Senior Scientist

Senior Scientist

The Senior Scientist will lead technology scouting and next‑generation process development initiatives that advance mRNA and lipid nanoparticle (LNP) manufacturing. This role drives innovation across synthesis, purification, formulation, and analytical integration, serving as a technical leader and subject matter expert within a highly collaborative R\&D and manufacturing environment.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Identify, evaluate, and champion emerging technologies with potential to transform mRNA and LNP development and manufacturing.
• Design and execute studies that challenge existing paradigms and generate new approaches for mRNA synthesis, purification, and LNP formulation.
• Partner with Analytical Development to implement advanced characterization tools, PAT, in‑line monitoring, and real‑time process understanding strategies.
• Assess new platforms, automation technologies, digital tools, and data science approaches that enhance development speed and manufacturing robustness.
• Develop innovative strategies to improve performance, scalability, reproducibility, and product quality across mRNA and LNP unit operations.
• Serve as an SME for mRNA/LNP process development and provide cross‑functional scientific leadership.
• Lead investigations into challenging process or product issues and deliver creative, data‑driven solutions.
• Establish mechanistic insight into critical process parameters and material attributes through thoughtful experimental design and analysis.
• Build and manage relationships with vendors, equipment manufacturers, CROs, academic groups, and industry collaborators.
• Maintain awareness of scientific advances through conferences, publications, forums, and professional networks.

Qualifications:

• Education: B.S. or advanced degree in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or related field.
• Industry Experience: Significant experience in mRNA, LNP, or nucleic acid therapeutic development with demonstrated technical leadership and innovation.
• Deep understanding of DNA/mRNA synthesis, purification, and characterization; LNP experience preferred.
• Proven ability to identify, evaluate, and implement new technologies or workflows that improve process understanding, scalability, or product quality.
• Experience designing and executing experimental studies that generate actionable insights.
• Strong understanding of process development principles and CPP/CMA relationships.