Senior Scientist, Formulation and Delivery Sciences

Responsibilities

• Design, produce, and characterize receptor-targeted lipid nanoparticle formulations for in vitro and preclinical in vivo studies.
• Help identify and prioritize receptor-ligand pairs for targeted delivery applications based on biological rationale, feasibility, and experimental performance.
• Develop and execute ligand conjugation workflows for lipid nanoparticles using biochemical and chemical conjugation approaches.
• Establish and apply affinity, cellular uptake, and functional screening assays to evaluate targeted lipid nanoparticle constructs across ligand formats, densities, and formulations.
• Generate and interpret data linking receptor binding, ligand density, cellular uptake, and in vivo delivery performance.
• Partner with scientists across formulation, chemistry, biology, and analytical functions to refine targeted lipid nanoparticle design and advance company objectives.
• When needed, assist other team projects with LNP production, in vivo testing, and downstream tissue collection and analysis.
• Support routine in vivo studies and downstream tissue analysis, including coordination of sample collection and evaluation of distribution and activity readouts.
• Thoroughly document results in notebooks and written reports, and present findings to cross-functional teams and at research meetings.
• Contribute to publications, patent applications, and the continued development of Ionis targeted delivery capabilities.

Requirements

• PhD in Biochemistry strongly preferred; Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biophysics, Biomedical Engineering, Bioengineering, Pharmaceutics, or a related field will also be considered.
• Minimum of 2 years of relevant industry experience following completion of a PhD or postdoctoral training.
• Demonstrated experience with lipid nanoparticles, RNA therapeutics, receptor-targeted delivery, ligand conjugation, or related nanoparticle systems.
• Excellent bench laboratory skills with a strong interest in hands-on experimental work and day-to-day laboratory execution.
• High attention to detail, strong experimental rigor, and consistent documentation habits.
• Self-motivated, able to stay on track with assigned goals and scientific direction, values collaboration, and thrives as part of a close-knit, high-performing team.
• Creative and thoughtful problem solver who is open to adopting AI-enabled tools to improve research efficiency.
• Hands-on experience with biochemical, biophysical, and analytical methods used to characterize ligands, lipid nanoparticles, and targeted delivery performance.
• Experience with cell-based uptake or activity assays and supporting in vivo studies for targeted delivery platforms is highly desirable.
• Proven skills in experimental design, data interpretation, formal oral and written communication, and cross-functional collaboration.

Pay

The pay scale for this position is $113,156 - $149,750.00.