Senior​/Principal Research Associate, LNP Discovery​/PD

Senior/Principal Research Associate, LNP Discovery/PD

Are you a scientific leader with a passion for advancing RNA therapeutics and the drive to make a difference in the world? Do you want to be a part of a dynamic and innovative team at the forefront of RNA medicines? If so, join our new RNA Venture and be a part of the revolution in RNA therapeutics!

Backed by Fapon Biotech, an international leader in in vitro diagnostics, biologics, and precision medicines, Mote Therapeutics is an innovative Lexington-based biotechnology startup building the RNA medicines of tomorrow. Led by a pioneer in the field of RNA therapeutics and supported by Fapon’s Greater Boston R&D Center of Excellence, we’re pulling together a team of talented scientists, leaders, and operations specialists to solve some of the major barriers to success that RNA therapeutics face.

Fapon welcomes and encourages diversity in our workforce.

We are seeking a scientific contributor to lead and execute novel LNP formulation process development activity for the delivery of circular RNA therapeutic s role will spearhead LNP process development and scale‑up activity and would be responsible for designing and executing DOE‑based formulation process optimization. They will engineer and functionalize LNPs, develop analytics for formulation quality control, and develop processes to improve formulation  candidate will coordinate with other teams, plan and run animal studies with a cross‑functional group of scientists, and support the growth and career development of junior scientists.

Ideal candidates are chemical engineers or pharmaceutical scientists with strong LNP formulation, optimization, and process development experience, and a passion for building a startup’s scientific vision.

• Establish, execute and document protocols for preparation and characterization of targeted LNP formulations with nucleic acid cargo for in vitro and in vivo studies
• Design and execute DOE‑driven studies for LNP composition, mixing parameters and process optimization to improve formulation quality, stability, delivery efficiency and functional activity
• Develop cell and molecular biology assays to assess the delivery efficiency of RNA cargo in mammalian primary cells to facilitate development of therapeutics drug pipelines
• Assist in the buildout of formulation and analytical capabilities with focus on delivery with nanoparticle technology, lyophilization and process development for scale‑up/production
• Contribute to patent applications related to the delivery technology
• Support technology transfer to CDMOs and industry partners
• Foster collaborative relationships across the team and company and engage in a positive and exciting work environment
• Contribute to hiring, training, and collaborating with scientists (as needed) to formulate, characterize, develop, and support assessment of efficacy
• Plan and coordinate animal studies with the in vivo team
• Author technical documents, including SOPs for formulation processes and analytical methods, maintain diligent records and demonstrate proficiency in scientific communication
• Support high‑quality documentation to support regulatory filings

• BS/MS in chemical engineering, chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, or related field, preferably with 2‑5 years industry experience for MS or 5‑8 years for BS candidates.
• Strong track record of productivity in nanoparticle research with an understanding of key challenges in nanoparticle/formulation scale‑up and translation.
• Prior experience in developing lyophilization protocols for nanoparticle formulation, and stability testing is a plus.
• Technical proficiency with LNP formulation of RNA and analytical assays for particle characterization.
• Technical proficiency in developing cell and molecular biology assays to support drug product development.
• A minimum of 3‑4 years of experience working with lipid nanoparticles for RNA delivery in any capacity.

• Demonstrated capability in LNP formulation for nucleic acid delivery is a must.
• LNP process development and scale‑up experience is…