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Fapon

Senior/Principal Research Associate, LNP Discovery/PD

Fapon, Boston, Massachusetts, United States

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Senior/Principal Research Associate, LNP Discovery/PD Are you a scientific leader with a passion for advancing RNA therapeutics and the drive to make a difference in the world? Do you want to be a part of a dynamic and innovative team at the forefront of RNA medicines? If so, join our new RNA Venture and be a part of the revolution in RNA therapeutics!

Backed by Fapon Biotech, an international leader in in vitro diagnostics, biologics, and precision medicines, Mote Therapeutics is an innovative Lexington-based biotechnology startup building the RNA medicines of tomorrow. Led by a pioneer in the field of RNA therapeutics and supported by Fapon’s Greater Boston R&D Center of Excellence, we’re pulling together a team of talented scientists, leaders, and operations specialists to solve some of the major barriers to success that RNA therapeutics face.

An equal‑opportunity employer Fapon welcomes and encourages diversity in our workforce.

Job Description Key Responsibilities We are seeking a scientific contributor to lead and execute novel LNP formulation process development activity for the delivery of circular RNA therapeutic at scale. This role will spearhead LNP process development and scale‑up activity and would be responsible for designing and executing DOE‑based formulation process optimization. They will engineer and functionalize LNPs, develop analytics for formulation quality control, and develop processes to improve formulation at scale. The candidate will coordinate with other teams, plan and run animal studies with a cross‑functional group of scientists, and support the growth and career development of junior scientists. Ideal candidates are chemical engineers or pharmaceutical scientists with strong LNP formulation, optimization, and process development experience, and a passion for building a startup’s scientific vision.

Establish, execute and document protocols for preparation and characterization of targeted LNP formulations with nucleic acid cargo for in vitro and in vivo studies

Design and execute DOE‑driven studies for LNP composition, mixing parameters and process optimization to improve formulation quality, stability, delivery efficiency and functional activity

Develop cell and molecular biology assays to assess the delivery efficiency of RNA cargo in mammalian primary cells to facilitate development of therapeutics drug pipelines

Assist in the buildout of formulation and analytical capabilities with focus on delivery with nanoparticle technology, lyophilization and process development for scale‑up/production

Contribute to patent applications related to the delivery technology

Support technology transfer to CDMOs and industry partners

Foster collaborative relationships across the team and company and engage in a positive and exciting work environment

Contribute to hiring, training, and collaborating with scientists (as needed) to formulate, characterize, develop, and support assessment of efficacy

Plan and coordinate animal studies with the in vivo team

Author technical documents, including SOPs for formulation processes and analytical methods, maintain diligent records and demonstrate proficiency in scientific communication

Support high‑quality documentation to support regulatory filings

Qualifications Minimum Qualifications

BS/MS in chemical engineering, chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, or related field, preferably with 2‑5 years industry experience for MS or 5‑8 years for BS candidates.

Strong track record of productivity in nanoparticle research with an understanding of key challenges in nanoparticle/formulation scale‑up and translation.

Prior experience in developing lyophilization protocols for nanoparticle formulation, and stability testing is a plus.

Technical proficiency with LNP formulation of RNA and analytical assays for particle characterization.

Technical proficiency in developing cell and molecular biology assays to support drug product development.

A minimum of 3‑4 years of experience working with lipid nanoparticles for RNA delivery in any capacity.

Preferred Qualifications

Demonstrated capability in LNP formulation for nucleic acid delivery is a must.

LNP process development and scale‑up experience is desired.

Experience with tissue‑specific targeted delivery of LNP‑nucleic acid formulation is a plus.

Demonstrated ability to present complex technical topics to a wide range of audiences with varying technical depth.

Demonstrated proficiency in record keeping and documentation to support SOP generation, technology transfer and preferably regulatory filings.

What We Offer

Financial security through competitive compensation, incentives, and retirement plan.

Health care and well‑being programs including competitive medical, dental, vision & medical benefits.

Generous paid time off including vacation, sick time, holidays, and winter shutdown.

401(k) retirement savings with a generous company match.

Commuter benefits.

Other comprehensive voluntary benefits including pet insurance, life insurance, employee assistance program (EAP), discount programs, and many more.

We continue to optimize our benefits & wellness programs as we grow our organization to make sure they meet our diverse workforce needs.

The stability of a startup backed by a company with a record of strong financial performance year over year.

Seniority level Mid‑Senior level

Employment type Full‑time

Job function Research

Location: Cambridge, MA

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