Senior Scientist I

This position will be filled  at either the Scientist I or Senior Scientist I level, depending on the candidate’s education and experience. The role specializes in the formulation   and characterization of particulate-based drug delivery systems, with a strong   emphasis on polymeric nanoparticles (PNPs) and polymeric microspheres (PMPs), as well as lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). Candidates with hands-on polymeric   particle experience are strongly preferred. The Scientist I performs hands-on   experiments in the laboratory, leads upstream and downstream formulation   activities, and contributes to experimental planning, data analysis, and   technical troubleshooting. The Senior Scientist I also works hands-on in the   laboratory while leading the development and optimization of formulations, overseeing upstream and downstream activities, and mentoring junior   scientists, and plays a crucial role in experimental planning, data analysis, technical troubleshooting, and client communication. Both levels are team   players with high attention to detail and a desire to work in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment.

Job Description:

Role and Responsibilities
1. Formulation Development &   Optimization:

-  Develop and optimize particulate-based drug   delivery systems for delivery of nucleic acids, peptides, small molecules, etc., with a primary focus on polymeric nanoparticles and microspheres and   LNPs.

- Scientist I: Contribute to development   and optimization efforts, translating work plans into well-designed   experiments with guidance from technical leads.

-   Senior Scientist I: Lead development   and optimization efforts.

-  Perform the following activities in the lab:

-  Preparation of polymeric (PNP and PMP) and   lipid-based nanoparticle and microsphere formulations using techniques such   as emulsification and microfluidics.

-  Purification and downstream processing of   formulations via dialysis, centrifugation, and tangential flow filtration.

-  Filtration, cryoprotectant addition, aliquoting, and freezing or lyophilization.

-  Characterization of formulations, including   particle size analysis, zeta potential, and in vitro release.

-  Short-term stability evaluation of frozen and   lyophilized formulations to support proof-of-concept in vitro and in vivo   studies.

-  Analyze and interpret experimental results and   understand their impact on the design of subsequent experiments (Scientist I   with guidance from project technical leads).

-  Summarize experimental results and communicate   them to technical leads and internal project teams.

-  Maintain working knowledge of the   instrumentation, equipment, and scientific methodologies necessary to perform   assigned tasks.
2. Technical Troubleshooting

- Troubleshoot technical problems that arise   during project plan execution by recommending and implementing solutions   (Scientist I assists project teams; Senior Scientist I leads).
3. Project Leadership

-   Scientist I: Collaborate with project teams to define and execute project plans, and lead scientists on screening, feasibility, process development, and scale-up projects as assigned.

-   Senior Scientist I: Serve as the   technical lead on LNP and polymeric particle screening, feasibility, process   development, and scale-up projects, including:

-  Translate statements of work (SOW) into   experimental plans and be responsible for experimental planning, execution in   the lab, summary of experimental results, and data interpretation.

-  Lead experimental execution in the lab through   hands-on participation and collaboration with junior scientists.

-  Act as the technical point of contact for   communication with clients.

-  Exercise strong time management, organizational, and prioritization skills and manage multiple projects in   parallel.

-  Contribute to project scoping and costing.
4. Mentorship & Collaboration:

-  Work collaboratively across multiple   departments (Operations, Analytical Services, Process Development) to ensure   project teams meet objectives in a timely and organized fashion.

- Foster a collaborative and supportive work   environment.
5. Documentation & Review

- Write and review documents, including   experimental methods, batch records, SOPs, technical bulletins/white papers, and technical reports.

-  Maintain a detailed laboratory notebook.
6. Safety & Compliance

- Adhere to Environmental Health and Safety   practices and SOPs to maintain a safe, clean, and organized work environment   free of safety hazards.
7. Other duties as assigned.

Preferred Skills

-  Strong   hands-on experience with biodegradable polymeric systems and the development   and characterization of polymeric micro- and nanoparticle formulations (PNPs   and PMPs)

- Experience   with downstream processing of polymeric particle formulations, such as   dialysis, centrifugation, tangential flow filtration, and lyophilization.

- Prior   experience with microfluidic fabrication and characterization of Lipid   Nanoparticles (LNPs). Strong   analytical and critical thinking abilities.

- Experience   in a Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) environment   or service-focused Life Sciences company.

Additional Notes

- This position requires working in a laboratory   environment with potential exposure to chemicals.

- This role may involve standing for extended   periods and performing repetitive tasks.

- This role may involve working outside standard   office hours (9.00am – 5.30 pm) occasionally to meet project needs.
Requirements

Qualifications and Education Requirements
Scientist   I: Bachelor   of Science in chemistry, pharmacy, pharmaceutical sciences, engineering, or a   related discipline with 2–5 years of relevant experience, or a Master’s   degree with 0–2 years of relevant experience.
Senior   Scientist I: Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Chemical/Biomedical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related field   with 10–15 years of relevant experience, or a Master’s degree with 5–9 years   of relevant experience, or a PhD with 2–5 years of relevant experience.
Senior Scientist I: Advanced expertise in formulation science and characterization techniques.

- Ability to independently execute experiments and summarize the results.

- Excellent   organization skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.

- Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively with scientists and engineers from other disciplines.

- Ability   to work independently as well as with an interdisciplinary team in a highly collaborative environment.

- Demonstrated   ability to contribute to multiple projects in parallel.

- Proficiency   in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) applications.