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Kernal Bio is a venture-backed therapeutics company developing in vivo CAR-T therapies using AI-designed, selective mRNA and targeted lipid nanoparticle (LNP) technology for precision treatments of autoimmune diseases and blood cancers. The company was founded by experts from MIT, Harvard, Merck, and BMS, with leadership that has brought three FDA-approved therapies to market and holds over 120 patents. Backed by Hummingbird Ventures, Amgen, Lilly, HBM, ARPA-H, and NVIDIA, Kernal Bio is based in Boston.
The Senior Scientist will join the LNP Formulation team to develop and characterize the company's targeting lipid nanoparticle platform. This role bridges research and manufacturing, supporting process development, tech transfer to the CMC team and external partners, and results analysis and presentation.
Key responsibilities include:
- Develop and characterize novel LNP formulations and components using Dynamic Light Scattering, Ribogreen, HPLC, and related analytical techniques
- Support design and execution of flow cytometry experiments for LNP screening and optimization
- Screen formulation buffers and excipients to improve long-term LNP stability
- Execute in vivo experiments with LNP compositions
- Develop new assays and detailed investigations of specific LNP attributes
- Develop, optimize, and troubleshoot LNP/mRNA manufacturing processes at various scales
- Analyze, summarize, and present experimental results to team members and management
- Participate in technology transfer activities related to manufacturing processes and analytical methods to external partners
- Maintain records, prepare internal reports, and contribute to IP discussions
- Support team operations and supply management
The ideal candidate is a great team player with excellent communication skills, able to thrive in a fast-paced biotech environment.
Requirements:
- PhD in Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Bioengineering, Pharmaceutics, Chemistry, or related field
- Minimum 2 years of industry experience in process development with lipid nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles, or similar systems
- Hands-on experience manufacturing LNPs using microfluidics, T-mixer, or other inline mixers
- Experience with tangential flow filtration (TFF) and sterile filtration
- Proficiency with LNP/mRNA analytical techniques (plate-based fluorescence assays, HPLC, LC/MS)
- Proficiency with in vivo LNP testing (IV administration, IVIS imaging, etc.)
- Proficiency with biological assays for identifying key LNP characteristics and properties
- Familiarity with ELN and GraphPad Prism
- Experience with process modeling and Design of Experiment (DoE) statistical tools
- Preferred: Flow cytometry principles and hands-on experiment execution
- Nice to have: Tech transfer experience to GMP manufacturing
- Strong attention to detail, ability to multitask, and meet timelines
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Adaptability, enthusiasm for new challenges, and passion for learning in a startup setting
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively in a team environment
