Senior Scientist, Formulation and Delivery Sciences

Headquartered in Carlsbad, California, and with offices in Boston, Massachusetts, and Dublin, Ireland, Ionis has been at work for more than three decades discovering medical breakthroughs that have redefined life for people with serious diseases. We are pioneers in RNA-targeted medicines, and our platform continues to revolutionize drug discovery and transform lives for patients with unmet needs.  With five currently marketed medicines for serious diseases and an expansive late-stage pipeline, we continue to build upon our groundbreaking innovations in science and technology to provide greater value to patients; and we are well positioned financially to deliver on our strategic goals.

At Ionis, we pride ourselves on cultivating a challenging, motivating and rewarding environment that fosters innovation and scientific excellence. We know our success is a direct result of the exceptional talent and dedication of our employees.

With an unprecedented opportunity to change the course of human health, we look to add diverse individuals, skill sets and perspectives to our exceptional team. We continue to invest time, money, and energy into making our onsite and remote work environments a place where solid and lasting relationships are built and where our culture and employees can thrive.

We are building on our rich history, and believe our greatest achievements are ahead of us.  We invite you to apply and join us if you’re passionate about the opportunity to have meaningful impact on patients in need, our employees, and our organization.  Experience and contribute to our unique culture while you develop and expand your career!

SENIOR SCIENTIST, FORMULATION AND DELIVERY SCIENCES

SUMMARY: 

Are you ready to push the boundaries of lipid nanoparticle (LNP) technology and unlock the full potential of gene editing? We’re seeking an exceptional scientist to pioneer novel LNP formulations that enable precise, tissue-targeted delivery. Join us in shaping the future of genetic medicine at a leading nucleic acid therapeutics company.

This onsite, lab-based role at our Carlsbad, CA headquarters will focus on engineering cutting-edge LNPs and nanoparticle systems for intracellular RNA delivery. You’ll design, optimize, and characterize advanced delivery platforms, leveraging the latest innovations in lipid chemistry, LNP formulations, and ligand-based approaches. Your work will directly drive the next generation of genetic medicines from concept to clinic.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Design and develop state-of-the-art lipid nanoparticles and formulation processes to enable targeted gene editing therapies.
• Engineer and optimize novel lipids for superior in vivo delivery across challenging biological barriers to tissues beyond the liver.
• Utilize advanced formulation techniques such as microfluidic mixing, UF/DF, filtration, and high-throughput screening.
• Characterize nanoparticles via DLS, zeta potential, TNS pKa, fluorescence, and perform HPLC-based lipid and RNA analysis.
• Conduct in vivo PK/PD and biodistribution studies in preclinical models, including rodent IV administration, in-vivo imaging, and tissue harvesting.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with molecular biology, bioinformatics, and translational teams to accelerate pipeline programs.
• Stay informed of emerging technologies in LNPs, RNA therapeutics, and gene editing delivery to bring novel ideas and disruptive innovation to the team.
• Document and present findings internally and externally through lab records, publications, patents, and conference presentations.

REQUIREMENTS: 

• PhD in chemical engineering, biochemistry, life sciences or a related field plus 2 years of hands-on post-doctoral or industry experience. 
• Deep understanding of lipid and nanoparticle formulation design principles for nucleic acid delivery, as demonstrated by publications, presentations, and industry accomplishments.
• 3 years of analytical experience with nanoparticle characterization and RNA/lipid quantification.
• 3 years hands-on experience with in vivo (rodent dosing, biodistribution) and in vitro (cell-based transfection, potency assays) evaluation.
• 3 years hands-on experience building and running high-throughput nanoparticle formulation screening workflows.
• A problem solver with a passion for innovation, capable of leveraging cutting-edge research and engaging external experts to solve complex delivery challenges.
• Entrepreneurial mindset—excited to work in a fast-paced, high-impact environment where science meets real-world application.

This is an opportunity to drive breakthrough innovation in gene editing delivery and make a profound impact on the future of medicine. Exceptionally qualified candidates may also be considered for a higher job title. If you’re excited about next-gen LNPs, programmable medicines, and pushing the limits of targeted delivery, we’d love to hear from you!

Please visit our website, http://www.ionis.com for more information about Ionis and to apply for this position; reference requisition #IONIS003556

Ionis offers an excellent benefits package! Follow this link for more details: Ionis Benefits

Full Benefits Link: https://www.ionis.com/careers/working-at-ionis/#:~:text=our employee spotlight-,Benefits,-Employees are rewarded

The pay scale for this position is $103,740 to $134,974

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE. PRINCIPALS ONLY.

Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and all its subsidiaries are proud to be EEO employers.

Salary : $103,740 - $134,974