Research Scientist I- #26-22930

About the role

The Associate Research Scientist Contractor, RNAi Formulations, is a laboratory‑based position within Non‑Viral Delivery (NVD) in Research & Early Development. The role focuses on hands‑on RNAi formulation development, biophysical and analytical characterization, and support of oligonucleotide delivery activities for injectable therapeutics. It is a 12‑month contract with possibility of extension. The incumbent reports to the US Team Manager for Nucleic Acid Delivery, Formulations and Bioanalysis and interacts closely with peers and cross‑functional partners in non‑viral delivery, formulation development, oligonucleotide chemistry, stability assays, PK, bioanalysis, CMC, and external collaborators.

Responsibilities

• Support the development and characterization of preclinical RNAi and oligonucleotide formulations across portfolio and platform projects.
• Execute hands‑on formulation preparation, biophysical characterization, analytical testing, and data analysis to support formulation selection and developability assessments.
• Establish and run screening assays for oligonucleotides in early discovery, including formulation performance, solubility, viscosity, osmolality, degradation, and stability assessments.
• Contribute to high‑throughput and design‑of‑experiments approaches for formulation optimization, where applicable.
• Support long‑term storage and stability evaluations for RNAi conjugates and oligonucleotide formulations.
• Maintain accurate experimental documentation and communicate findings through written summaries, reports, and internal presentations.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external partners to support project deliverables and timelines.
• Identify technical gaps, propose practical solutions, and contribute to continuous improvement of formulation and characterization workflows.
• Thrive in a multidisciplinary, fast‑paced research environment with competing priorities and tight deadlines.

Qualifications and Skills

• MS with approximately 3 years of relevant experience, or PhD with 1‑3 years of relevant experience in pharmaceutical sciences, formulation sciences, chemical engineering, biophysics, analytical chemistry, oligonucleotide delivery, or a related discipline.
• Hands‑on experience with oligonucleotide or antibodies/proteins formulation and characterization is strongly preferred.
• Experience developing or running analytical methods for solubility, viscosity, osmolality, aggregation, stability, or other developability assessments for complex oligonucleotide or antibody/protein formulations.
• Familiarity with automation, high‑throughput screening, and DoE‑based formulation optimization is an advantage.
• Strong experimental planning, documentation, data analysis, and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across disciplines and functions.
• Awareness of external trends and advances in RNA delivery, oligonucleotide therapeutics, and clinical translation is a plus.
• A track record of scientific contributions, publications, or conference presentations in relevant areas is a plus.
• Top skills per manager: lab experience in formulation of oligonucleotides or antibodies for subcutaneous injection; hands‑on analytical characterization of oligonucleotides or antibodies/protein; experience with developability assessments, including evaluation of parameters like maximum solubility, viscosity, osmolality, limited chemical, and physical stability.