Senior Research Scientist – Targeted LNP Delivery (Discovery)

Vertex Inc. • San Diego, CA

4d • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking an innovative and highly motivated Senior Scientist to lead discovery-stage development of targeted lipid nanoparticle (LNP) platforms. This role will drive receptor target identification and validation, establish high-throughput ligand conjugation workflows, and develop scalable assay systems to enable systematic screening of targeted LNP constructs. The successful candidate will build a modular, data-driven targeting engine capable of evaluating single and multi-ligand strategies across multiple cell types and therapeutic indications. This is an onsite position in San Diego.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: Receptor Target Identification & Validation Identify and prioritize cell-surface receptor targets aligned with disease biology and delivery feasibility. Integrate transcriptomic, proteomic, and functional datasets to support receptor selection. Evaluate receptor expression levels, internalization kinetics, and trafficking behavior. Develop a structured receptor-selection framework to guide targeted LNP programs. High-Throughput LNP-Ligand Conjugation Design and implement scalable LNP–ligand conjugation workflows using chemical and affinity-based strategies. Develop high-throughput systems capable of screening: Single ligands across multiple densities Multiple ligands in parallel Combinatorial or dual-ligand constructs Establish quantitative methods for measuring conjugation efficiency, ligand density, and stability. Compare and optimize chemical versus affinity-based conjugation approaches. Assay Development & Screening Develop and execute robust in vitro assays to assess: Cellular uptake Payload delivery efficiency Target specificity Functional biological response Early safety assessments Establish high-throughput screening workflows capable of evaluating 30–50+ targeted constructs per campaign. Define quantitative performance metrics for ligand and construct prioritization. LNP Development (collaborative) Partner with chemistry, formulation, high-throughput and safety scientists to develop core LNP and to integrate targeting strategies into their design Support iterative refinement to maximize delivery performance. Collaborate with biology and translational teams to align with therapeutic objectives. Contribute to intellectual property and long-term platform differentiation strategies.

Requirements

• Experience identifying and validating receptor targets for drug delivery applications.
• Working knowledge of lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulation principles, including particle characterization and structure–function relationships.
• Prior experience developing cell-targeted LNP platforms.
• Expertise in biochemical conjugation strategies (click chemistry, maleimide, NHS ester, thiol chemistry, affinity-based systems).
• Experience with analytical characterization methods (LC-MS, HPLC, DLS, flow cytometry, ELISA).
• Familiarity with multivalent targeting and avidity-driven delivery strategies.
• Demonstrated experience in assay development and high-throughput screening.
• Strong experimental design and data interpretation skills.
• Ph.D. (or equivalent degree) in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, or related disciplines and 2-5 years of relevant post-doctoral employment experience, or Masters Degree (or equivalent degree) in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, or related disciplines and 5+ years of relevant employment experience, or Bachelors Degree (or equivalent degree) in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, or related disciplines and 8+ years of relevant employment experience

Responsibilities

• Receptor Target Identification & Validation Identify and prioritize cell-surface receptor targets aligned with disease biology and delivery feasibility.
• Integrate transcriptomic, proteomic, and functional datasets to support receptor selection.
• Evaluate receptor expression levels, internalization kinetics, and trafficking behavior.
• Develop a structured receptor-selection framework to guide targeted LNP programs.
• High-Throughput LNP-Ligand Conjugation Design and implement scalable LNP–ligand conjugation workflows using chemical and affinity-based strategies.
• Develop high-throughput systems capable of screening: Single ligands across multiple densities Multiple ligands in parallel Combinatorial or dual-ligand constructs Establish quantitative methods for measuring conjugation efficiency, ligand density, and stability.
• Compare and optimize chemical versus affinity-based conjugation approaches.
• Assay Development & Screening Develop and execute robust in vitro assays to assess: Cellular uptake Payload delivery efficiency Target specificity Functional biological response Early safety assessments Establish high-throughput screening workflows capable of evaluating 30–50+ targeted constructs per campaign.
• Define quantitative performance metrics for ligand and construct prioritization.
• LNP Development (collaborative) Partner with chemistry, formulation, high-throughput and safety scientists to develop core LNP and to integrate targeting strategies into their design Support iterative refinement to maximize delivery performance.
• Collaborate with biology and translational teams to align with therapeutic objectives.
• Contribute to intellectual property and long-term platform differentiation strategies.

Benefits

• From medical, dental and vision benefits to generous paid time off (including a week-long company shutdown in the Summer and the Winter), educational assistance programs including student loan repayment, a generous commuting subsidy, matching charitable donations, 401(k) and so much more.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree