Job Details

The Scientific Researcher will support formulation screening efforts within the Synthetic Molecule Pharmaceutical Sciences group. You 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.

This is a 12-month contract in South San Francisco, CA.

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.

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.
• Scientific problem solving and cross functional collaboration.
• Key Skills: Pharmaceutical formulation development, LNP and parenteral formulations, High-throughput experimentation, Analytical chemistry techniques, Data analysis and interpretation, Laboratory automation technologies.

Salary

• $79,726-$99,673

Why Choose R&D Partners?

As an employee, you have access to a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Medical insurance – PPO, HMO & HSA
• Dental & Vision insurance
• 401k plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Long-term disability
• Weekly payroll
• Expense reimbursement
• Online timecard approval

R&D Partners is a global functional service provider and strategic staffing resource specializing in scientific, clinical research & engineering. We provide job opportunities within major pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device companies.

R&D Partners is an equal-opportunity employer.