Scientist

Job Title: Scientist II – Analytical Chemistry (Lipid Nanoparticles / HPLC)

Location: San Diego, CA 92111 (Onsite)

Employment Type: Full-Time Contract (W2)

Duration: 6 Months (Possibility of extension)

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About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Scientist II – Analytical to join an innovative Gene Medicines team in San Diego, CA. In this role, you will play a critical part in the development, characterization, and analysis of novel Lipid Nanoparticles (LNPs) encapsulating nucleic acids for in vivo genome editing and gene therapy applications.

You will work closely with cross-functional teams using high-performance liquid chromatography and novel biophysical characterization tools to establish relationships between nanoparticle formulation characteristics, efficacy, and safety.

Key Responsibilities

• Analytical Characterization: Analyze lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) encapsulating nucleic acids and individual LNP components using Advanced High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) modalities and Biophysical Characterization tools.
• Method Development: Develop and optimize analytical methods to characterize LNP formulations, stability, and therapeutic delivery components.
• Data & Efficacy Correlation: Establish relationships between the physicochemical characteristics of experimental nanoparticle formulations and their biological efficacy and safety profiles.
• Data Management: Maintain comprehensive, compliant, and detailed laboratory records of all analytical data.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Interface directly with research, formulation, and scientific teams to share findings and advance pipeline projects.
• Lab Management: Share responsibilities for general lab operational activities, including instrument calibration, routine maintenance schedules, and supply ordering.

Must-Have Qualifications (Required)

• Education & Experience: Bachelor’s Degree (BS) or Master’s Degree (MS) in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, or a related scientific discipline with 5+ years of hands-on industry experience (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• HPLC Method Development: Demonstrated hands-on experience in developing analytical methods using gradient-elution High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) modalities, specifically Reverse-Phase (RP), Ion-Pair Reverse-Phase (IPRP), or Anion-Exchange (AEX) chromatography.
• LNP / Nucleic Acid Expertise: Direct experience working with novel delivery systems, specifically Lipid Nanoparticles (LNPs), RNA, mRNA, or nucleic acid-based pharmaceuticals.

Preferred / Nice-to-Have

• Biophysical Characterization: Hands-on experience with Biolayer Interferometry (BLI) (e.g., Octet systems) or Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) (e.g., Biacore) for binding/kinetics characterization.
• Mass Spectrometry: Practical experience or exposure to Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS / LCMS) techniques. xhqgsiq
• Data Analysis Software: Proficiency with advanced analytical and statistical software packages such as GraphPad Prism or JMP , in addition to advanced Microsoft Excel capabilities.