Scientist I

Position Title: Scientist I

Work Location: San Diego, CA, 92111

Assignment Duration: 7 Months

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5:30 PM PT

Work Arrangement: Fully Onsite

Position Summary:

As a key contributor to our organization's cutting-edge delivery platform, the Scientist I will primarily focus on the design, preparation, and characterization of ligand conjugates and targeted lipid nanoparticles. A critical component of this role is supporting the development of targeted delivery systems through bioconjugation chemistry, specifically by preparing protein conjugates and composing targeted lipid nanoparticles.

Background & Context:

We seek an outstanding candidate to join the Gene Therapy Nanotechnology team. The Scientist I will contribute to our cutting-edge delivery platform by designing, preparing, and characterizing ligand conjugates and targeted lipid nanoparticles.

Key Responsibilities:

* Execute bioconjugations (e.g., antibodies, peptides) with small molecules, polymers, etc; validate and purify bioconjugates via LC-TOF and AKTA purification station.

* Formulate non-targeted lipid nanoparticles (LNP) encapsulating nucleic acids using microfluidic or T-junction mixing technologies.

* Execute fabrications of targeted LNPs via surface bioconjugation on a regular basis. Maintain a high standard of practice and ensure the highest levels of reproducibility.

* Support analytical assay development activities including binding affinity measurement (BLI), fluorescent microscopy, AKTA purification.

* Evaluate ligand and particle stability under various storage conditions and biological buffers.

* Maintain meticulous electronic laboratory notebooks (ELN) practice and contribute to the authoring of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Qualification & Experience:

* Master's with 2+ or Bachelor's degree with 5+ years' experience in pharmaceutical sciences, bioengineering, chemical engineering, chemistry, or related scientific discipline (an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered).

* Extensive hands-on experience in bioconjugation methodologies, process optimization, and bimolecular reaction kinetics. Prior expertise in Antibody-Drug Conjugate (ADC) development is strongly preferred.

* Proven experience with lipid nanoparticle formulation and LNP characterizations via RiboGreen, Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), and Zeta potential measurement.

* Proficiency at bioconjugation and formulating buffers is required.

* Excellent attention to detail and ability to produce consistent results and effectively communicate with cross-functional teams.

* Proficiency at MS Excel is required; prior experience with advanced analytical software (Prism, JMP) is desirable.

* Excellent oral and written communication skill.