Senior Scientist I

Description

This position will be filled at either the Scientist I or Senior Scientist I level, depending on the candidate’s education and experience. The role specializes in the formulation and characterization of particulate-based drug delivery systems, with a strong emphasis on polymeric nanoparticles (PNPs) and polymeric microspheres (PMPs), as well as lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). Candidates with hands-on polymeric particle experience are strongly preferred. The Scientist I performs hands-on experiments in the laboratory, leads upstream and downstream formulation activities, and contributes to experimental planning, data analysis, and technical troubleshooting. The Senior Scientist I also works hands-on in the laboratory while leading the development and optimization of formulations, overseeing upstream and downstream activities, and mentoring junior scientists, and plays a crucial role in experimental planning, data analysis, technical troubleshooting, and client communication. Both levels are team players with high attention to detail and a desire to work in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment.

Job Description:

Role and Responsibilities

1. Formulation Development & Optimization:

• Develop and optimize particulate-based drug delivery systems for delivery of nucleic acids, peptides, small molecules, etc., with a primary focus on polymeric nanoparticles and microspheres and LNPs.
• Scientist I: Contribute to development and optimization efforts, translating work plans into well-designed experiments with guidance from technical leads.
• Senior Scientist I: Lead development and optimization efforts.
• Perform the following activities in the lab:
• Preparation of polymeric (PNP and PMP) and lipid-based nanoparticle and microsphere formulations using techniques such as emulsification and microfluidics.
• Purification and downstream processing of formulations via dialysis, centrifugation, and tangential flow filtration.
• Filtration, cryoprotectant addition, aliquoting, and freezing or lyophilization.
• Characterization of formulations, including particle size analysis, zeta potential, and in vitro release.
• Short-term stability evaluation of frozen and lyophilized formulations to support proof-of-concept in vitro and in vivo studies.
• Analyze and interpret experimental results and understand their impact on the design of subsequent experiments (Scientist I with guidance from project technical leads).
• Summarize experimental results and communicate them to technical leads and internal project teams.
• Maintain working knowledge of the instrumentation, equipment, and scientific methodologies necessary to perform assigned tasks.

2. Technical Troubleshooting

• Troubleshoot technical problems that arise during project plan execution by recommending and implementing solutions (Scientist I assists project teams; Senior Scientist I leads).

3. Project Leadership

• Scientist I: Collaborate with project teams to define and execute project plans, and lead scientists on screening, feasibility, process development, and scale-up projects as assigned.
• Senior Scientist I: Serve as the technical lead on LNP and polymeric particle screening, feasibility, process development, and scale-up projects, including:
• Translate statements of work (SOW) into experimental plans and be responsible for experimental planning, execution in the lab, summary of experimental results, and data interpretation.
• Lead experimental execution in the lab through hands-on participation and collaboration with junior scientists.
• Act as the technical point of contact for communication with clients.
• Exercise strong time management, organizational, and prioritization skills and manage multiple projects in parallel.
• Contribute to project scoping and costing.

4. Mentorship & Collaboration:

• Work collaboratively across multiple departments (Operations, Analytical Services, Process Development) to ensure project teams meet objectives in a timely and organized fashion.
• Foster a collaborative and supportive work environment.

5. Documentation & Review

• Write and review documents, including experimental methods, batch records, SOPs, technical bulletins/white papers, and technical reports.
• Maintain a detailed laboratory notebook.

6. Safety & Compliance

• Adhere to Environmental Health and Safety practices and SOPs to maintain a safe, clean, and organized work environment free of safety hazards.

7. Other duties as assigned.

Preferred Skills

• Strong hands-on experience with biodegradable polymeric systems and the development and characterization of polymeric micro- and nanoparticle formulations (PNPs and PMPs)
• Experience with downstream processing of polymeric particle formulations, such as dialysis, centrifugation, tangential flow filtration, and lyophilization.
• Prior experience with microfluidic fabrication and characterization of Lipid Nanoparticles (LNPs). Strong analytical and critical thinking abilities.
• Experience in a Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) environment or service-focused Life Sciences company.

Additional Notes

• This position requires working in a laboratory environment with potential exposure to chemicals.
• This role may involve standing for extended periods and performing repetitive tasks.
• This role may involve working outside standard office hours (9.00am – 5.30 pm) occasionally to meet project needs.

Requirements

Qualifications and Education Requirements Scientist I: Bachelor of Science in chemistry, pharmacy, pharmaceutical sciences, engineering, or a related discipline with 2–5 years of relevant experience, or a Master’s degree with 0–2 years of relevant experience. Senior Scientist I: Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Chemical/Biomedical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related field with 10–15 years of relevant experience, or a Master’s degree with 5–9 years of relevant experience, or a PhD with 2–5 years of relevant experience. Senior Scientist I: Advanced expertise in formulation science and characterization techniques.

• Ability to independently execute experiments and summarize the results.
• Excellent organization skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively with scientists and engineers from other disciplines.
• Ability to work independently as well as with an interdisciplinary team in a highly collaborative environment.
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to multiple projects in parallel.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) applications.