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Formulation Lipid Nanoparticle Jobs in Reston, VA

Scientist

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$74K - $124K/yr

Contribute to the development and optimization of lipid nanoparticle formulations and mRNA ... Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams, including discovery scientists, formulation ...

Scientist

Bethesda, MD

$74K - $124K/yr

Contribute to the development and optimization of lipid nanoparticle formulations and mRNA ... Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams, including discovery scientists, formulation ...

Formulation Lipid Nanoparticle information

See Reston, VA salary details

$57.7K

$124.3K

$181K

How much do formulation lipid nanoparticle jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for formulation lipid nanoparticle in Reston, VA is $124,326.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $105,600.00 and $156,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Formulation Lipid Nanoparticle specialists?

Formulation Lipid Nanoparticle specialists are scientists or engineers who design and develop lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) for the delivery of drugs, vaccines, or genetic material. They work on optimizing the composition, stability, and effectiveness of LNPs to ensure safe and efficient delivery of therapeutic agents into target cells. Their expertise is crucial in pharmaceutical research and manufacturing, especially for advanced therapies like mRNA vaccines and gene therapies.

What are some common challenges faced when developing lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulations, and how can these be addressed in a lab environment?

A key challenge in developing lipid nanoparticle formulations is achieving consistent particle size and encapsulation efficiency, which are critical for drug delivery applications. Variability can arise due to differences in lipid ratios, mixing techniques, and process parameters. To address this, team members often work closely with analytical chemists to optimize protocols, standardize procedures, and troubleshoot issues such as aggregation or low yield. Regular collaboration and clear documentation help ensure reproducibility and successful scale-up from bench to production.

What is the difference between Formulation Lipid Nanoparticle vs Formulation Scientist?

AspectFormulation Lipid NanoparticleFormulation Scientist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, or related fields
Work EnvironmentLaboratories focused on nanoparticle formulation and drug deliveryResearch and development labs, manufacturing, or quality control
Industry UsageSpecialized in lipid-based drug delivery systemsBroader role in formulation development across various drug types

Formulation Lipid Nanoparticle specialists focus specifically on developing lipid-based nanocarriers for drug delivery, requiring expertise in nanoparticle technology. Formulation Scientists have a broader scope, working on various formulation types, including lipid nanoparticles, but with less specialization. Both roles often require similar educational backgrounds and work in related environments, but their focus areas differ significantly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Formulation Lipid Nanoparticle Scientist, and why are they important?

To excel as a Formulation Lipid Nanoparticle Scientist, you need a solid background in chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, or related fields, often supported by an advanced degree and experience in nanoparticle formulation. Familiarity with analytical instruments (HPLC, DLS, LC-MS), nanoparticle synthesis equipment, and regulatory standards is crucial, along with knowledge of relevant laboratory software. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help in managing complex experiments and collaborating across multidisciplinary teams. These competencies ensure the successful design, optimization, and scale-up of lipid nanoparticle formulations for drug delivery and therapeutic applications.
What are popular job titles related to Formulation Lipid Nanoparticle jobs in Reston, VA? For Formulation Lipid Nanoparticle jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Formulation Lipid Nanoparticle jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Formulation Lipid Nanoparticle jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Formulation Lipid Nanoparticle jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Formulation Lipid Nanoparticle job openings:

$74K - $124K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 13 days ago


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Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

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Job description

Job Family:
Scientist
Travel Required:
None
Clearance Required:
Ability to Obtain Public Trust
What You Will Do:
We are currently searching for a Scientist to provide support to the the planning and execution of research experiments. This is a full-time, on-site opportunity in Bethesda, MD.
  • Contribute to the development and optimization of lipid nanoparticle formulations and mRNA constructs for applications in cancer and infectious diseases.
  • Generate, analyze, and interpret experimental data to support translational decision making and technology advancement.
  • Evaluate and help implement enabling technologies that improve vaccine potency, safety, stability, and manufacturability.
  • Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams, including discovery scientists, formulation scientists, and manufacturing and regulatory partners.
  • Oversee project data quality; analyze and interpret project data.
  • Design and execute in vitro and in vivo studies to evaluate biodegradability, biodistribution, safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy.
  • Maintain accurate experimental records and prepare technical reports, presentations, and summaries for internal stakeholders.
  • Ensure studies are conducted in compliance with institutional, regulatory, and animal care guidelines.
  • Contribute to the scientific mission of the Vaccine Research Center (VRC) through innovation and collaboration.

What You Will Need:
  • Master's degree
  • A minimum of THREE (3) years of experience in immunology, vaccine development, or related scientific research.
  • Demonstrated expertise in mRNA and/or lipid nanoparticle (LNP) technologies, vaccine platforms, or nucleic acid delivery systems.
  • Hands on experience with in vivo animal models relevant to vaccines, immunology, oncology, or infectious diseases.
  • Strong background in translational research, with the ability to connect discovery findings to
  • development objectives.
  • Experience with experimental design, data analysis, and scientific documentation.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a Federal or DoD "public trust"; candidates must receive approved adjudication prior to onboarding with Guidehouse. Candidates with an active public trust or suitability are preferred.

What Would Be Nice To Have:
  • Ph.D. in immunology, molecular biology, bioengineering, or a related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
  • Experience working within federal research environments such as NIH or similar agencies.
  • Prior experience supporting translational or clinical-stage research programs.
  • Familiarity with regulatory and manufacturing considerations in biologics development.

The annual salary range for this position is $74,000.00-$124,000.00. Compensation decisions depend on a wide range of factors, including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, security clearances, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs.
What We Offer:
Guidehouse offers a comprehensive, total rewards package that includes competitive compensation and a flexible benefits package that reflects our commitment to creating a diverse and supportive workplace.
Benefits include:
  • Medical, Rx, Dental & Vision Insurance
  • Personal and Family Sick Time & Company Paid Holidays
  • Parental Leave
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • Group Term Life and Travel Assistance
  • Voluntary Life and AD&D Insurance
  • Health Savings Account, Health Care & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Transit and Parking Commuter Benefits
  • Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
  • Tuition Reimbursement, Personal Development, Certifications & Learning Opportunities
  • Employee Referral Program
  • Corporate Sponsored Events & Community Outreach
  • Care.com annual membership
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Supplemental Benefits via Corestream (Critical Care, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, Legal Assistance and ID theft protection, etc.)
  • Position may be eligible for a discretionary variable incentive bonus

About Guidehouse
Guidehouse is an Equal Opportunity Employer-Protected Veterans, Individuals with Disabilities or any other basis protected by law, ordinance, or regulation.
Guidehouse will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law or ordinance including the Fair Chance Ordinance of Los Angeles and San Francisco.
If you have visited our website for information about employment opportunities, or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation, please contact Guidehouse Recruiting at 1-571-633-1711 or via email at RecruitingAccommodation@guidehouse.com. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodation.
All communication regarding recruitment for a Guidehouse position will be sent from Guidehouse email domains including @guidehouse.com or guidehouse@myworkday.com. Correspondence received by an applicant from any other domain should be considered unauthorized and will not be honored by Guidehouse. Note that Guidehouse will never charge a fee or require a money transfer at any stage of the recruitment process and does not collect fees from educational institutions for participation in a recruitment event. Never provide your banking information to a third party purporting to need that information to proceed in the hiring process.
If any person or organization demands money related to a job opportunity with Guidehouse, please report the matter to Guidehouse's Ethics Hotline. If you want to check the validity of correspondence you have received, please contact recruiting@guidehouse.com. Guidehouse is not responsible for losses incurred (monetary or otherwise) from an applicant's dealings with unauthorized third parties.
Guidehouse does not accept unsolicited resumes through or from search firms or staffing agencies. All unsolicited resumes will be considered the property of Guidehouse and Guidehouse will not be obligated to pay a placement fee.

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