Senior Scientist - Formulation & Nucleic Acid Delivery Development

Senior Scientist - Formulation & Nucleic Acid Delivery Development

Thermo Fisher Scientific

Vilnius, Lithuania

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