Senior Scientist, LNP Platform & Process Development

Tr1X • San Diego, CA

1d • $145,000 - $160,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Scientist, LNP Platform & Process Development (Scientist) is an experienced hands-on, lab-based, individual contributor that leads the design, development, and optimization of lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulation and process development efforts supporting the Tr1X in vivo CAR-Treg platform. This individual plays a central role in developing and advancing the targeted lipid nanoparticle (tLNP) delivery systems from early research optimization through scalable, IND-enabling development.
This is a high-impact, foundational role within the company. The Scientist helps design and implement the LNP backbone of the platform and influence both short-term program execution and long-term manufacturability strategy. The Scientist brings deep hands-on expertise in LNP formulation and process development, strong analytical rigor, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced startup environment.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, or a related field with a minimum 4 years of relevant industry experience; or M.S. with 8+ years; or B.S. with 10+ years.
• Demonstrated in-depth expertise in LNP formulation and process development, including hands-on experience with microfluidic or scalable mixing technologies and downstream purification strategies such as TFF.
• Strong experience with analytical characterization of LNP systems and application of statistical design tools for process optimization.
• Highly organized, scientifically rigorous, and capable of independently driving projects while collaborating effectively in a multidisciplinary startup environment.
• Experience with mRNA therapeutics or nucleic acid delivery systems.
• Ability to actively serve, collaborate, and develop relationships inside and outside the organization.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; great attention to detail and the ability to drive timely and fact-based decision making.
• Ability to function in a rapidly changing environment and handle multiple priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to partner, build trust, and cultivate positive working relationships with CDMOs.
• Effectively communicate changes and resolve issues with CDMOs.
• Lead and/or participate in cross functional development and manufacturing projects to ensure company objectives are met and exceeded.
• Ability to don and wear appropriate clean room attire and wear all required Personal Protective Equipment.
• Legally authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.
• Position is on site in San Diego
• Travel may be required up to 10% of the time

Nice To Haves

• Prior exposure to immunotherapy or cell therapy platforms preferred.
• Familiarity with regulatory expectations for CMC development and experience supporting technology transfer to external manufacturing partners preferred.
• Experience correlating formulation attributes with in vivo performance highly desirable.
• Experience with mRNA production and analytical quality control preferred.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the design, development, and optimization of LNP formulations for mRNA delivery, including targeted LNP systems incorporating conjugated or functionalized lipids.
• Evaluate lipid composition, formulation parameters, and mixing conditions to optimize particle size, polydispersity, encapsulation efficiency, stability, release characteristics, and biological performance.
• Develop scalable, GMP-compatible manufacturing processes to support program advancement.
• Apply Quality by Design (QbD) principles and Design of Experiment (DoE) studies to study design and execution.
• Lead the development and optimization of analytical characterization methods (both in-house and at the external CDMO), including but not limited to DLS, fluorescence-based assays such as Ribogreen, HPLC/UPLC methods (CAD, UV, IP-RP, SEC, IEX), LC-MS, and endotoxin testing.
• Interpret analytical and stability data to establish meaningful correlations between physicochemical properties and biological function.
• Collaborate closely with platform biology teams to support in vitro and in vivo studies, prepare development reports and technical documentation, and contribute to technology transfer activities with external CDMO partners.
• Spearhead IND-enabling documentation and contribute to defining the long-term strategy for scalable LNP platform development.
• Perform other responsibilities as required based on business needs.

Benefits

• discretionary annual target bonus
• incentive stock options
• 401(k) retirement plan with company contribution
• health and welfare insurance plans for employees (and their families) that include medical, dental, vision, long-term and short-term disability, and life insurance
• paid time off (PTO)
• paid holidays

What This Job Offers

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