Senior Associate Scientist, LNP Formulation

<p>Kernal Bio is a venture-backed therapeutics company engineering cells inside the body using AI-designed, selective mRNA and targeted LNP technology. By developing in vivo CAR-T therapies, Kernal Bio is advancing precision treatments for autoimmune diseases and blood cancers. The company was founded by experts from MIT, Harvard, Merck, and BMS, and its leadership team brings a track record of three FDA-approved therapies and over 120 patents. With support from leading investors, including Hummingbird Ventures, Amgen Ventures, Y Combinator, and HBM. Kernal Bio is transforming the future of cell therapy design and delivery.</p> <p><strong>Job Summary:</strong></p> <p>Kernal Bio is seeking a highly motivated <strong>Senior Associate Scientist</strong> to support the development of its targeted lipid nanoparticle (tLNP) platform. This role is ideal for an experienced experimental scientist who enjoys hands-on laboratory work and thrives in a fast-paced biotech environment. The Senior Associate Scientist will contribute to the development, optimization, and characterization of LNP formulations and manufacturing processes, working closely with senior scientists and cross-functional partners in CMC and biology.</p> <p>This position emphasizes execution, data generation, and technical rigor, with opportunities to grow scientific independence and take increasing ownership of projects over time.</p> <p><strong>Responsibilities:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Synthesize and characterize LNP's for preclinical studies</li> <li>Analyze LNP critical quality attributes using techniques such as Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), RiboGreen assays, HPLC, and related analytical methods.</li> <li>Support the development of antibody-LNP conjugation workflows and processes.</li> <li>Perform formulation screening studies, including buffer and excipient optimization to improve LNP stability and performance.</li> <li>Support the execution of flow cytometry-based assays for LNP screening and optimization.</li> <li>Assist with the development, optimization, and troubleshooting of LNP/mRNA manufacturing processes at bench and pilot scales.</li> <li>Assist in the development, qualification, and execution of analytical and functional assays to assess key LNP attributes.</li> <li>Analyze experimental data, maintain detailed records in ELNs, and prepare summaries and presentations for internal team discussions.</li> <li>Support technology transfer activities to internal CMC teams and external partners, as needed.</li> <li>Maintain laboratory organization, supplies, and reagent inventories for the LNP Formulation team.</li> <li>Contribute to technical discussions and documentation related to platform development and intellectual property.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Requirements:</strong></p> <ul> <li>BS/MS in Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Bioengineering, Pharmaceutics, Chemistry or related field along with 3-5 years of industry experience working with lipid nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles, or similar.</li> <li>Hands-on experience manufacturing LNPs using Microfluidics, T-mixer, or other inline mixers.</li> <li>Experience with tangential flow filtration (TFF) and sterile filtration.</li> <li>Familiarity with related LNP/mRNA analytical techniques (e.g. plate-based fluorescence assays, HPLC, LC/MS).</li> <li>Experience supporting in vivo LNP studies; direct execution experience is a plus.</li> <li>Familiarity with ELN and GraphPad Prism.</li> <li>Nice To Have: Exposure to tech transfer activities or GMP manufacturing environments.</li> <li>Attention to detail, ability to multi-task, and complete deliverables within timelines.</li> <li>Strong written and verbal communication skills.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Core Competencies:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Strong attention to detail and commitment to high-quality experimental execution.</li> <li>Ability to manage multiple experiments and priorities in a dynamic environment.</li> <li>Clear written and verbal communica ... (truncated, view full listing at source)