Research Scientist

No sub-contracting ! No C2C or sponsorship. This is an ONSITE M-F contract. Be local to the Northern California Bay area..

JD:

Scientific Researcher
Synthetic Molecule Pharmaceutical Sciences

Position Summary
Our direct client is seeking an outstanding Scientific Researcher to support
formulation screening efforts within the Synthetic Molecule Pharmaceutical Sciences
group. The successful candidate will contribute to the development and optimization of
lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) and other parenteral formulations through high-throughput
screening strategies and advanced analytical characterization. This role requires hands-
on laboratory expertise, strong analytical skills, and the ability to work collaboratively
within cross-functional teams to support pharmaceutical formulation development.
Responsibilities
Design and execute high-throughput formulation screening experiments for lipid
nanoparticles (LNPs) and other parenteral drug delivery systems, using both
bench instruments and automation tools.
Physicochemical characterization of LNPs including particle size distribution,
encapsulation efficiency, zeta potential, stability testing, etc.
Solubility and stability screenings, solid state/polymorph characterizations to
support formulation research and development.
Design, plan, and troubleshoot laboratory experiments while maintaining strong
attention to data quality and reproducibility.
Analyze and interpret experimental data, generating clear reports, presentations,
and summaries for project teams.
Document experimental procedures and results in electronic laboratory
notebooks (ELN) and internal data management systems.
Collaborate with analytical scientists, formulation scientists, and cross-functional
project teams to support development programs.
Identify technical challenges and propose potential solutions to improve
formulation performance and experimental workflows.
Maintain compliance with laboratory safety standards, internal quality
requirements, and regulatory guidelines.
Required Qualifications
BS or MS degree in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemical Engineering,
or a related scientific discipline.
1 - 5 years of industrial experience in pharmaceutical formulation research and
development.

Strong theoretical knowledge of pharmaceutics; analytical, physical, and/or
organic chemistry.
Hands-on experience with LNP formulation and analytics, including microfluidics,
dialysis and ultrafiltration, particle sizing, encapsulation efficiency analysis.
Self-motivated with strong problem-solving capabilities to design and execute
experiments independently.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills to work effectively in a
collaborative team environment.
Preferred Qualifications
Hands-on experience with analytical tools including UV/Vis/fluorescence
spectroscopy, HPLC-UV/CAD/MS, capillary electrophoresis, or related
technologies.
Experience in analyzing peptides and nucleic acids.
Experience with lab automation and hands-on experience with robotic liquid and
solid handlers.
Experience performing high-content data analysis, AI/ML, and interpreting
complex experimental results.
Key Skills
Pharmaceutical formulation development
LNP and parenteral formulations
High-throughput experimentation
Analytical chemistry techniques
Data analysis and interpretation
Laboratory automation technologies
Scientific problem solving
Cross-functional collaboration