Research Associate II/Senior Research Associate, LNP Production

Flagship Pioneering, Inc.•Cambridge, MA

8d•$81,000 - $107,300

About The Position

Mirai Bio is seeking a highly motivated and talented Research Associate II or Senior Research Associate to support the development and advancement of lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulations for delivering nucleic acid therapeutics. The role involves designing, producing, characterizing, and optimizing LNP formulations for preclinical research and genetic medicine development. The successful candidate will contribute to the continuous improvement of Mirai Bio’s delivery platform and work across multiple programs and partnerships to advance delivery vehicles for a range of nucleic acid cargos. This hands-on position requires technical expertise in LNP formulation and production, sound scientific judgment, attention to detail, and effectiveness in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in chemical engineering, biochemical engineering, pharmaceutical sciences, chemistry, biology, or a related scientific discipline.
For Research Associate II: bachelor’s degree plus 2–4 years, or master’s degree plus 0–2 years, of relevant industry or research experience.
For Senior Research Associate: bachelor’s degree plus 5 years, or master’s degree plus 3 years, of relevant industry or research experience.
Hands-on experience with lipid nanoparticle formulation and production, particularly for nucleic acid cargos such as mRNA, siRNA, or other genetic medicines.
Experience with LNP processing techniques and equipment across multiple scales, including mixers, pumping systems, TFF, and related unit operations.
Familiarity with analytical techniques for LNP characterization, including particle size, polydispersity, encapsulation efficiency, and other relevant physicochemical attributes.
Ability to independently execute experiments, troubleshoot technical challenges, interpret data, and drive projects forward.
Strong organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.
Collaborative and adaptable team player, comfortable both working independently and partnering across functions.
Ability to prioritize effectively and consistently deliver high-quality results in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Responsibilities

Design, formulate, produce, and characterize LNPs for preclinical research supporting internal platform work and external partnerships.
Produce LNPs across a range of process scales, from small-scale formulation and process optimization through larger-scale production.
Operate and develop processes using LNP manufacturing and process-development equipment, including mixers, pumping systems, tangential flow filtration (TFF), and related technologies.
Troubleshoot formulation and process challenges and contribute to the optimization and continuous improvement of LNP production processes.
Collaborate with scientists and cross-functional teams to design experiments, interpret results, and advance program objectives.
Support the development and implementation of robust, reproducible LNP production and characterization workflows.
Document experimental procedures, results, and conclusions accurately and thoroughly in electronic laboratory notebooks.
Analyze and communicate experimental results and present findings and recommendations to cross-functional teams.
Contribute to a culture of scientific rigor, collaboration, continuous learning, and operational excellence.