Biological Scientist, Non-Viral Gene Delivery Program Lead

Battelle•Columbus, OH

13d•Hybrid

About The Position

Battelle is seeking a highly qualified Translational Scientist to provide scientific leadership and product development planning for the Non-Viral Gene Delivery Program. This role will be responsible for advancing scientific strategy, leading cross-functional development efforts, and driving the translation of non-viral delivery technologies from concept through development milestones with a focus on cystic fibrosis treatments. The successful candidate will bring deep expertise in cystic fibrosis disease biology, inhalation delivery technology, molecular and cellular biology, and translational development, along with the ability to lead technical teams and shape program direction. Depending on experience and demonstrated leadership capabilities, this position may be filled at the Sr. Scientist and/or Research Leader level. The role is in Columbus, OH.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biomedical Engineering, Biochemistry, Genetics, Chemical Engineering, or a related life sciences field. Master’s degree with significant directly relevant experience may be considered.
Strong scientific background in non-viral gene delivery technologies, nucleic acid therapeutics, or closely related drug delivery technologies for inhalation routes of exposure.
Demonstrated expertise in one or more of the following: lipid nanoparticles or lipid-based delivery systems; polymeric or biomaterial-based delivery systems; nanoparticle formulation and characterization; intracellular delivery of nucleic acids or gene-editing cargos; cell targeting and uptake mechanisms.
Experience in molecular and cellular biology techniques such as transfection and gene expression assays, qPCR, ddPCR, RT-qPCR, flow cytometry, ELISA, microscopy, cell-based functional assays, and western blotting or related protein analysis methods.
Experience designing and leading in vitro and/or in vivo studies to evaluate inhalation delivery system performance, biological activity, and safety.
Ability to integrate toxicology and efficacy data with formulation, analytical, and development objectives.
Experience with experimental planning, data interpretation, troubleshooting, and technical decision-making in a fast-paced R&D environment.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex technical concepts clearly to internal and external stakeholders.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams.
Experience leading technical projects, workstreams, or scientific teams focused on cystic fibrosis drug candidate development and/or inhalation drug delivery technologies.
Ability to translate scientific goals into actionable development plans, timelines, and milestone-based deliverables.
Strong organizational and project management capabilities.

Nice To Haves

Industry experience in gene therapy, nucleic acid therapeutics, advanced biologics, inhalation drug delivery, and translational product development.
Experience advancing technologies beyond discovery into preclinical development, product planning, or commercialization readiness.
Familiarity with CMC considerations, manufacturability, scale-up, formulation development, and analytical characterization for delivery platforms.
Knowledge of regulatory expectations for biologics, gene delivery systems, or combination products.
Experience with CRISPR/Cas systems, mRNA therapeutics, oligonucleotide delivery, or other genome engineering applications.
Experience in biodistribution, PK/PD, toxicology, and translational biology for delivery platforms.
Track record of scientific publications, patents, proposal development, or funded programs.
Experience supporting client-facing technical discussions, strategic partnerships, or business development efforts.
Demonstrated success mentoring scientists and influencing scientific direction across teams.

Responsibilities

Provide scientific and technical leadership for Battelle’s non-viral gene delivery research and product development activities with a focus on therapies targeting cystic fibrosis.
Lead development planning for new platform technologies, products, and applications related to non-viral delivery of nucleic acid cargo, including DNA, RNA, mRNA, siRNA, CRISPR components, and other biologic payloads.
Define and execute program strategies, technical roadmaps, and milestone-based development plans with a focus on inhalation delivery technologies that are non-viral in nature.
Design, oversee, and interpret studies related to inhalation delivery efficiency, cell target specificity, intracellular trafficking, biodistribution, safety, and efficacy.
Serve as a technical leader across multidisciplinary teams including biology, chemistry, materials science, formulation, bioanalytics, manufacturing, quality, regulatory, and business development.
Guide experimental design, data analysis, risk assessment, and technical decision-making to support platform maturation and product advancement.
Identify and evaluate emerging technologies, competitive approaches, and partnership opportunities relevant to non-viral gene delivery.
Contribute to technical reports, proposals, intellectual property strategy, scientific publications, and customer-facing presentations, as appropriate.
Mentor junior scientists and support development of scientific talent within the program.
Support transition of technologies from early research into translational and product development phases.
Ensure activities are conducted in accordance with applicable quality, safety, and regulatory expectations.