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Senior Formulation Chemist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

We offer a variety of fields to embark in, including manufacturing, engineering, quality, chemistry ... The Senior Formulation Technician should be someone with a keen interest in life sciences or drug ...

The Role The Sr. Surface Chemist will advance our CMP slurries through fundamental studies of formulation chemistry, material surface characterization, and their interactions with semiconductor ...

We offer a variety of fields to embark in, including manufacturing, engineering, quality, chemistry ... The Senior Formulation Technician should be someone with a keen interest in life sciences or drug ...

The Role The Sr. Surface Chemist will advance our CMP slurries through fundamental studies of formulation chemistry, material surface characterization, and their interactions with semiconductor ...

The Role The Sr. Surface Chemist will advance our CMP slurries through fundamental studies of formulation chemistry, material surface characterization, and their interactions with semiconductor ...

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Senior Formulation Chemist information

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$35K

$87.7K

$148K

How much do senior formulation chemist jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior formulation chemist in the United States is $87,733.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,000.00 and $110,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Senior Formulation Chemist vs Formulation Chemist?

AspectSenior Formulation ChemistFormulation Chemist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Science, or related field; 3+ years experienceBachelor's degree in Chemistry or related field; entry-level to 2 years experience
Work EnvironmentResearch and development labs, manufacturing facilitiesLaboratories, production lines, R&D departments
Employer & Industry UsagePharmaceutical, cosmetics, food, and chemical industriesSimilar industries, often as entry or mid-level roles

The main difference between a Senior Formulation Chemist and a Formulation Chemist lies in experience and responsibility. Senior Formulation Chemists typically have more years of experience, handle complex formulations, and may oversee projects or junior staff. Formulation Chemists are often entry to mid-level roles focused on developing and testing formulations under supervision. Both roles are essential in R&D and manufacturing within chemical-related industries.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Senior Formulation Chemist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Formulation Chemist, you need a strong background in chemistry or chemical engineering, typically with an advanced degree and experience in product formulation. Proficiency with laboratory instrumentation, analytical techniques (such as HPLC or GC), and familiarity with regulatory compliance systems is crucial. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills set outstanding candidates apart. These skills ensure the development of high-quality, compliant products and successful collaboration across multidisciplinary teams.

What are Senior Formulation Chemists?

Senior Formulation Chemists are experienced scientists who design, develop, and optimize chemical formulations for products in industries such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food, and cleaning products. They are responsible for creating stable and effective mixtures by selecting appropriate raw materials and evaluating product performance. In addition to laboratory research, they often lead projects, mentor junior staff, and ensure compliance with industry regulations and quality standards.

How does a Senior Formulation Chemist typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during product development?

A Senior Formulation Chemist often works closely with teams such as R&D, quality assurance, manufacturing, and regulatory affairs throughout the product development process. They may participate in project meetings to discuss formulation challenges, provide technical expertise on ingredient compatibility, and ensure that formulations meet both performance and regulatory standards. Collaboration is key to troubleshooting issues, scaling up production, and delivering products that align with customer and business needs. Effective communication and teamwork are essential in this dynamic environment, as chemists must translate complex scientific concepts for colleagues from diverse backgrounds.
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Senior Scientist, Formulation and Delivery Sciences

Senior Scientist, Formulation and Delivery Sciences

Ionis Pharmaceuticals

Carlsbad, CA โ€ข On-site, Remote

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Headquartered in Carlsbad, California, and with offices in Boston, Massachusetts, and Dublin, Ireland, Ionis has been at work for more than three decades discovering medical breakthroughs that have redefined life for people with serious diseases. Weโ€™re pioneers in RNA-targeted medicines, and our platform continues to revolutionize drug discovery and transform lives for patients with unmet needs.ย  With multiple marketed medicines and a leading pipeline in neurology, cardiology and select areas of high patient needs, we continue to drive innovation in RNA therapies in addition to advancing new approaches in gene editing to provide greater value to patients and are well positioned financially to deliver on our strategic goals.

At Ionis, we pride ourselves on cultivating a challenging, motivating and rewarding environment that fosters innovation and scientific excellence. We know that our success is a direct result of the exceptional talents and dedication of our employees.ย 

With an unprecedented opportunity to change the course of human health, we look to add diverse individuals, skill sets and perspectives to our exceptional team. We continue to invest time, money and energy into making our onsite, hybrid and remote work environments a place where solid and lasting relationships are built and where our culture and employees can thrive.ย 

Weโ€™re building on our rich history, and we believe our greatest achievements are ahead of us. If youโ€™re passionate about the opportunity to have meaningful impact on patients in need, we invite you to apply and join us. Experience and contribute to our unique culture while you develop and expand your career!

SENIOR SCIENTIST, FORMULATION AND DELIVERY SCIENCES

We seek a Senior Scientist skilled in lipid nanoparticle formulation, targeted delivery, synthesis and characterization of conjugated targeting ligands, plasma protein corona analysis and control, RNA/LNP physicochemical characterization, and in vitro/in vivo performance assessment, with a focus on elucidating and overcoming mechanistic nanoparticle delivery hurdles. The successful candidate will work hands-on with receptor-targeted lipid nanoparticle screening, biochemical conjugation strategies, affinity and cellular uptake assays, and in vivo delivery studies. Reporting to the Director of Formulation and Delivery Sciences, this individual will help identify and validate receptor-ligand strategies, establish screening workflows, and optimize targeted lipid nanoparticle systems for extrahepatic delivery. The successful candidate is a highly collaborative, detail-oriented, and creative scientist who enjoys bench research, adheres to well-defined scientific direction and group goals, and is excited to join a strong multidisciplinary team at a leading nucleic acid therapeutics company.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Design, produce, and characterize receptor-targeted lipid nanoparticle formulations for in vitro and preclinical in vivo studies.
  • Help identify and prioritize receptor-ligand pairs for targeted delivery applications based on biological rationale, feasibility, and experimental performance.
  • Develop and execute ligand conjugation workflows for lipid nanoparticles using biochemical and chemical conjugation approaches.
  • Establish and apply affinity, cellular uptake, and functional screening assays to evaluate targeted lipid nanoparticle constructs across ligand formats, densities, and formulations.
  • Generate and interpret data linking receptor binding, ligand density, cellular uptake, and in vivo delivery performance.
  • Partner with scientists across formulation, chemistry, biology, and analytical functions to refine targeted lipid nanoparticle design and advance company objectives.
  • When needed, assist other team projects with LNP production, in vivo testing, and downstream tissue collection and analysis.
  • Support routine in vivo studies and downstream tissue analysis, including coordination of sample collection and evaluation of distribution and activity readouts.
  • Thoroughly document results in notebooks and written reports, and present findings to cross-functional teams and at research meetings.
  • Contribute to publications, patent applications, and the continued development of Ionis targeted delivery capabilities.
REQUIREMENTS:
  • PhD in Biochemistry strongly preferred; Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biophysics, Biomedical Engineering, Bioengineering, Pharmaceutics, or a related field will also be considered.
  • Minimum of 2 years of relevant industry experience following completion of a PhD or postdoctoral training.
  • Demonstrated experience with lipid nanoparticles, RNA therapeutics, receptor-targeted delivery, ligand conjugation, or related nanoparticle systems.
  • Excellent bench laboratory skills with a strong interest in hands-on experimental work and day-to-day laboratory execution.
  • High attention to detail, strong experimental rigor, and consistent documentation habits.
  • Self-motivated, able to stay on track with assigned goals and scientific direction, values collaboration, and thrives as part of a close-knit, high-performing team.
  • Creative and thoughtful problem solver who is open to adopting AI-enabled tools to improve research efficiency.
  • Hands-on experience with biochemical, biophysical, and analytical methods used to characterize ligands, lipid nanoparticles, and targeted delivery performance.
  • Experience with cell-based uptake or activity assays and supporting in vivo studies for targeted delivery platforms is highly desirable.
  • Proven skills in experimental design, data interpretation, formal oral and written communication, and cross-functional collaboration.

Please visit our website, http://www.ionis.com for more information about Ionis and to apply for this position; reference requisition # IONIS004054

Ionis offers an excellent benefits package! Follow this link for more details: Ionis Benefits

Full Benefits Link: https://ionis.com/careers#:~:text=Highly%20competitive%20benefits

The pay scale for this position is $113,156 - $149,750.00

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE. PRINCIPALS ONLY.

Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and all its subsidiaries are proud to be EEO employers.