Senior Research Scientist – Targeted LNP Delivery (Discovery)

Role Summary

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.

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, and 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.

Qualifications

• 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.

Skills

• 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.

Education

• 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