualification, and technical reports; coordinate with teams across programs.
• Collaborate with formulation, downstream process, analytics, and biology teams to align workflows with timelines.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Attention to detail

Effective communication

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemistry/Pharmaceutics/Biochemistry/BME/Chemical Engineering

Tools

NanoFCM

DLS

NTA

HPLC

Microfluidic systems (NanoAssemblr)

Cryo-TEM

Job description

Pivotal Life Sciences is seeking a Senior Research Associate to perform hands-on analytical characterization of LNP formulations and contribute to formulation activities. You will use techniques like NanoFCM, DLS, NTA, and HPLC to generate high‑quality data that informs formulation decisions and supports regulatory readiness.

You will work at the bench to optimize microfluidic mixing, characterize particle properties, and troubleshoot analytical workflows while collaborating with formulation,