Associate Scientist/Scientist I, LNP Formulations

COMPANY DESCRIPTION

Mirai Bio is a privately-held, Flagship-founded biotechnology company that is delivering genetic medicines from promise to performance. Mirai was built to solve one of the field’s central challenges: achieving precise, scalable delivery of diverse nucleic acid payloads to specific cells and tissues, particularly beyond the liver. By combining a large and growing proprietary in vivo biodistribution dataset, machine learning-guided lipid nanoparticle optimization, modular targeted particle design, and integrated translation and manufacturing capabilities, Mirai helps partners accelerate development, reduce technical risk, and pursue high-value programs making delivery a strategic advantage. We are seeking collaborative, relentless problem solvers that share our passion for defining the future of genetic medicines together.

THE ROLE

Mirai Bio is seeking a scientist to advance our lipid nanoparticle (LNP) delivery platform for nucleic acid therapeutics. Mirai Bio is seeking a highly talented and motivated individual to develop and optimize lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulations. The successful candidate will contribute to both platform innovation and preclinical pipeline programs, working at the interface of formulation science, Chemistry, analytical characterization, and process development. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design, formulate, and characterize lipid nanoparticle (LNP) systems for nucleic acid delivery across early research and preclinical development stages
• Develop and optimize formulation processes, including microfluidic mixing and scale-up approaches (e.g., TFF, ultrafiltration)
• Screen and evaluate novel ionizable lipids and LNP compositions; analyze structure–function relationships to improve delivery performance
• Troubleshoot formulation and process challenges to enhance robustness, reproducibility, and scalability
• Generate high-quality, reproducible data and maintain thorough documentation in electronic lab notebooks
• Prepare LNP formulations to support internal research and partner programs 
• Collaborate cross-functionally with analytical, translational, and Tech development teams to advance platform goals
• Present data and insights clearly to internal teams and contribute to scientific discussions and decision-making 

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

• Ph.D. and 0-1 years or 4+ years (M.Sc.) or 6+ years (B.Sc.) of relevant industry experience in LNP formulation optimizations and drug delivery with strong background in nucleic acid therapeutics and education in life sciences or engineering (Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Biochemistry, etc)
  • Level (Associate Scientist or Scientist I) will be determined based on experience, technical expertise, and demonstrated impact. 
• Hands-on experience in nanoparticle or LNP formulation and characterization 
• Strong understanding of drug delivery systems, particularly for nucleic acid therapeutics 
• Experience with nanoparticle characterization techniques (e.g., DLS, zeta potential, fluorescence-based assays such as Ribogreen, chromatography) 
• Demonstrated ability to design, execute, and troubleshoot experiments independently 
• Strong data analysis, documentation, and communication skills  

PREFERRED QUALIFIATIONS

• Familiarity with formulation process technologies (e.g., microfluidic mixers, pumping systems, TFF) 
• Experience with high-throughput formulation screening approaches 
• Knowledge of lipid chemistry, ionizable lipid design, or bioconjugation techniques 
• Experience supporting in vivo studies or translating formulations from research to preclinical scale  

WHAT WE VALUE

• Scientific rigor and attention to data quality and reproducibility 
• Curiosity and a problem-solving mindset 
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment 
• Clear and concise communication across disciplines 
• Ownership and accountability in driving projects forward 

LOCATION:  Cambridge, MA

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’s 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’s “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’s annual list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies. Learn more about Flagship at www.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.

We recognize that great candidates often bring unique strengths without fulfilling every qualification. If you have some of the experience listed above but not all, please apply anyway. We are dedicated to building diverse and inclusive teams and look forward to learning more about your background and interest in Flagship.

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.

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The salary range for this role is $96,000 - $126,500. Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including a candidate’s qualifications, skills, competencies, and experience. Mirai Bio currently offers healthcare coverage, annual incentive program, retirement benefits and a broad range of other benefits. Compensation and benefits information is based on Mirai Bio's good faith estimate as of the date of publication and may be modified in the future.