Director, LNP Formulation

Kernal Biologics, Inc.•Cambridge, MA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Kernal Bio is a venture-backed therapeutics company engineering cells inside the body using AI-designed, selective mRNA and targeted LNP technology. By developing in vivo CAR-T therapies, Kernal Bio is advancing precision treatments for autoimmune diseases and blood cancers. The company was founded by experts from MIT, Harvard, Merck, and BMS, and its leadership team brings a track record of three FDA-approved therapies and over 120 patents. Based in Boston, the company is backed by Hummingbird Ventures, Amgen, Lilly, HBM, ARPA-H, and NVIDIA. Kernal Bio is transforming the future of cell therapy design and delivery. Kernal is seeking an individual with deep expertise in RNA delivery space to lead our mRNA delivery efforts. This person will report to the SVP of R&D and will be responsible for overseeing the development novel LNP (lipid nanoparticle) systems for in vivo mRNA delivery to support our immuno-oncology and immunology efforts. The successful candidate must be able to work in a fast paced and highly dynamic biotech environment. Ideal candidate will be a leader and a great team player with excellent communication skills and effective, inspiring management style.

Requirements

PhD in chemical engineering, organic chemistry or a related field
8-10 years of hands-on experience with lipid nanoparticle systems for mRNA and/or siRNA delivery
Experience with targeted LNPs and conjugation of biomaterials
Experience with analytical techniques for LNPs such as HPLC/UPLC, LC-MS, DLS, UV-Vis, fluorescence spectrophotometry, Ribogreen assay, gel electrophoresis, capillary electrophoresis, flow cytometry (CytoFLEX nano, NanoFCM) etc.
Excellent communication skills (oral and written)
Excellent record keeping skills (eLN)
Startup mind-set (innovative, enthusiastic, team player, and problem solver)
Willingness to learn, teach, and grow in a fast-pace environment
Industry experience, strong management skills and basic knowledge of the drug development processes

Nice To Haves

Proficiency in design and characterization of novel lipids is a plus

Responsibilities

Oversee the development of novel LNP compositions
Improve existing LNP formulations
Manage company’s LNP team
Advance targeted LNP delivery with novel approaches for in situ mRNA delivery
Oversee physicochemical characterization of LNP formulations
Work closely with internal teams and external collaborators and ensure delivery on key milestones
Guide company’s RNA delivery strategy, with a particular emphasis on IP and key deliverables
Stay up-to-date on RNA delivery literature and prepare technical reports and white papers
Prepare technical documents and manuscripts for regulatory filings, IP prosecution, and publications
Present scientific findings internally and externally at scientific conferences and industry events