Scientist​/Senior Scientist - Non-Viral Gene Delivery

Immuno Vec is a biotechnology company pioneering in vivo cell engineering through non‑viral DNA delivery. Our team is developing a new class of therapies that enable precise, controllable gene expression in targeted immune cells. Supported by a multi‑year award from the ARPA‑H EMBODY program, Immuno Vec is expanding its R&D team to advance programs in autoimmune disease and oncology.

The Scientist / Senior Scientist will drive the design and optimization of polymer, lipid nanoparticle, and electroporation‑based delivery systems for primary human immune cells. This individual will lead efforts in screening novel constructs via non‑viral delivery, designing and synthesizing novel polymers, designing and formulating novel Lipid Nanoparticle (LNP) formulations, executing functional assays, and evaluating efficacy using in vivo models. The ideal candidate will have hands‑on experience with LNP or Polymer Nanoparticle (PNP) transfection, flow cytometry, cytokine profiling, and murine tumor models.

• Design, plan, and execute innovative high‑throughput screens to evaluate and optimize non‑viral gene delivery in primary human immune cells using PNPs, LNPs and electroporation‑based systems.
• Design, synthesize and formulate novel PNPs and LNPs.
• Functionalize novel non‑viral delivery vehicles with targeting ligands.
• Develop and refine functional assays to assess delivery efficiency, transgene expression, cytokine production, and immune cell activation or suppression.
• Lead 1‑2 Research Associates, ensuring high‑quality experimental design and clear documentation.
• Support in vivo studies by coordinating formulation testing, immune monitoring, and biodistribution analysis in preclinical mouse models.
• Stay at the forefront of the field by tracking emerging literature, tools, and technologies in non‑viral gene delivery, nanomedicine, and immune cell engineering.

• Ph.D. in Biomolecular Engineering, Immunology, Cell Biology, Nanoparticle Chemistry or a related field (Scientist), with at least 3 years of postdoc or industry experience (Sr Scientist).
• Hands‑on experience with designing, synthesizing, formulating, and evaluating non‑viral delivery vehicles, such as LNPs or PNPs is essential.
• Demonstrated expertise in CAR‑T or CAR‑NK cell biology, including functional characterization, activation assays, and immune cell phenotyping.
• Familiarity with preclinical mouse models relevant to immuno‑oncology (such as syngeneic tumor models or humanized xenografts) is advantageous.
• Proficiency in data interpretation and statistical analysis, with working knowledge of tools such as Flow Jo, Graph Pad Prism, and related analytics software.

We’re looking for someone to join us in accelerating our fast‑paced work. This will be an in‑person laboratory position requiring the candidate to be on‑site full‑time. Our work environment is intense and also extremely exciting, as we aim to continue to hit ambitious milestones faster than the rest of the field. We acknowledge this environment is not for everyone, so please only apply if this is specifically what you’re looking for.

We offer competitive pay, full health, dental and vision insurance, and matching 401(k). Our location in the heart of sunny Los Angeles offers convenient access to UCLA amenities such as multiple gyms and dining options, along with easy access to the vibrant living and recreational opportunities in West Los Angeles.

This is a full‑time position and the salary will be $110,000+ per year, depending on experience.

To apply please send a CV and cover letter to using the subject line: [NVD Scientist].
Please use the following format for the cover letter: One paragraph on what you bring to the table and 3 bullet points of top skills.
Please highlight any experience with non‑viral/PNP/LNP delivery of nucleic acids to immune cells.