Senior Scientist, Analytical Development

Seawolf Therapeutics, Inc.; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 127,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

401(k) plan

Stock options

Bonus

Job summary

Seawolf Therapeutics, Inc. seeks an analytical Senior Scientist to lead analytical activities for nanoparticulate delivery systems and nucleic acid cargo.

This on-site role blends lab work with planning and data interpretation, and requires strong MS-based expertise and cross-functional collaboration. The candidate will develop and optimize analytical methods from discovery through IND-enabling characterization, manage a team of scientists, and contribute to regulatory documentation.

Qualifications

• PhD in Analytical Chemistry or related discipline with 6+ years' industry experience, or BS/MS with 12–15+ years.
• Experience developing LC-MS/MS methods for protein analysis and impurity profiling.
• Experience with nucleic acid-based therapeutics and nanoparticulate delivery systems is preferred.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead analytical method development for discovery and IND-enabling work.
• Oversee QC of drug product and substances; ensure quantification of ligands, lipids, DNA, RNA.
• Manage and mentor analytical scientists; set priorities and timelines.
• Document procedures, data, reports; support tech transfer.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to drive project progress.

Skills

Mass spectrometry

LC-MS/MS

Protein analysis

Nucleic acids

Quantitation

RT-qPCR

Education

PhD in Analytical Chemistry

Tools

Q-TOF

Orbitrap

ddPCR

RT-qPCR

Job description

Seawolf Therapeutics is a venture-backed company based in San Diego, CA. We are an innovative and collaborative team developing DNA-based medicines that will be first-in-class and best-in-class long-acting therapeutics for patients living with unmet medical needs. Come join our team and be an agent of change.

Position Summary:

Seawolf Therapeutics is seeking a talented analytical Senior Scientist to be a key member of the Delivery Technology team to lead all aspects of analytical activities required to enable discovery research and platform development efforts. This is a hands-on, on-site role with approximately 70% lab work and 30% experimental planning and data analysis. The individual will be responsible for the developing, optimizing, and trouble-shooting the analytical methodologies required for the characterization of a nanoparticulate delivery system and the nucleic acid cargo. The ideal candidate will have experience with the development and implementation of analytical methods used in the characterization and quantification of the various components utilized in lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). This role requires someone who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, can prioritize tasks based on strategic goals and timelines, and communicates effectively between cross-functional teams.

Key Responsibilities:

Technical Oversight

• Provide subject matter expertise across all analytical methodologies, including LCMS, RP-HPLC, SEC, SAX, CGE, spectroscopy, and fluorometry
• Ensure accurate quantification of critical components of the final LNP drug product (e.g., ligand, lipid, DNA, and RNA) and quality control of drug product and drug substances
• Plan, coordinate, delegate, and when needed directly perform sample analysis in support of company objectives

Method Development

• Lead the development of the internal analytical capabilities that support all R&D activity, from early discovery screening through IND-enabling characterization
• Troubleshoot complex analytical challenges and identify bottlenecks in the analytical workflows to improve turnaround time and efficiency
• Ensure all methods are performed in a phase-appropriate manner, leading the pre-qualification, qualification, and validation efforts when necessary

Management

• Recruit, train, and lead a team of analytical scientists
• Set priorities, own timelines, and coordinate the team's activities both internally and across departments in line with program objectives

Documentation

• Maintain high standards for scientific integrity and accountability
• Ensure accurate and thorough documentation of experimental procedures, data, and method development activities
• Review and approve data generated by junior team members
• Contribute to technical reports, SOPs, and regulatory documentation

Cross-functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with a team of scientists to creatively solve problems and drive innovation
• Communicate across departments and support project teams
• Support technology transfer to manufacturing or external partners
• Adapt to evolving project priorities in a fast-paced, data-driven environment

Requirements:

• PhD in Analytical Chemistry or related discipline with 6+ years of relevant industry experience, or BS/MS with 12-15+ years of relevant industry experience
• Demonstrated proficiency in mass spectrometry, including LC-MS/MS method development and data interpretation for protein identification, quantitation, and impurity profiling, as well as for lipid identification, quantitation, and impurity profiling. A detailed understanding of tryptic digests and peptide mapping for protein analysis is strongly preferred. Hands-on experience with high-resolution platforms (Q-TOF or Orbitrap) is strongly preferred.
• Prior hands-on experience with the following:
• Prior experience with the characterization and quantification of nucleic acid-based therapeutics
• Prior experience with nanoparticulate delivery systems is an advantage
• Prior experience with RT-qPCR and ddPCR is an advantage
• Able to conduct self-directed research and thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced entrepreneurial setting with a diverse team of coworkers
• Experience with regulatory CMC for the development stage of drug product is an advantage
• Exceptional problem-solving skills, outstanding interpersonal skills, excellent written and oral communication skills, creativity, enthusiasm, reliability, and attention to details
• Scientifically curious, paired with a strong work ethic and grit
• Open-minded, respectful of others, and a strong proponent of an inclusive culture
• Embraces the lean start-up mentality and is willing to wear multiple hats

Authorization

• Applicants must have authorization to work in the US

The anticipated salary range for candidates who will work in San Diego, CA is $127,000 to $160,000. The final salary offered to a successful candidate will be dependent on several factors that may include but are not limited to the type and length of experience within the job, type and length of experience within the industry, education, etc.

Seawolf provides competitive salaries and an excellent benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401K, stock options and bonus.