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Lipid Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Postdoctoral Fellow Chung Lab

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$54K - $73.30K/yr

We are seeking a highly motivated individual with a strong interest in lipid cell biology, neurobiology, and microscopy to join our team Basic Qualifications Candidate must hold a PhD in Cell biology ...

In this role, you will design and develop novel ionizable lipids, engineer ligand-conjugated lipid nanoparticle formulations, support Deliveromics in vivo screening, and evaluate performance using ...

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Lipid information

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How much do lipid jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for lipid in the United States is $26.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $39.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Lipid Specialist, you need a solid background in biochemistry, clinical lipidology, and often a relevant medical degree or certification such as board certification in lipidology. Familiarity with laboratory information systems, lipid analysis techniques, and specialized diagnostic tools is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills are essential for interpreting data and advising patients or clinicians. These competencies ensure accurate lipid disorder diagnosis, effective treatment planning, and improved cardiovascular health outcomes.

What are the most common challenges faced by lipid researchers when working on interdisciplinary projects?

Lipid researchers often collaborate with professionals from fields like biochemistry, pharmacology, and clinical research. One common challenge is bridging communication gaps between disciplines, especially when integrating complex lipidomics data with broader biological or clinical findings. Additionally, managing diverse datasets and aligning differing project priorities can require strong organizational and interpersonal skills. Proactively engaging in cross-disciplinary meetings and continuous learning can help lipid researchers successfully navigate these collaborative environments.

What are lipids?

Lipids are a diverse group of naturally occurring molecules that include fats, oils, waxes, and certain vitamins, among others. They play essential roles in the body, such as storing energy, forming cell membranes, and acting as signaling molecules. Lipids are hydrophobic or amphipathic, meaning they do not dissolve easily in water. Common types of lipids include triglycerides, phospholipids, and sterols like cholesterol. Understanding lipids is important in fields like biology, nutrition, and medicine.

What is the difference between Lipid vs Biochemist?

AspectLipidBiochemist
Required CredentialsTypically a degree in biochemistry, chemistry, or related fieldDegree in biochemistry, molecular biology, or related discipline
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research institutions, pharmaceutical companiesResearch labs, academia, biotech firms
Industry UsageSpecializes in lipid analysis, metabolism, and synthesisBroad biochemistry research including lipids, proteins, nucleic acids

While a Lipid specialist focuses specifically on lipids, their functions, and applications, a Biochemist has a broader scope, studying various biomolecules. Both roles often overlap in research settings, but Lipids are a specialized subset within biochemistry.

More about Lipid jobs
What cities are hiring for Lipid jobs? Cities with the most Lipid job openings:
What states have the most Lipid jobs? States with the most job openings for Lipid jobs include:
Infographic showing various Lipid job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 78% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,998 per year, or $26.9 per hour.
Principal Research Scientist II, Lipid Chemistry

Principal Research Scientist II, Lipid Chemistry

AbbVie

San Diego, CA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 hours ago


AbbVie rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 95 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 70 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

Company Description

About AbbVie

AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines and solutions that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas including immunology, oncology and neuroscience - and products and services in our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.

Job Description

We seek a Principal Scientist II, Lipid Chemistry to join an experienced, fast-paced and collaborative team focused on developing lipid nanoparticle delivered mRNA medicine. This position will lead the design and synthesis of novel lipids including but not limited to ionizable lipids and other proprietary delivery chemistries. The ideal candidate brings strong instincts in advanced organic synthesis, route planning, and reaction optimization, with the creativity and rigor to generate high-quality analog series. Success in this chemistry focused role depends on the ability to independently conceive, synthesize, purify, and characterize compounds, then use data to iterate rapidly toward improved molecules.

Responsibilities & Duties:

  • Lead and optimize novel lipid designs and chemistries from diverse structural families for LNP platform technology development
  • Plan and execute efficient synthetic routes for target molecules and close analogs. Optimize reactions, troubleshoot challenging transformations, and solve synthetic bottlenecks.
  • Design multistep routes of synthesis and purification for scalability and purity in keeping with project goals and timelines. Generate focused analog libraries to explore structure-activity relationships and guide design decisions.
  • Independently lead research efforts through deep technical understanding and work collaboratively within a cross-functional product development team to drive design, functional screening, development and production of novel tLNP formulations for targeted, extra hepatic delivery of nucleic acid payloads.
  • Review scientific literature, patents, scientific abstracts to stay up to date on latest in the field. Provide scientific expertise in the organization with special emphasis on lipid nanoparticle-based drug targeting delivery systems for nucleic acids
  • Represent department in cross-functional platforms, pipeline and development teams. Collaborate with cross-functional discovery teams to translate in vitro and in vivo experimental findings into improved molecular designs.
  • Present synthetic strategies, experimental results, and SAR insights clearly and concisely.
  • Effectively communicate complex technical topics to collaborators and management. Present synthetic strategies, experimental results, and SAR insights clearly and concisely.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree in Science related field with 16 years of related work; Master's Degree Science or PharmD with 14 years of related work; PhD in Science or related field with 8 years of related work experience.
  •  Experience in the pharmaceutical industry for which you have been responsible for independent contributions in the design and development of novel lipids and other delivery chemistries
  • Demonstrated deep expertise in synthetic organic chemistry with a strong publication or industry record.
  • Deep technical prowess and demonstrated ability with respect to successful design, synthetic routes, purification strategies, analytical characterization (e.g. NMR, LC/MS) for lipids and LNP formulations.
  • Extensive experience in advanced route design, synthesis planning, and execution of complex multi-step syntheses.
  • Strong problem-solving skills in synthesis, including reaction development, optimization, and troubleshooting.
  • Strong proficiency authoring and reviewing technical reports.
Additional Information

Applicable only to applicants applying to a position in any location with pay disclosure requirements under state or local law: 

  • The compensation range described below is the range of possible base pay compensation that the Company believes in good faith it will pay for this role at the time of this posting based on the job grade for this position. Individual compensation paid within this range will depend on many factors including geographic location, and we may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This range may be modified in the future.

  • We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick), medical/dental/vision insurance and 401(k) to eligible employees.

  • This job is eligible to participate in our short-term incentive programs. 

Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, incentive, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole and absolute discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company's sole and absolute discretion, consistent with applicable law. 

AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives and serving our community. Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled. 

US & Puerto Rico only - to learn more, visit https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/equal-employment-opportunity-employer.html

US & Puerto Rico applicants seeking a reasonable accommodation, click here to learn more:

https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/reasonable-accommodations.html


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About AbbVie

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas: immunology, oncology, neuroscience, eye care, virology, women's health, and gastroenterology, in addition to products and services across its Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

Industry

Scientific research and development services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

North Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

2013