The LNP scientist to associated director will focus on developing our LNP formulation pipelines, including optimizing the assembly, purification, buffer exchange, and scale-up of LNP-mRNA as well as particle analysis.

Responsibilities

• Plan formulation technology, lab buildout

• Develop, optimize, and scale-up mRNA formulation methods and pipelines

• Develop and apply LNP-mRNA analytical & sample minimization methods

• Create data management system

• Become an essential part of Vernal’s origin story

Requirements and Desirable skills

• Persistence, determination, client- and team-first mindset

• Ph.D. degree in pharmaceutical science, drug formulations, nucleic acid chemistry, molecular biology, biomedical or chemical engineering, or a related field

• Lipid nanoparticle assembly: Precision Nanosystems platform, home-grown systems (e.g. pumps, tubing, junctions, dilution)

• Lipid chemistry, experience screening novel routes of administration, and liver de-targeting

• Deep knowledge of emerging nanoparticle chemistry, leading labs, and external collaborations

• Tangential flow filtration, ultrafiltration/diafiltration, crossflow at small and larger scales (e.g. AKTA Flux)

• Cell biology: cell line and primary cell culture maintenance, expansion, banking; transfection optimization

• Optimization through design of experiments and statistical modeling (e.g. JMP)

• Deep understanding and practical knowledge of the scientific method, selection of experimental controls

• High attention to detail including planning, executing, and documenting experiments

• Communication skills including protocol writing, working directly with clients, Power Point

How to apply

Please email your resume and cover letter to careers@vernal.bio.