Scientist, LNP Formulations

Location: Cambridge, MA USA

Department: Clinical Development

Company description

FL87, Inc. is a privately held, early-stage biotechnology company developing a novel approach to gene therapy that can address currently untreatable diseases. It was founded by Flagship Pioneering, an innovation enterprise that conceives, creates, resources, and grows first-in-category life sciences companies.

Flagship Pioneering has created over 100 groundbreaking companies over the past twenty years, all of which are pioneering novel and proprietary biological, industrial, and engineering approaches to solve major needs in human health and sustainability. These companies include Moderna (MRNA), Syros Pharmaceuticals (SYRS), Seres Therapeutics (NASDAQ:MCRB), Generate Biomedicines, Tessera Tx, Evelo Biosciences (EVLO), and Indigo Agriculture.

The role

We are seeking an experienced Lipid Nanoparticle (LNP) Formulation Scientist to drive the design, execution, and analysis of Design of Experiments (DOE) aimed at innovating next-generation LNP formulations. This role will play a critical part in developing, optimizing, and characterizing LNP systems for nucleic acid delivery in a fast-paced, collaborative research environment.

Key responsibilities

• Design, execute, and analyze DOE-based formulation experiments to develop and optimize novel LNP formulations
• Lead formulation innovation efforts, including lipid selection, composition optimization, and process parameter evaluation
• Perform LNP screening and characterization, including size, PDI, encapsulation efficiency, stability, and performance metrics
• Apply strong analytical and statistical approaches to interpret complex datasets and guide formulation decisions
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams (biology, analytics, process development, and project management) to advance programs
• Maintain thorough experimental documentation and clearly communicate results and recommendations to stakeholders
• Contribute to troubleshooting formulation challenges and continuously improve experimental workflows
• Support scale-up considerations and technology transfer as needed

Professional experience and qualifications

• PhD or MS in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field
• Strong hands-on experience with LNP formulations, including formulation development and optimization
• Demonstrated expertise in DOE methodologies and statistical experimental design
• Extensive experience with LNP screening and analytical techniques (e.g., DLS, encapsulation assays, stability studies, physicochemical characterization)
• Deep understanding of lipid-based delivery systems and formulation science principles
• Proven ability to work effectively in a team-oriented, fast-paced environment
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
• Strong communication skills for presenting data and influencing technical decisions

What We Offer

• Opportunity to work at the forefront of LNP formulation innovation
• Collaborative, science-driven culture with high impact research
• Competitive compensation and benefits package

ABOUT FLAGSHIP PIONEERING

Flagship Pioneering invents and builds platform companies, each with the potential for multiple products that transform human health, sustainability and beyond. Since its launch in 2000, Flagship has originated more than 100 companies. Many of these companies have addressed humanity most urgent challenges: vaccinating billions of people against COVID-19, curing intractable diseases, improving human health, preempting illness, and feeding the world by improving the resiliency and sustainability of agriculture.

Flagship has been recognized twice on FORTUNE Change the World list, an annual ranking of companies that have made a positive social and environmental impact through activities that are part of their core business strategies and has been twice named to Fast Company annual list of the World Most Innovative Companies. Learn more about Flagship https://url.us.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/xLXBCqxk3LTk9pwcZf3CEkjif?domain=flagshippioneering.com.

At Flagship, we accept impossible missions to enable bigger leaps. Our core values guide us through uncertainty and toward lasting impact.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Recruitment & Staffing Agencies: Flagship Pioneering and its affiliated Flagship Lab companies (collectively, “FSP”) do not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than candidates. The submission of unsolicited resumes by recruitment or staffing agencies to FSP or its employees is strictly prohibited unless contacted directly by Flagship Pioneering’s internal Talent Acquisition team. Any resume submitted by an agency in the absence of a signed agreement will automatically become the property of FSP, and FSP will not owe any referral or other fees with respect thereto.

The salary range for this role is $100,000 - $143,000. Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including a candidate’s qualifications, skills, competencies, and experience. FL87 currently offers healthcare coverage, annual incentive program, retirement benefits and a broad range of other benefits. Compensation and benefits information is based on FL87's good faith estimate as of the date of publication and may be modified in the future.