Principal Scientist/Senior Scientist Nucleic Acid Delivery

Evonik•Cambridge, MA

9d•Hybrid

About The Position

What we offer Explore a world of opportunities with us. Look ahead with us and help shape innovative solutions to make our world more sustainable and life healthier, more vibrant and more comfortable. At Evonik, you have the chance to explore, thrive, and grow alongside 33,000 colleagues. Among attractive career paths and high-quality development programs, we not only offer performance-based remuneration and occupational health benefits but also hybrid and flexible working environments with #SmartWork. Bring your fresh perspective, develop your strengths, break out your mold, and find a career that fits your dreams with us. Click on the link below to learn what our employees have to say about Evonik: https ://careers.evonik.com/en/about/meet-the-team/ We are looking for a passionate and innovative Scientist in the field of Nucleic Acid Delivery to join our dynamic team at the Cambridge Innovation Satellite, MA. This role focuses on advancing the development of lipid-based formulations for nucleic acid therapeutics. As part of a collaborative and interdisciplinary network of scientists, you will contribute to pioneering solutions that address significant challenges in medicine and ultimately improve patient outcomes.

Requirements

Ph.D. and 4+ or 8+ years (M.Sc.) of relevant industry experience in LNP development and drug delivery with a strong background in nucleic acid therapeutics and education in a related discipline (Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Biochemistry, etc.).
Strong theoretical and practical knowledge of lipid-based and polymer-based delivery systems, manufacturing technologies, and hands-on experience in nanoparticle characterization techniques (e.g., DLS, zeta potential, ribogreen, pKa, chromatography).
Knowledge of formulation downstream purification methods such as ultrafiltration and tangential flow filtration (TFF).
Knowledge of lipid chemistry and bioconjugation techniques.
Knowledge of cell-based assays for evaluating the performance and mechanism of action of novel delivery systems.
Familiarity with gel electrophoresis for nucleic acid and protein characterization.
Ability to work in a biosafety level 2 environment.
Experience in setting up and operating high-throughput screening protocols for delivery formulations.
Knowledge of formulation or assay automation, including lab automation equipment setup, programming, and the application of machine learning approaches.
Proven ability to independently interpret experimental data, troubleshoot technical challenges, and develop innovative solutions.
Customer-centric approach with a strong service mindset, ensuring client needs are met and fostering positive relationships.
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present complex scientific concepts clearly and concisely to diverse audiences.
A collaborative mindset and the ability to work effectively within a team-oriented environment.
Fluency in English.

Responsibilities

Lead the design, development, and characterization of novel non-viral vector platforms for targeted delivery of nucleic acid-based therapeutics, including lipid nanoparticles and alternative gene delivery systems.
Establish relevant in vitro assays and conduct high-throughput in vitro experiments to evaluate the efficacy and safety of developed formulations in traditional and advanced cell culture models.
Engage with customers to understand their needs and execute feasibility projects.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define project scopes, timelines, and deliverables based on market needs and internal capabilities, while taking a leadership role in project management.
Identify and evaluate emerging technologies in nucleic acid delivery, contributing to the strategic direction of research initiatives and leading efforts to integrate these technologies into ongoing projects.
Document research findings and present results to internal stakeholders and at scientific conferences, fostering a culture of innovation within the team and promoting the dissemination of knowledge.
Mentor junior scientists, technicians and students, providing guidance and support in their professional development, and leading training sessions to enhance team capabilities.
Engage with external partners in academia and industry to enhance collaborative efforts and knowledge exchange, including leading initiatives to establish new partnerships and collaborations.
Stay abreast of industry trends and scientific advancements, integrating relevant findings into ongoing research and development efforts.