Job Details

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’re pioneers in RNA-targeted medicines, and our platform continues to revolutionize drug discovery and transform lives for patients with unmet needs. With multiple marketed medicines and a leading pipeline in neurology, cardiology and select areas of high patient needs, we continue to drive innovation in RNA therapies in addition to advancing new approaches in gene editing to provide greater value to patients and 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 that our success is a direct result of the exceptional talents and dedication of our employees.

Senior Scientist, Formulation and Delivery Sciences

We seek a Senior Scientist skilled in lipid nanoparticle formulation, targeted delivery, synthesis and characterization of conjugated targeting ligands, plasma protein corona analysis and control, RNA/LNP physicochemical characterization, and in vitro/in vivo performance assessment, with a focus on elucidating and overcoming mechanistic nanoparticle delivery hurdles. The successful candidate will work hands-on with receptor-targeted lipid nanoparticle screening, biochemical conjugation strategies, affinity and cellular uptake assays, and in vivo delivery studies. Reporting to the Director of Formulation and Delivery Sciences, this individual will help identify and validate receptor-ligand strategies, establish screening workflows, and optimize targeted lipid nanoparticle systems for extrahepatic delivery.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design, produce, and characterize receptor-targeted lipid nanoparticle formulations for in vitro and preclinical in vivo studies.
• Help identify and prioritize receptor-ligand pairs for targeted delivery applications based on biological rationale, feasibility, and experimental performance.
• Develop and execute ligand conjugation workflows for lipid nanoparticles using biochemical and chemical conjugation approaches.
• Establish and apply affinity, cellular uptake, and functional screening assays to evaluate targeted lipid nanoparticle constructs across ligand formats, densities, and formulations.
• Generate and interpret data linking receptor binding, ligand density, cellular uptake, and in vivo delivery performance.
• Partner with scientists across formulation, chemistry, biology, and analytical functions to refine targeted lipid nanoparticle design and advance company objectives.
• When needed, assist other team projects with LNP production, in vivo testing, and downstream tissue collection and analysis.
• Support routine in vivo studies and downstream tissue analysis, including coordination of sample collection and evaluation of distribution and activity readouts.
• Thoroughly document results in notebooks and written reports, and present findings to cross-functional teams and at research meetings.
• Contribute to publications, patent applications, and the continued development of Ionis targeted delivery capabilities.

REQUIREMENTS:

• PhD in Biochemistry strongly preferred; Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biophysics, Biomedical Engineering, Bioengineering, Pharmaceutics, or a related field will also be considered.
• Minimum of 2 years of relevant industry experience following completion of a PhD or postdoctoral training.
• Demonstrated experience with lipid nanoparticles, RNA therapeutics, receptor-targeted delivery, ligand conjugation, or related nanoparticle systems.
• Excellent bench laboratory skills with a strong interest in hands-on experimental work and day-to-day laboratory execution.
• High attention to detail, strong experimental rigor, and consistent documentation habits.
• Self-motivated, able to stay on track with assigned goals and scientific direction, values collaboration, and thrives as part of a close-knit, high-performing team.
• Creative and thoughtful problem solver who is open to adopting AI-enabled tools to improve research efficiency.
• Hands-on experience with biochemical, biophysical, and analytical methods used to characterize ligands, lipid nanoparticles, and targeted delivery performance.
• Experience with cell-based uptake or activity assays and supporting in vivo studies for targeted delivery platforms is highly desirable.
• Proven skills in experimental design, data interpretation, formal oral and written communication, and cross-functional collaboration.

Please visit our website, http://www.ionis.com for more information about Ionis and to apply for this position; reference requisition # IONIS004054