Senior Scientist | Formulation & Nucleic Acid Delivery Development

Work Schedule

Standard (Mon-Fri)

Environmental Conditions

Some degree of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) required (safety glasses, gowning, gloves, lab coat, ear plugs etc.)

Job Description

About Thermo Fisher Scientific

At Thermo Fisher Scientific, we develop solutions that help people live healthier, cleaner, and safer lives. This is more than our mission — it is the impact our colleagues make every day.

At our Vilnius site, we develop and manufacture innovative life science and diagnostic technologies used by researchers, clinicians, and laboratories around the world. Our teams work in an international scientific environment where formulation science, chemistry, analytics, biology, product development, and manufacturing come together to create products that support customers globally.

Join a team where formulation development, scientific problem-solving, and collaboration help advance next-generation nucleic acid delivery technologies.

Job Overview

We are looking for a Senior Scientist, Formulation Scientist to support the development, optimization, and characterization of formulations for nucleic acid delivery reagents.

In this role, you will work with lipid- and nanoparticle-based delivery systems, helping advance research and product development programs from early-stage concepts through technology transfer. You will design and execute formulation studies, generate high-quality scientific data, and support the development of robust, scalable formulations.

This role is a strong fit for a scientist who enjoys hands-on formulation work, analytical characterization, scientific problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration. You will work closely with R&D, Synthetic Chemistry, Analytical Development, Process Development, Manufacturing, Quality Control, Regulatory Affairs, Biology, and Program Management teams.

We are looking for someone curious, proactive, team-oriented, and comfortable working in a global, multidisciplinary environment. Strong communication, verbal presentation skills, and the ability to collaborate across teams are important for success in this role.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, optimize, and characterize formulations for nucleic acid delivery systems, including lipid- and nanoparticle-based platforms

• Partner with R&D scientists to translate novel delivery concepts into robust, scalable formulations

• Design and execute formulation studies to evaluate critical quality attributes, including particle size, encapsulation efficiency, stability, physicochemical properties, and in vitro performance

• Optimize formulation composition and manufacturing parameters to improve performance, reproducibility, scalability, and manufacturability

• Collaborate with R&D and Biology teams to correlate formulation characteristics with functional performance and support lead candidate selection

• Partner with analytical scientists to establish characterization strategies and support analytical method development, qualification, and validation activities

• Perform analytical characterization using techniques such as DLS, UV-Vis spectroscopy, HPLC/UHPLC, LC-MS, and other applicable analytical technologies

• Contribute to stability studies, technology transfer activities, and manufacturing readiness by generating scientifically sound data and recommendations

• Prepare and maintain technical documentation, including study protocols, technical reports, SOPs, electronic laboratory notebooks, and development summaries

• Ensure compliance with GMP, GLP where applicable, laboratory safety requirements, and data integrity principles

• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams to achieve project milestones

• Mentor junior laboratory colleagues when needed and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives

• Stay current with advances in nucleic acid delivery technologies, lipid nanoparticle formulation, analytical characterization, and pharmaceutical development

Experience and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 4+ years of experience or Master’s degree with 2+ years of experience in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related scientific field

• Experience in formulation development and characterization of drug delivery systems, nanoparticles, lipid-based formulations, or other complex pharmaceutical formulations

• Experience supporting R&D programs through formulation development, technology optimization, and cross-functional scientific collaboration

• Experience with analytical characterization techniques used in formulation development, such as DLS, HPLC/UHPLC, UV-Vis spectroscopy, LC-MS, or comparable methods

• Experience designing and executing formulation or stability studies

• Strong written and spoken English skills

Skills and Competencies

• Strong hands-on formulation and laboratory skills

• Ability to analyze scientific data, interpret results, and make evidence-based recommendations

• Good understanding of formulation performance, reproducibility, scalability, and manufacturability

• Strong technical writing, documentation, and organizational skills

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced product development environment

• Strong communication, collaboration, and presentation skills

• Ability to work effectively across R&D, Synthetic Chemistry, Analytical Development, Process Development, Manufacturing, Quality Control, Regulatory Affairs, Biology, and Program Management teams

• Proactive, adaptable, and team-oriented approach

• Commitment to scientific excellence, innovation, and continuous learning

Preferred Qualifications

• Working knowledge of nucleic acid delivery technologies, including lipid nanoparticles or related delivery platforms

• Interest in expanding expertise in analytical method development and validation in accordance with ICH, FDA, and EMA expectations

• Experience with GMP, GLP, data integrity, or regulated product development environments

• Experience supporting technology transfer, manufacturing readiness, or product development programs

• Experience mentoring junior laboratory personnel

• Broader knowledge of analytical lifecycle management or pharmaceutical development

What We Offer

• Annual performance bonus and additional financial benefits

• Comprehensive health package, including private health, life and accident insurance

• Wellbeing support for employees and their family members, including mental health consultations, health check-ups, vaccinations, and on-site health initiatives

• Opportunities for professional growth through internal training, access to Thermo Fisher e-University, and continuous development

• The opportunity to work in a global, innovation-driven organization and collaborate with international teams

• Daily benefits such as subsidized meals, gym access, and company transportation

• An inclusive and supportive culture, with team events and community initiatives

• 2 additional paid volunteering days per year

How to Apply

If you enjoy formulation science, hands-on laboratory work, analytical characterization, and collaborating with global teams to turn scientific ideas into scalable products, we invite you to apply.

Compensation

The monthly salary range estimated for this position based in Lithuania is €2 891,67–€4 335,42.