Associate Research Scientist

Associate Research Scientist – LNP / Non-Viral Delivery

Job Title: Associate Research Scientist – LNP Formulation / Non-Viral Delivery

Location: Lexington, MA — Onsite

Duration: 1-year contract

Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM

Pay: $35-40/hr





Job Description

We are seeking an Associate Research Scientist to join a collaborative Non-Viral Delivery team supporting the development of innovative
lipid nanoparticle (LNP) and nucleic acid delivery systems. This is a hands-on laboratory role focused on LNP formulation, characterization, in-vitro evaluation, and preclinical research.

The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with LNP formulation using microfluidics, along with strong analytical characterization and mammalian cell culture skills.

Key Responsibilities:


- Formulate and characterize nucleic acid-loaded lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) at small to mid-scale using microfluidic technologies.
- Optimize formulation parameters for reproducibility, scalability, stability, and product quality.
- Perform LNP characterization, including particle size, PDI, encapsulation efficiency, and other analytical assessments.
- Conduct mammalian cell culture and in-vitro assays, including potency, cellular uptake, and viability assays.
- Support stability studies and evaluation of LNP formulations.
- Support ligand conjugation and development of targeted LNP systems.
- Plan, execute, document, and analyze laboratory experiments with strong scientific rigor.
- Analyze experimental data and communicate findings through reports, presentations, and team discussions.
- Collaborate with cross-functional and external research teams.


Required Qualifications:


- MS with approximately 3 years of relevant experience or PhD with 1–3 years of relevant experience in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field.
- Hands-on LNP formulation experience is highly preferred.
- Experience with microfluidic LNP formulation/mixing.
- Experience with mammalian cell culture and cell-based/in-vitro assays.
- Experience with analytical characterization techniques such as DLS, dynamic light scattering, fluorescence-based nucleic acid assays, chromatography, or related methods.
- Strong experimental planning, documentation, data analysis, and troubleshooting skills.
- Ability to work independently in a laboratory environment and follow established SOPs.


Preferred Experience:


- mRNA, siRNA, RNAi, or other nucleic acid delivery.
- LNP stability studies and formulation optimization.
- Targeted LNPs or ligand conjugation.
- High-throughput screening or laboratory automation.
- Design of Experiments (DOE).
- Scientific publications, presentations, or reports.