Messenger Bio is seeking a hands-on Operations & Research Scientist to develop and optimise next-generation lipid nanoparticle (LNP) delivery systems and to improve mRNA expression and biodistribution. This is a lab-based role focused rapidly iterating and evaluating parameters for formulation, characterisation, and functional performance of mRNA-LNPs for multiple applications.About us
Thousands of human diseases still remain unsolved. At the same time, biotechnology is experiencing a gold rush of sorts, with the pace of innovation accelerating meaningfully in recent years. Just as prospectors during the gold rush benefitted from massive technological improvements in everything from mining to transportation to housing, scientists working at the forefront of biotechnology need better tooling to enable them to get to the point of drug discovery and translation faster.
Our mission at Messenger Bio is to deliver that tooling. We build differentiated, high-value product platforms that make it easier for scientists to do their best work. We also aim to leverage those same platforms for our own internal therapeutic discovery efforts. We combine deep biological and materials science expertise, and currently offer high-quality custom mRNA and proprietary mRNA purification kits among our suite of products. We have delivered our products to 80+ institutional customers (and counting) in 20 countries, and we are just getting started.
About the position
Broadly, you will work with us to build out our internal mRNA engineering platform and pipeline, as well as collaborate to improve our lipid nanoparticle delivery systems and related capabilities. Some of your responsibilities will include:
- Design, formulate, and optimise novel LNP compositions for efficient mRNA delivery.
- Characterise LNP physical and chemical attributes (size, PDI, encapsulation efficiency, lipid content, stability).
- Evaluate and improve mRNA expression levels and biodistribution in relevant in vitro and in vivo models.
- Optimise formulation parameters to enhance potency, specificity, and tissue targeting.
- Develop and refine analytical and functional assays to support formulation iteration.
- Collaborate with molecular biology, analytical, and in vivo teams to translate optimised LNPs into downstream studies.
- Maintain detailed experimental records, generate technical reports, and contribute to SOPs.
- Troubleshoot formulation and delivery challenges and drive continuous process improvement.
- Taking charge of our internal mRNA project pipeline (defining disease targets, designing project plans, producing mRNA candidates, running validation assays)
What you bring
- Integrity, initiative and teamwork
- PhD or Master’s Degree in chemical engineering, biochemistry, molecular biology, or a related field, AND
- 3+ years of hands-on experience with mRNA formulation and characterisation for nucleic acid delivery.
- Experience assessing mRNA expression and/or biodistribution (cell-based assays and in vivo models).
- Familiarity with standard and non-standard LNP formulations and subsequent effects in biodistribution.
- Strong experimental design, data analysis, and troubleshooting skills.
- Ability to work independently in a fast-paced R&D environment and communicate results clearly across teams.
- Must be able to work full-time in Australia
Nice to have:
- Experience optimising LNP composition for improved potency, stability, or tissue tropism.
- Background in mRNA sequence engineering or understanding of how mRNA quality attributes affect LNP performance and expression.
- Experience with in vivo biodistribution or PK/PD studies of LNP-formulated nucleic acids.
- Familiarity with statistical analysis or data visualisation tools.
- Prior work in a therapeutic mRNA or gene-delivery setting (industry or translational academic lab).
Pay: $85,000.00 – $97,500.00 per year
Benefits:
- Maternity leave
- Parental leave
- Travel reimbursement
Work Location: In person
