Research Associate Drug Product Development

at  eTheRNA

etherna provides research and manufacturing excellence by teaming up with highly skilled scientists, researchers and technical experts who are recognized for their contributions to the industry. We acquired substantial intellectual property and know-how over the years that support our exceptional leadership in mRNA and LNP innovation. With a careful balance in our skillset, state-of-the-art facilities and specialized equipment we tackle complex challenges and assure efficiency in our operations.
www.etherna.be | www.ethernamanufacturing.com

GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION

The Research Associate Drug Product Development is responsible for the execution of formulation development activities related to drug delivery systems used for delivery of nucleic acids to different organs and cells, under the supervision of a Scientist Drug Product Development.
The Research Associate role is a hands-on position focused on experimental laboratory work specifically in production of lipid nanoparticles with mRNA payloads at lab scale and execution of techniques for formulation study, stability study, manufacturing feasibility assessment and scale up of lipid nanoparticle formulations containing mRNA payloads.
The candidate will be part of the Drug Product Development team and the role is a permanent position. This position reports to Scientist Drug Product Development and will be based in Gent as described above.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Education:
B.Sc. in a life science-oriented discipline (e.g. bio-engineering, biotechnology, pharmaceutical sciences, biomedical sciences). Experience in formulation development or in a biotech or pharmaceutical environment is a plus.

Experience:

• Experience in carrying out formulation and stability studies as required
• Experience in experimental design of formulation screening, stability studies and manufacturing processes optimization at lab scale or larger scale
• Hands-experience in analytical techniques such as dynamic light scattering (DLS), Zeta-potential, pH, osmolality and techniques for payload encapsulation/complexation efficiency assessment and mRNA integrity
• Previous experience in production of lipid nanoparticles at lab scale or larger scale is a plus
• Prior practical experience in freeze drying is considered a plus
• Prior practical experience of tangential flow filtration is considered a plus
• Expertise in RNA-based delivery systems is considered a plus
• In-vitro uptake and transfection assays with nucleic based-acid delivery systems is a plus

Other Qualifications, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to work within cross functional teams
• Ability to solve problems and take initiative
• Well organized, well-structured, hands-on, results orientated
• Ability to foster teamwork and a collaborative atmosphere
• Enthusiastic, flexible and able to multitask
• Ability to set priorities, take initiative and be pro-active
• Fluent in English

The Research Associate Drug Product Development’s duties shall include, but not be limited to:

• Production of lipid nanoparticle based formulations with mRNA payloads based on multiple criteria
• Assessment of manufacturing feasibility of lipid nanoparticle based delivery vehicles with mRNA payloads
• Conduct stability studies to support formulation development for lipid nanoparticles with mRNA payloads
• Analytical testing of lipid nanoparticle based delivery vehicles with mRNA payloads
• Lyophilization of lipid nanoparticle formulations
• Ability to work on multiple projects
• Present results internally and externally
• Write formulation development and manufacturability assessment reports