Scientist I/II – Targeted Lipid Nanoparticle (tLNP) Formulation & Delivery

About the role

Profluent is seeking a self‑motivated Scientist I or Scientist II to lead the design, formulation, and delivery of next‑generation targeted lipid nanoparticles (tLNPs). The role will drive extra‑hepatic tissue tropism for genetic medicines and serve as the primary technical interface for both in‑vitro and in‑vivo studies.

Key responsibilities

• Design and execute tLNP formulations encapsulating nucleic acid payloads (mRNA, sgRNA) while varying lipid ratios and ionizable lipid structures.
• Perform surface modifications and bioconjugation chemistries (maleimide‑thiol, click chemistry, enzymatic tags) to attach targeting moieties such as antibodies, nanobodies, or peptides.
• Conduct routine and advanced LNP analytics including dynamic light scattering, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency (RiboGreen), and degree of labeling.
• Establish and maintain mammalian cell‑culture models; develop and run flow‑cytometry, plate‑reader, and imaging assays to assess target binding, uptake, endosomal escape, and cargo translation.
• Design in‑vivo biodistribution, pharmacokinetic, and organ‑targeting studies; analyze data to define structure‑activity relationships.
• Maintain detailed electronic lab notebook records, author technical reports, generate patent disclosures, and present findings to cross‑functional leadership.

Required profile

• Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related field.
• Scientist I: 0–2 years of relevant experience; Scientist II: 2–4 years of relevant experience.

Required skills

• Lipid nanoparticle formulation and nucleic acid encapsulation.
• Bioconjugation techniques (maleimide‑thiol, click chemistry, enzymatic tags).
• Dynamic light scattering, zeta potential measurement, RiboGreen assay, degree of labeling analysis.
• Mammalian cell culture and assay development (flow cytometry/FACS, plate readers, fluorescence/luminescence imaging).
• In‑vivo biodistribution, pharmacokinetic study design and data analysis.
• Electronic lab notebook (ELN) documentation, technical report writing, patent disclosure preparation, scientific presentation.