Senior Research Associate

About Sail:

Sail Biomedicines is pioneering the integrative design and deployment of fully programmable medicines to transform patient care. Sail’s platform combines first-in-class programmable circular RNA technology (Endless RNA™ or eRNA), and an industry-leading platform of programmable nanoparticles, utilizing natural components, to unlock comprehensive programming of medicines for the first time. By leveraging cutting-edge eRNA and nanoparticle deployment technology, Sail is also making unparalleled use of AI techniques to identify and design fully programmable medicines that are potent, targeted, versatile, and tunable. Sail was founded by Flagship Pioneering.

The Role:

Sail Biomedicines is seeking a motivated Senior Research Associate to join our Targeted Drug Delivery team. This role will support the development of targeted lipid nanoparticle (TNP) formulations and is a unique opportunity to be an integral part of a team dedicated to creating a transformative delivery platform for precision-targeted therapeutics.

This lab-based, onsite position requires hands-on experimental work, collaborative problem-solving, and close collaboration with cross-functional teams to drive project success. The ideal candidate will have experience in nanoparticle formulation, ligand conjugation, analytical characterization, and robust record-keeping. You will work closely with scientists and cross-functional collaborators to execute experiments, generate high-quality data, and contribute to advancing Sail’s delivery platform.

Responsibilities:

LNP Formulation & Evaluation

• Synthesize, formulate, and optimize targeted nanoparticle (TNP) formulations for nucleic acid delivery.
• Prepare TNP batches to support in vitro and in vivo studies.
• Evaluate TNP performance in vitro, including transfection efficiency, potency, and stability.
• Conduct formulation screening and optimization of novel lipid and nanoparticle materials to improve delivery performance, stability, and manufacturability.
• Improve robustness and reproducibility of formulation workflows.
• Perform physicochemical and biophysical characterization of nanoparticles and conjugates using techniques such as: DLS (particle size, PDI), Zeta potential, UV-Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy, SDS-PAGE, LC/MS (as applicable)
• Assist in developing and executing assays to assess encapsulation efficiency, conjugation efficiency, stability, and potency.

Data Analysis & Collaboration

• Analyze data, maintain accurate documentation, and present findings internally.
• Collaborate with biology, analytics, and computational/AI teams to support candidate and platform advancement.
• Contribute to platform development and intellectual property–supporting experiments.
• Manage multiple experiments while maintaining high laboratory standards.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Chemistry, or a related field.
• 1–3+ years of relevant laboratory experience (industry experience preferred).
• Hands-on experience in nanoparticle formulation, bioconjugation, protein modification, or related areas preferred.
• Foundational understanding of lipid nanoparticle systems and/or nucleic acid delivery technologies.
• Understanding of experimental design principles and ability to execute and optimize established protocols.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet timelines.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills.
• Motivated and comfortable performing hands-on experimental work in a fast-paced environment.
• Able to work independently and collaboratively.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Eager to learn new technologies and contribute to innovation.
• Values transparency, respect, and thoughtful communication.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with one or more of the following is desirable:

• Chromatography systems (e.g., ÄKTA)

• Tangential flow filtration (TFF)

• DLS, zeta potential, UV-Vis, fluorescence-based assays

• SDS-PAGE or mass spectrometry

Salary Range: $70,000 - $105,000

Sail Biomedicines is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Sail does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.