Principal Scientist

Signify Bio is a biotechnology company transforming the development of in situ protein therapeutics by leveraging the human body’s natural ability to produce proteins. Guided by its mission to create personalized medicines for all, Signify combines the precision of signal peptide engineered control with the speed and versatility of mRNA encoded design. The company’s SEND platform and iPhos lipid nanoparticles enable targeted and localized delivery of therapeutic proteins, addressing significant unmet needs across various diseases.

Through innovative science, Signify Bio is committed to advancing solutions that make a meaningful difference for patients worldwide.

At Signify, we bring together collaborative teams, innovative science, and a shared commitment to addressing meaningful unmet patient needs. Employees have the opportunity to work across disciplines, contribute to cutting-edge therapeutic programs, and help translate scientific discoveries into potential medicines. We value scientific rigor, open communication, curiosity, and teamwork, and we encourage every team member to contribute ideas, take ownership, and grow alongside the organization.

We seek a highly experienced and innovative Principal Scientist to lead our mRNA and Lipid Nanoparticle (LNP) Analytical Development team within the CMC organization. The successful candidate will be responsible for the development, validation, and implementation of robust, cutting-edge analytical assays to characterize mRNA drug substance, lipid raw materials, and LNP drug product in support of Signify’s proprietary platforms (SEND mRNA and iPHOS LNP).

The role works in close collaboration with Formulation, Molecular Biology, Process Development, and Quality to define analytical control strategies, establish stability programs, and support regulatory filings.

• Function as Signify’s subject matter expert in analytical methodology for mRNA drug substance and LNP drug product characterization.
• Lead the design, optimization, qualification, and execution of analytical assays including HPLC/UPLC (SEC, RP, IEX, CAD/ELSD), capillary electrophoresis, dynamic light scattering (DLS), Ribo Green/encapsulation assays, and physical-chemical profiling.
• Establish release, stability, and characterization panels for early- and late-stage mRNA/LNP candidates supporting in vivo studies, lead selection, and CMC progression.
• Manage and/or mentor analytical scientists/research associates, overseeing daily laboratory operations, assay execution, and data interpretation.
• Oversee analytical technology transfer to external CDMOs/CTOs and collaborate with internal CMC teams to support scale-up and process characterization.
• Summarize, interpret, and communicate complex scientific data to cross-functional leadership, governance committees, and project teams.

PhD or equivalent advanced degree in Analytical Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biochemistry, or a related discipline with 10+ years of relevant industry experience; or M.S. with 12+ years of related biopharma industry experience.

• Deep expertise in analytical development specifically for mRNA constructs, lipid raw materials, and lipid nanoparticle formulations.
• Proven experience developing and validating chromatography (e.g., RP-HPLC, SEC, IEX with UV/CAD/ELSD), electrophoresis, and light scattering methods for LNP characterization.
• Demonstrated track record of managing, coaching, and mentoring a team of lab-based scientists.
• Strong understanding of phase-appropriate analytical control strategies, assay qualification, and stability testing guidelines for nucleic acid and nanoparticle modalities.
• Ability to efficiently manage and prioritize multiple projects while coordinating in-house research with external collaborative work.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with a strong ability to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams and leadership.

Position requires the physical ability to work in a lab setting and utilize standard lab equipment for extended periods of time. Occasional travel (