Senior Scientist, LNP Formulations

Company description

Serif Biomedicine is a privately held, early-stage biotechnology company developing a novel approach to gene therapy that can address currently untreatable diseases. It was founded by Flagship Pioneering, an innovation enterprise that conceives, creates, resources, and grows first-in-category life sciences companies.

Flagship Pioneering has created over 100 groundbreaking companies over the past twenty years, all of which are pioneering novel and proprietary biological, industrial, and engineering approaches to solve major needs in human health and sustainability. These companies include Moderna (MRNA), Syros Pharmaceuticals (SYRS), Seres Therapeutics (NASDAQ:MCRB), Generate Biomedicines, Tessera Tx, Evelo Biosciences (EVLO), and Indigo Agriculture.

The role

We are seeking a highly experienced Lipid Nanoparticle (LNP) Formulation Senior Scientist to lead the design, execution, and interpretation of advanced Design of Experiments (DOE) strategies to drive innovation in next-generation LNP formulations. This role will play a central role in shaping formulation and delivery strategies for nucleic acid therapeutics within a dynamic and collaborative research environment.

The successful candidate will not only develop, optimize, and characterize LNP systems, but also lead the design and establishment of a high-throughput LNP screening platform spanning in vitro systems and small and large animal models. This includes defining experimental frameworks, selecting and implementing appropriate assays, and building scalable workflows to accelerate candidate evaluation and selection.

As a senior scientific contributor, this individual will be expected to operate with a high degree of independence, influence cross-functional program direction, and identify innovative solutions to advance platform capabilities. The role also includes mentoring junior scientists and contributing to the broader scientific strategy through internal leadership and external scientific engagement.

Key responsibilities

• Drive the development, optimization, and implementation of a high-throughput LNP screening platform across small and large animal models, including experimental design, assay selection, and data analysis pipelines.
• Independently define scientific strategies and experimental roadmaps aligned with program goals.
• Serve as a scientific lead for one or more programs, influencing cross-functional decisions across biology, formulation, and translational teams.
• Identify technical gaps and proactively propose innovative solutions to improve platform capabilities and throughput.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to building a strong, collaborative scientific culture.
• Communicate findings clearly to internal stakeholders and external partners; contribute to publications, patents, and regulatory documentation.
• Stay at the forefront of LNP delivery technologies and emerging screening methodologies, integrating new approaches where appropriate.

Professional experience and qualifications

• PhD or MS in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field and 5+ years of industry experience 
• Proven track record of independently leading research projects and delivering impactful results.
• Demonstrated experience in nanoparticle/LNP design, screening, and in vivo evaluation, preferably including large animal models.
• Experience in developing or scaling high-throughput screening platforms is strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of experimental design, statistics, and data interpretation.
• Evidence of scientific leadership (e.g., mentoring, leading collaborations, publications, patents).
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Strong hands-on experience with LNP formulations, including formulation development and optimization

What We Offer

• Opportunity to work at the forefront of LNP formulation innovation
• Collaborative, science-driven culture with high impact research
• Competitive compensation and benefits package

ABOUT FLAGSHIP PIONEERING

Flagship Pioneering invents and builds platform companies, each with the potential for multiple products that transform human health, sustainability and beyond. Since its launch in 2000, Flagship has originated more than 100 companies. Many of these companies have addressed humanity most urgent challenges: vaccinating billions of people against COVID-19, curing intractable diseases, improving human health, preempting illness, and feeding the world by improving the resiliency and sustainability of agriculture.

Flagship has been recognized twice on FORTUNE Change the World list, an annual ranking of companies that have made a positive social and environmental impact through activities that are part of their core business strategies and has been twice named to Fast Company annual list of the World Most Innovative Companies. Learn more about Flagship https://url.us.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/xLXBCqxk3LTk9pwcZf3CEkjif?domain=flagshippioneering.com.

At Flagship, we accept impossible missions to enable bigger leaps. Our core values guide us through uncertainty and toward lasting impact.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Recruitment & Staffing Agencies: Flagship Pioneering and its affiliated Flagship Lab companies (collectively, “FSP”) do not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than candidates. The submission of unsolicited resumes by recruitment or staffing agencies to FSP or its employees is strictly prohibited unless contacted directly by Flagship Pioneering’s internal Talent Acquisition team. Any resume submitted by an agency in the absence of a signed agreement will automatically become the property of FSP, and FSP will not owe any referral or other fees with respect thereto.

The salary range for this role is $126,000 - $181,500. Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including a candidate’s qualifications, skills, competencies, and experience. FL87 currently offers healthcare coverage, annual incentive program, retirement benefits and a broad range of other benefits. Compensation and benefits information is based on FL87's good faith estimate as of the date of publication and may be modified in the future.