Senior Scientist, LNP Formulations

Serif Biomedicines, Inc.•Cambridge, MA

1d•$126,000 - $181,500

About The Position

Serif Biomedicines is seeking a highly motivated senior scientific contributor with deep expertise in lipid chemistry to advance gene therapy and nucleic acid delivery. The role focuses on rational design and synthesis of novel ionizable lipids, optimization of lipid nanoparticle (LNP) molar compositions, and preparation of formulations to screen and benchmark new lipids. It sits at the interface of medicinal and organic chemistry, formulation science, and delivery biology, with the goal of moving molecules rapidly from the bench into functional LNPs. The successful candidate will work independently, influence cross-functional program direction, and develop innovative solutions that advance platform capabilities. The role also involves mentoring junior scientists, contributing to scientific strategy and intellectual property, and engaging with the broader scientific community. The position is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The salary range is $126,000–$181,500, with compensation dependent on qualifications, skills, competencies, and experience. Serif Biomedicines offers healthcare coverage, an annual incentive program, retirement benefits, and other benefits.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Chemical Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related field with 5 or more years of relevant industry experience; or an M.S. with 8 or more years of experience.
Strong background in multi-step organic synthesis, purification, and structural characterization, ideally involving lipids, amphiphiles, or other delivery materials.
Hands-on experience with LNP formulation, such as microfluidic mixing or nanoprecipitation, and understanding of how lipid structure and molar composition affect potency, stability, and tolerability.
Experience designing and running formulation screens, including characterization by DLS, encapsulation assays, and pKa determination.
Ability to design experiments, analyze data, and solve complex technical problems.
Strong communication and collaboration skills, and experience mentoring junior scientists.

Nice To Haves

Experience with nucleic acid delivery, including mRNA, DNA, or siRNA, is highly preferred.
Familiarity with lipid analytics such as NMR, LC-MS, and HPLC-CAD/ELSD.
Familiarity with computational or data-driven approaches to lipid design.
A record of innovation, such as publications or patents.

Responsibilities

Design and synthesize novel ionizable lipids, including head group, linker, and tail variants, using structure-activity relationships and pKa, biodegradability, and tolerability profiles to guide design.
Lead the design of LNP molar compositions, optimizing ionizable lipid, helper lipid, cholesterol, and PEG-lipid ratios, and exploring alternative or novel excipients for potency, stability, and tolerability.
Prepare small-scale LNP formulations using microfluidic or other mixing methods to enable medium- to high-throughput screening of new lipids and compositions.
Plan and conduct formulation screening studies, define critical formulation parameters, and build structure-property relationships across lipid libraries.
Characterize lipids and LNPs with appropriate analytical methods and ensure lipid identity and purity.
Collaborate with biology, analytical, process development, and external partners to evaluate lead formulations in vitro and in vivo and incorporate results into subsequent design cycles.
Analyze and interpret experimental data, maintain detailed documentation, and communicate findings to internal stakeholders.
Mentor junior scientists and contribute to delivery-platform scientific strategy and intellectual property position.
Stay current with advancements in ionizable lipid chemistry, LNP technologies, and nucleic acid delivery.