Assistant Academic Research Scientist

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Description

The Santangelo laboratory in the Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering at Emory University, within the School of Medicine and Emory Vaccine Center is seeking a highly motivated scientist with a focus on lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulation to lead the design, optimization, and characterization of mRNA-LNP therapeutics. Using industry-standard formulation techniques, our lab encapsulates milligrams of high-quality synthetic mRNA to enable impactful therapeutic experiments (ACS Nano, Beyersdorf et al. 2022). The laboratory is outfitted with state-of-the-art testing equipment to produce and analyze formulated LNPs. We are expanding the ability of the laboratory to formulate multiple constructs simultaneously at higher scales, enabling advanced therapeutic experiments. The scientist will be expected to bring established LNP formulation expertise, independently drive formulation development, and contribute to scientific direction across multiple federally funded programs. Emory University offers a highly collaborative work environment with strong research and career development opportunities.

Under minimal supervision, the Assistant Academic Research Scientist performs a wide range of highly technical and complex tasks necessary to advance basic and/or translational research programs.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responsible for working with experimental platforms specific to the hiring Program. Duties will include but are not limited to experimental design, data analysis, and interpretation and communication of results of basic and/or translational research.
• Will be required to review literature and apply advanced knowledge, skills, and input necessary for protocol development.
• May assist in grant and other funding applications, as necessary and appropriate.
• With the approval of the responsible Emory faculty director, the Assistant Academic Research Scientist may serve as the principal investigator on funded (grant) proposals.
• Performs other responsibilities as required.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES: 

• Designs, formulates, and optimizes mRNA-LNPs using industry-standard techniques and equipment, including microfluidic mixing platforms
• Analyses LNPs for size, zeta potential, and encapsulation efficiency using DLS and RNA content methods
• Leads the development and refinement of LNP formulation protocols and drives troubleshooting of formulation challenges 
• Designs and executes experiments to evaluate LNP performance and prepares detailed quality and characterization summaries
• Documents LNP production and testing details, presents results at lab meetings, and contributes to manuscripts, grant reports, and regulatory documentation
• Prepares shipments of reagents to both domestic and international partners

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• PhD OR master's degree and two years of professional level experience in a technical or research lab OR bachelor's degree and four years of professional level experience in a technical or research lab.
• Laboratory experience should be related to area of assignment.
• Internship experience or experience prior to attaining the qualifying degree is not considered eligible work experience for this job classification.

PREFFERED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• PhD in Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Biology, or a related scientific discipline; advanced degree preferred
• Demonstrated prior hands-on experience formulating lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) is required. Candidates without direct LNP formulation experience will not be considered.
• Working knowledge of LNP physicochemical characterization techniques, including dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential, and RNA encapsulation efficiency assays
• Strong record-keeping, data analysis, and scientific communication skills

NOTE: Position tasks are required to be performed in-person at an Emory University location; working remote is not an option. Emory reserves the right to change this status with notice to employee.

Additional Details

Emory is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law. Emory University does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. Students, faculty, and staff are assured of participation in university programs and in the use of facilities without such discrimination. Emory University complies with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veteran's Readjustment Assistance Act, and applicable executive orders, federal and state regulations regarding nondiscrimination, equal opportunity, and affirmative action (for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities). Inquiries regarding this policy should be directed to the Emory University Department of Equity and Civil Rights Compliance, 201 Dowman Drive, Administration Building, Atlanta, GA 30322. Telephone: 404-727-9867 (V) | 404-712-2049 (TDD). Emory University is committed to ensuring equal access and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to seek a reasonable accommodation, please contact the Department of Accessibility Services at [email protected] or call 404-727-9877 (Voice) | 404-712-2049 (TDD). We kindly ask that requests be made at least seven business days in advance to allow adequate time for coordination.