Senior Scientist, Targeted LNP Delivery & AI-Driven Formulation

Tribonet; United States; Hybrid; USD 131,000 - 209,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits

Well-being programs

Parental benefits

Paid time off

Investment options

Job summary

Moderna seeks a Scientist to lead targeted lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulation programs in a fast-paced R&D setting. You will drive LNP self-assembly, engineer delivery systems for small- and large-molecule payloads beyond the liver, and harness AI/ML to accelerate discovery.

This site-based role requires mentorship of researchers, hands-on experimental design, and collaboration across cross-functional teams to meet project milestones using advanced analytical methods.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in related field with 2+ years of experience.
• Deep expertise in lipid nanoparticle design, formulation, and physicochemical characterization; extra-hepatic delivery preferred.
• Experience implementing high-throughput formulation workflows, automation, and AI/ML-enabled data analysis.
• Proven leadership mentoring scientists and cross-functional collaboration in fast-paced environments.
• Proficiency with analytical techniques for nanoparticle size, morphology, composition, and stability.

Responsibilities

• Lead research programs on targeted, extra-hepatic LNP delivery from hypothesis to in-vivo evaluation.
• Develop and optimize LNP self-assembly and surface modifications for tissue specificity.
• Advance formulation discovery using high-throughput methods, automation, and AI/ML data analysis.
• Independently design and execute experiments; communicate data to teams and leadership.
• Apply advanced physicochemical and biophysical methods to elucidate structure–function relationships.
• Maintain rigorous electronic notebooks and SOPs per company standards.
• Mentor research associates and partner with cross-functional teams to achieve milestones.

Skills

LNP design

High-throughput formulation

Lab automation

AI/ML data analysis

Leadership mentoring

Nanoparticle analysis

Education

Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related

Tools

DLS

CryoEM

SAXS

ITC

NMR

nFCM

Job description

An educational platform on tribology — the science of friction, wear and lubrication

Who is it for

Engineers, researchers, students and industry professionals

We are seeking an accomplished Scientist to lead the development of targeted lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulations within our fast-paced, cross-functional R&D organization. In this role, you will advance the science of LNP self-assembly, engineer delivery systems for small- and large-molecule payloads beyond the liver and leverage state-of-the-art analytical techniques to establish structure–function relationships that drive biological performance. You will also integrate high-throughput formulation, laboratory automation, and AI/ML-enabled approaches to accelerate LNP discovery and support data-driven decision-making across multidisciplinary research programs.

Here’s What You’ll Do

• Drive research programs on targeted, extra-hepatic LNP delivery—from hypothesis generation through in-vitro / in-vivo evaluation
• Develop and optimize LNP self-assembly processes; refine composition, payload loading, and surface modifications for tissue and cell-type specificity
• Advance LNP formulation discovery by leveraging high-throughput formulation, automation, and AI/ML-enabled data analysis to accelerate innovation, optimize formulations, and drive data-informed decision-making across multidisciplinary teams
• Independently Design and execute experiments; analyze, interpret, and clearly communicate data to multidisciplinary project teams and leadership
• Implement and innovate advanced physicochemical and biophysical characterization methods (e.g., DLS, CryoEM, SAXS, ITC, NMR, nFCM etc) to elucidate structure–function relationships
• Maintain rigorous electronic laboratory notebooks, SOPs, and study documentation consistent with company expectations
• Provide scientific leadership and mentorship to research associates while partnering with cross-functional teams and external collaborators to prioritize activities, solve technical challenges, and ensure the timely achievement of project objectives and key milestones.

Here’s What You’ll Need (Basic Qualifications)

• Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related discipline with 2+ years of experience.
• Deep expertise in lipid nanoparticle (LNP) design, formulation, and physicochemical characterization, with experience advancing targeted or extra-hepatic delivery platforms preferred.
• Demonstrated experience implementing high-throughput formulation workflows, laboratory automation, and computational or AI/ML-enabled data analysis to accelerate discovery and support data-driven decision-making.
• Proven leadership experience mentoring scientists and research associates, with a track record of driving cross-functional collaboration and delivering research objectives in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with a broad suite of analytical techniques for nanoparticle size, morphology, composition, and stability assessment
• This position is site-based, requiring you to be at Moderna’s site full-time. This position is not eligible for remote work

Here’s What You’ll Bring to the Table (Preferred Qualifications)

• Demonstrated ability to plan and manage multiple projects in a highly collaborative, fast-paced setting
• Clear, concise scientific communication—written and verbal—with a track record of peer-reviewed publications and/or patents
• Commitment to inclusive teamwork, continuous learning, and high scientific rigor

At Moderna, we believe that when you feel your best, you can do your best work. That’s why our benefits and well-being resources are designed to support you—at work, at home, and everywhere in between.

• Competitive healthcare, plus voluntary benefit programs to support your unique needs
• A holistic approach to well-being, with access to fitness, mindfulness, and mental health support
• Family planning benefits, including fertility, adoption, and surrogacy support
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, volunteer days, sabbatical, global recharge days, and a discretionary year-end shutdown
• Savings and investments to help you plan for the future
• Location-specific perks and extras

The salary range for this role is $130,800.00 – $209,400.00. This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An individual’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, performance, and business or organizational needs. The successful candidate may be eligible for an annual discretionary bonus, other incentive compensation, or equity award, subject to company plan eligibility criteria and individual performance.

About Moderna

Since our founding in 2010, we have aspired to build the leading mRNA technology platform, the infrastructure to reimagine how medicines are created and delivered, and a world-class team. We believe in giving our people a platform to change medicine and an opportunity to change the world.

By living our mission, values, and mindsets every day, our people are the driving force behind our scientific progress and our culture. Together, we are creating a culture of belonging and building an organization that cares deeply for our patients, our employees, the environment, and our communities.

We are proud to have been recognized as a Science Magazine Top Biopharma Employer, a Fast Company Best Workplace for Innovators, and a Great Place to Work in the U.S.

If you want to make a difference and join a team that is changing the future of medicine, we invite you to visit modernatx.com/careers to learn more about our current opportunities.

Our Working Model

As we build our company, we have always believed an in-person culture is critical to our success. Moderna champions the significant benefits of in-office collaboration by embracing a 70/30 work model. This 70% in-office structure helps to foster a culture rich in innovation, teamwork, and direct mentorship. Join us in shaping a world where every interaction is an opportunity to learn, contribute, and make a meaningful impact.

Moderna is a smoke-free, alcohol-free, and drug-free work environment.

Moderna is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person’s race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, ancestry or citizenship, ethnicity, disability, military or protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital or familial status, or any other personal characteristic protected under applicable law.Moderna is a place where everyone can grow. If you meet the Basic Qualifications for the role and you would be excited to contribute to our mission every day, please apply!

Moderna is an E-Verify Employer in the United States. We consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.

Accommodations

We’re focused on attracting, retaining, developing, and advancing our employees. By cultivating a workplace that values diverse experiences, backgrounds, and ideas, we create an environment where every employee can contribute their best.

Moderna is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to qualified job applicants with disabilities. Any applicant requiring an accommodation in connection with the hiring process and/or to perform the essential functions of the position for which the applicant has applied should contact the Accommodations team at [e-mail].