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.