Principal Scientist, LNP Platform & Process Development

Position Summary

The Principal Scientist, LNP Platform & Process Development (Scientist) is an experienced hands-on, lab-based, individual contributor that leads the design, development, and optimization of lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulation and process development efforts supporting the Tr1X in vivo CAR-Treg platform. This individual plays a central role in developing and advancing the targeted lipid nanoparticle (tLNP) delivery systems from early research optimization through scalable, IND-enabling development. This is a high-impact, foundational role within the company. The Scientist helps design and implement the LNP backbone of the platform and influence both short-term program execution and long-term manufacturability strategy. The Scientist brings deep hands-on expertise in LNP formulation and process development, strong analytical rigor, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced startup environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and optimization of LNP formulations for mRNA delivery, including targeted LNP systems incorporating conjugated or functionalized lipids.
• Evaluate lipid composition, formulation parameters, and mixing conditions to optimize particle size, polydispersity, encapsulation efficiency, surface functionalization, stability, release characteristics, and biological performance.
• Develop and optimize research-scale, compatible production processes for consistently making high-quality tLNPs in-house at milligram quantities.
• Lead the development and optimization of accompanying analytical characterization methods (both in-house and at the external CDMO), including but not limited to DLS, fluorescence-based assays such as Ribogreen, HPLC/UPLC methods (CAD, UV, IP-RP, SEC, IEX), LC-MS, and endotoxin testing.
• Interpret analytical and stability data to establish meaningful correlations between physicochemical properties and biological function.
• Collaborate closely with platform biology teams to support in vitro and in vivo studies, prepare development reports and technical documentation, and contribute to technology transfer activities with external CDMO partners.
• Spearhead IND-enabling documentation and contribute to defining the long-term strategy for scalable LNP platform development.
• Participate in cross functional development and manufacturing projects to ensure company objectives are met and exceeded.
• Perform other responsibilities as required based on business needs.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, or a related field with a minimum 6 years of relevant industry experience; or M.S. with 10+ years; or B.S. with 12+ years.
• Demonstrated in-depth expertise in LNP formulation and process development, including hands-on experience with microfluidic or scalable mixing technologies and downstream purification strategies such as TFF.
• Strong experience with analytical characterization of tLNP systems and application of statistical design tools for process optimization.
• Highly organized, scientifically rigorous, and capable of independently driving projects while collaborating effectively in a multidisciplinary startup environment.
• Experience with mRNA therapeutics or nucleic acid delivery systems.
• Experience with conjugation of targeting ligands – antibodies, nanobodies, peptides - to lipid nanoparticles is required.
• Prior exposure to immunotherapy or in-vivo cell therapy platforms preferred.
• Experience correlating formulation attributes with in vivo performance (mouse, NHP) highly desirable.
• Ability to actively serve, collaborate, and develop relationships inside and outside the organization.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; great attention to detail and the ability to drive timely and fact-based decision making.
• Ability to function in a rapidly changing environment and handle multiple priorities.
• Experience with mRNA production and analytical quality control preferred.

Other Requirements

• Legally authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.
• Position is on site in San Diego.
• Travel may be required up to 10% of the time.

Working at Tr1X

At Tr1X, our team is united by a singular shared mission: to transform patients' lives through breakthrough science. We are a group of skilled experts driven by urgency, innovation and a collaborative spirit. Our culture thrives on excellence, positivity, persistence and the agility to tackle new challenges head-on. With an unwavering commitment to patients, science and one another, we foster an environment where team members feel engaged, supported and empowered to make a meaningful impact. We envision a world where autoimmune diseases are not just being treated but are cured.

Pay

• Base Pay Hiring Range Anticipated: $169,000 - $185,000
• Tr1X considers a variety of factors to determine salary such as education, years of experience, time in the position level, training, knowledge, skills, geographic location, and the market value of the position.

Benefits

• Discretionary annual target bonus
• Incentive stock options
• 401(k) retirement plan with company contribution
• Health and welfare insurance plans for employees (and their families) that include medical, dental, vision, long-term and short-term disability, and life insurance
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Paid holidays