Assistant Academic Research Scientist, School of Medicine: Biomedical Engineering

Emory•Atlanta, GA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Santangelo laboratory in the Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering at Emory University, within the School of Medicine and Emory Vaccine Center is seeking a highly motivated scientist with a focus on lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulation to lead the design, optimization, and characterization of mRNA-LNP therapeutics. Using industry-standard formulation techniques, our lab encapsulates milligrams of high-quality synthetic mRNA to enable impactful therapeutic experiments (ACS Nano, Beyersdorf et al. 2022). The laboratory is outfitted with state-of-the-art testing equipment to produce and analyze formulated LNPs. We are expanding the ability of the laboratory to formulate multiple constructs simultaneously at higher scales, enabling advanced therapeutic experiments. The scientist will be expected to bring established LNP formulation expertise, independently drive formulation development, and contribute to scientific direction across multiple federally funded programs. Emory University offers a highly collaborative work environment with strong research and career development opportunities. Under minimal supervision, the Assistant Academic Research Scientist performs a wide range of highly technical and complex tasks necessary to advance basic and/or translational research programs.

Requirements

PhD OR master's degree and two years of professional level experience in a technical or research lab OR bachelor's degree and four years of professional level experience in a technical or research lab.
Laboratory experience should be related to area of assignment.
Internship experience or experience prior to attaining the qualifying degree is not considered eligible work experience for this job classification.

Nice To Haves

PhD in Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Biology, or a related scientific discipline; advanced degree preferred
Demonstrated prior hands-on experience formulating lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) is required. Candidates without direct LNP formulation experience will not be considered.
Working knowledge of LNP physicochemical characterization techniques, including dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential, and RNA encapsulation efficiency assays
Strong record-keeping, data analysis, and scientific communication skills

Responsibilities

Responsible for working with experimental platforms specific to the hiring Program.
Duties will include but are not limited to experimental design, data analysis, and interpretation and communication of results of basic and/or translational research.
Will be required to review literature and apply advanced knowledge, skills, and input necessary for protocol development.
May assist in grant and other funding applications, as necessary and appropriate.
With the approval of the responsible Emory faculty director, the Assistant Academic Research Scientist may serve as the principal investigator on funded (grant) proposals.
Performs other responsibilities as required.
Designs, formulates, and optimizes mRNA-LNPs using industry-standard techniques and equipment, including microfluidic mixing platforms
Analyses LNPs for size, zeta potential, and encapsulation efficiency using DLS and RNA content methods
Leads the development and refinement of LNP formulation protocols and drives troubleshooting of formulation challenges
Designs and executes experiments to evaluate LNP performance and prepares detailed quality and characterization summaries
Documents LNP production and testing details, presents results at lab meetings, and contributes to manuscripts, grant reports, and regulatory documentation
Prepares shipments of reagents to both domestic and international partners