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

Contingent Workers; 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/Sr Scientist for Formulation and Delivery Sciences to join onsite nanoparticle formulation R&D.

The role involves synthesizing RNA-loaded lipid nanoparticles, performing physical-chemical characterizations, and assisting with biological testing in rodents and/or cell culture, with rigorous documentation and cross-functional collaboration to drive data quality.

Qualifications

• BS with 5+ years of relevant laboratory experience (Sr. RA level).
• PhD with 2+ years of relevant laboratory experience (Sr. Scientist).
• Experience synthesizing RNA-containing LNPs using microfluidic methods.
• Experience with Ribogreen, DLS, zeta potential; HPLC is a plus.
• Ability to learn rodent procedures (tail vein, necropsy).
• Strong teamwork and clear written/verbal communication.

Responsibilities

• Synthesize and document RNA-loaded lipid nanoparticles using microfluidic mixing.
• Perform particle analysis via Ribogreen, DLS and zeta potential.
• Assist with rodent dosing to assess safety/activity.
• Document results in electronic lab notebooks and analyze data.
• Maintain general laboratory organization and supplies.

Skills

RNA-loaded LNP synthesis

Ribogreen assay

DLS

Zeta potential

HPLC analysis

Rodent dosing procedures

Electronic lab notebooks

Team collaboration

Education

BS in life sciences or related

PhD in life sciences or related

Tools

Microfluidic mixing

Bench-scale purification

HPLC systems

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.

We’re building on our rich history, and we believe our greatest achievements are ahead of us. If you’re passionate about the opportunity to have meaningful impact on patients in need, we invite you to apply and join us. Experience and contribute to our unique culture while you develop and expand your career!

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.