Senior Scientist, LNP Formulation

About the role

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. Based in Boston, the company is backed by Hummingbird Ventures, Amgen, Lilly, HBM, ARPA-H, and NVIDIA. Kernal Bio is transforming the future of cell therapy design and delivery.

Job Summary

Kernal Bio seeks an exceptional, highly motivated Senior Scientist to contribute to developing its targeting lipid nanoparticle platform. The successful candidate will work as part of the team responsible for developing and characterizing the manufacturing process of lipid nanoparticle systems, supporting the tech transfer to the CMC team and external partners, and analyzing/presenting results. The successful candidate must be able to work in a fast paced and highly dynamic Biotech environment. Ideal candidate will be a great team player with excellent communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and characterize novel LNP formulations and components using Dynamic Light Scattering, Ribogreen, HPLC, etc.
• Support the design and execution of flow cytometry-related experiments pertaining to LNP screening and optimization.
• Screen final formulation buffers and excipients to improve the long-term stability of LNPs
• Execute in vivo experiments with LNP compositions
• Develop new assays or detailed investigations of specific LNP attributes as required.
• Development, optimization, and troubleshooting of LNP/mRNA manufacturing processes at various scales.
• Analyze, summarize, and present experimental results to team members and management.
• Contribute to maintaining stocks and supplies for operations within the LNP Formulation team.
• Participate in technology transfer activities related to manufacturing processes and/or analytical methods to external partner programs.
• Maintain up-to-date records and prepare internal reports.
• Contribute to technical discussions & intellectual property related to the development and application of Kernal's proprietary technologies

Requirements

• PhD in Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Bioengineering, Pharmaceutics, Chemistry or related field.
• PhD with 2 years of industry experience in process development in the context of lipid nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles, or similar.
• Experience in manufacturing LNPs using Microfluidics, T-mixer, or other inline mixers.
• Experience with tangential flow filtration (TFF) and sterile filtration.
• Proficiency with related LNP/mRNA analytical techniques (e.g. plate-based fluorescence assays, HPLC, LC/MS)
• Proficiency with in vivo LNP testing (IV administration, IVIS imaging, etc.)
• Proficiency with biological assays critical for identifying key characteristics or properties of lipid nanoparticles
• Familiarity with ELN and GraphPad Prism.
• Experience with process modeling and Design of Experiment (DoE) statistical tools.
• Preferred: Experience with flow cytometry principles and executing experiments
• Nice To Have: Experience with tech transfer to GMP manufacturing.
• Attention to detail, ability to multi-task, and complete deliverables within timelines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Adaptability and enthusiasm for new challenges and a passion for learning in a fast-paced startup setting.
• Ability to work independently while effectively interacting and collaborating in a team environment.

Benefits

• Competitive 401(k)
• Highly competitive healthcare coverage (PPO/HMO)
• Free parking, monthly subway pass, or a subsidized commuter rail pass
• Free Bluebike Membership
• Gym Membership Support
• Flexible Spending Account
• Paid parental leave, family caregiver leave, medical leave
• Paid life insurance coverage
• On-site cafeteria
• Competitive vacation and sick days per year