Temp Senior Research Associate/Sr Scientist, Formulation and Delivery Sciences

Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; Carlsbad (CA); On-site; USD 58,000 - 103,000; Full time

Job summary

Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. in Carlsbad, CA, seeks a Temp Senior Research Associate or Sr Scientist for Formulation and Delivery Sciences to join the onsite laboratory team.

The role focuses on gene editing–related nanoparticle formulations and RNA delivery, with hands-on synthesis of RNA-loaded lipid nanoparticles and physical-chemical characterizations. The successful candidate will contribute to rodent and cell culture testing, document results in ELNs, and help maintain the lab.

Qualifications

• BS in life sciences, pharmaceutical sciences, chemical engineering, or related discipline.
• PhD in life sciences, pharmaceutical sciences, chemical engineering, or related discipline.
• Experience synthesizing numerous bench-scale RNA-containing LNP batches using microfluidic mixing.
• Experience performing nanoparticle characterization using Ribogreen, DLS, Zeta potential; HPLC is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Synthesize and document RNA-loaded lipid nanoparticles using microfluidic mixing, dialysis, filtration, centrifugation, SEC, etc.
• Perform particle analysis via Ribogreen, DLS, zeta potential, pKa determination, etc.; analyze lipids/RNAs via HPLC if applicable.
• Assist with routine rodent procedures to dose formulations and assess safety/activity.
• Document results in electronic lab notebooks and assist with data analysis.
• Assist in maintaining general laboratory organization and supplies.

Job description

Temp Senior Research Associate/Sr Scientist, Formulation and Delivery Sciences

Job Category: CSO & IONARPA - Ionis

Requisition Number: TEMPO004117

• Posted : August 20, 2026
• Full-Time
• On-site

Locations

Showing 1 location

Description

Headquartered in Carlsbad, California, and with offices in Boston, Massachusetts, and Dublin, Ireland, Ionis has been at work for more than three decades discovering medical breakthroughs that have redefined life for people with serious diseases. We’re pioneers in RNA-targeted medicines, and our platform continues to revolutionize drug discovery and transform lives for patients with unmet needs. With multiple marketed medicines and a leading pipeline in neurology, cardiology and select areas of high patient needs, we continue to drive innovation in RNA therapies in addition to advancing new approaches in gene editing to provide greater value to patients and are well positioned financially to deliver on our strategic goals.

At Ionis, we pride ourselves on cultivating a challenging, motivating and rewarding environment that fosters innovation and scientific excellence. We know that our success is a direct result of the exceptional talents and dedication of our employees.

With an unprecedented opportunity to change the course of human health, we look to add diverse individuals, skill sets and perspectives to our exceptional team. We continue to invest time, money and energy into making our onsite, hybrid and remote work environments a place where solid and lasting relationships are built and where our culture and employees can thrive.

Temp Senior Research Associate/Sr Scientist, Formulation and Delivery Sciences

Location: Onsite - Carlsbad, CA

SUMMARY:

We seek an energetic and detail-oriented Sr. Research Associate or Sr. Scientist to support Ionis’s new gene editing franchise. This is an onsite laboratory-based role in nanoparticle formulations R&D for the intracellular delivery of RNA. The successful candidate will synthesize research scale RNA-loaded lipid nanoparticles, perform physical-chemical characterizations, and assist with biological testing in rodents and/or cell culture.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Meticulous hands-on laboratory work synthesizing and documenting a variety of RNA-loaded lipid nanoparticles using microfluidic mixing, dialysis, filtration, centrifugation, SEC, etc.
• Perform particle analysis via Ribogreen, DLS, zeta potential, pKa determination, etc and potentially analyze lipids and RNA via HPLC.
• Assist with routine rodent procedures to dose formulations and assess safety/activity.
• Thoroughly document results in electronic lab notebooks and assist with analysis of data.
• Assist in maintaining general laboratory organization and supplies.

REQUIREMENTS:

• BS in life sciences, pharmaceutical sciences, chemical engineering, or related discipline with at least 5 yrs of relevant academic/industry laboratory experience (for Sr. RA level)
• PhD in life sciences, pharmaceutical sciences, chemical engineering, or related discipline with at least 2 years of relevant academic/industry laboratory experience (for Sr. Scientist role).
• Must have prior expertise in accurately synthesizing numerous bench-scale RNA-containing LNP batches using microfluidic mixing technologies and bench-scale purification.
• Must have prior experience performing nanoparticle characterization using Ribogreen, DLS, Zeta potential, etc. Experience with analysis of lipids/RNAs via HPLC is a big plus.
• Ability to learn and perform routine rodent procedures (eg., tail vein injection and necropsy)
• A team player who can work both independently and with cross-functional teams in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment
• Good organizational and written/verbal communication skills

The hourly pay scale for this position is $42.34/hour to $75.49/hour

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE. PRINCIPALS ONLY.

Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and all its subsidiaries are proud to be EEO employers.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.