[Hiring] Principal Scientist @Lipovectra Inc

Role Description

We are seeking an experienced, versatile, and detail-oriented Principal Scientist to lead nonclinical strategy across the entire lifecycle of Lipovectra’s proprietary mRNA-LNP therapeutic platform. The role spans the full arc from early exploratory non-GLP research to IND-enabling packages — owning the overall nonclinical development strategy for MLT-001 and future mRNA-LNP programs, including:

• Species selection
• Dose selection
• Study sequencing
• Safety margins
• Toxicology endpoints
• Recovery design
• TK/PK integration
• Regulatory positioning

The incumbent will serve as a strategic partner to Discovery and Formulation teams and the official GLP Sponsor Study Monitor. A key focus of this position includes evaluating mRNA-LNP asset efficacy, safety and tolerability in specialized rodent models—specifically Diet-Induced Obesity (DIO) and custom/genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) for metabolic and target-driven pipeline expansion—while seamlessly advancing lead programs into definitive GLP repeat-dose studies in minipigs.

Qualifications

• Education: Ph.D. in Toxicology, Pharmacology, Pathology, Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.), or a related life sciences field OR M.S. in Toxicology/Pharmacology with 7+ years of pharmaceutical/biotech industry experience spanning discovery through GLP toxicology.
• 7–10+ years of pharmaceutical/biotech industry experience in nonclinical safety assessment.
• Proven track record across both non-GLP exploratory/discovery toxicology (pipeline de-risking) and GLP regulatory toxicology.
• In-depth scientific knowledge of mRNA therapeutics, LNP formulations, and platform-associated toxicities.
• Experience with interpreting biodistribution/tissue exposure data for nucleic-acid therapeutics and/or LNPs.
• Hands-on experience working with minipig or non-rodent large animal models, including tailored dosing, clinical pathology, and tissue collection protocols.
• Extensive experience serving as a Sponsor Study Monitor managing CROs, protocol amendments, and GLP compliance audits.
• Demonstrated experience establishing and overseeing biological specimen inventory and chain-of-custody systems.
• Mastery of global nonclinical guidelines (FDA 21 CFR Part 58, OECD GLP, ICH M3(R2), ICH S6, ICH S9).

Requirements

• DABT (Diplomate of the American Board of Toxicology) certification (preferred).
• Prior experience managing test articles or biological samples derived from nucleic acid therapeutics, LNPs, or novel delivery platforms (preferred).
• Hands-on or oversight experience using DIO rodent models and custom/transgenic/GEMMs to evaluate safety, target-mediated effects, and metabolic parameters (preferred).
• Experience with 3D culture systems, including patient-derived organoids (preferred).
• Experience in oncology (preferred).

Benefits

• Salary: $175,000 – $225,000
• Final compensation depends on candidate location, level of experience, and DABT board certification.

Company Description

Lipovectra Inc. is a preclinical biopharma company developing a pipeline of mRNA-LNP (lipid nanoparticle) therapeutics for in vivo adipose tissue engineering. Its lead asset is slated for first-in-human studies for Q3 2027. The company successfully completed the first tranche of its Series A raise.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Lipovectra Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability, age, or any other status protected by applicable laws and regulations.

This is a remote position.