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Principal Research Scientist II, Lipid Chemistry

Job in California, Moniteau County, Missouri, 65018, USA
Listing for: Initial Therapeutics, Inc.
Full Time position
Listed on 2026-05-16
Job specializations:
  • Research/Development
    Research Scientist, Drug Discovery
Salary/Wage Range or Industry Benchmark: 120000 - 180000 USD Yearly USD 120000.00 180000.00 YEAR
Job Description & How to Apply Below
Location: California

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
  • Bachelors Degree in Science related field with 16 years of related work;
    Masters Degree Science or Pharm

    D 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
  • 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.

Equal

Opportunity

Abb Vie 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

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