Research Associate II/Senior Research Associate, LNP Production

Mirai Bio•Cambridge, MA

About The Position

Mirai Bio is seeking a highly motivated 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 help improve Mirai Bio’s delivery platform and work across programs and partnerships to advance delivery vehicles for different nucleic acid cargos. This hands-on position calls for technical expertise in LNP formulation and production, scientific judgment, attention to detail, and effectiveness in a collaborative, fast-paced environment. Mirai Bio is a privately held, Flagship-founded biotechnology company focused on precise, scalable delivery of diverse nucleic acid payloads to specific cells and tissues, particularly beyond the liver. Its approach combines proprietary in vivo biodistribution data, machine-learning-guided LNP optimization, targeted particle design, and integrated translation and manufacturing capabilities.

Requirements

BS or MS in chemical engineering, biochemical engineering, pharmaceutical sciences, chemistry, biology, or a related scientific discipline.
Research Associate II: BS plus 2–4 years or MS plus 0–2 years of relevant industry or research experience.
Senior Research Associate: BS plus 5 years or MS plus 3 years of relevant industry or research experience.
Hands-on experience with LNP 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 common LNP characterization techniques, including measurements of 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 who is comfortable 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 at multiple process scales, from small-scale formulation and process optimization to larger-scale production.
Operate and develop processes using LNP manufacturing and process-development equipment, including mixers, pumping systems, and tangential flow filtration (TFF).
Troubleshoot formulation and process challenges and contribute to optimizing and continuously improving 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.
Maintain accurate, thorough documentation of experimental procedures, results, and conclusions in electronic laboratory notebooks.
Analyze and communicate experimental results, and present findings and recommendations to cross-functional teams.
Contribute to scientific rigor, collaboration, continuous learning, and operational excellence.