Bioanalytical Scientist

  • Ionis Pharmaceuticals Inc.
  • Carlsbad, California
  • Full Time

Headquartered in Carlsbad, California, and with offices in Boston, Massachusetts, and Dublin, Ireland, Ionis has been at work for more than three decades discovering medical breakthroughs that have redefined life for people with serious diseases. We're pioneers in RNA-targeted medicines, and our platform continues to revolutionize drug discovery and transform lives for patients with unmet needs. With multiple marketed medicines and a leading pipeline in neurology, cardiology and select areas of high patient needs, we continue to drive innovation in RNA therapies in addition to advancing new approaches in gene editing to provide greater value to patients and are well positioned financially to deliver on our strategic goals.

At Ionis, we pride ourselves on cultivating a challenging, motivating and rewarding environment that fosters innovation and scientific excellence. We know that our success is a direct result of the exceptional talents and dedication of our employees.

With an unprecedented opportunity to change the course of human health, we look to add diverse individuals, skill sets and perspectives to our exceptional team. We continue to invest time, money and energy into making our onsite, hybrid and remote work environments a place where solid and lasting relationships are built and where our culture and employees can thrive.

We're building on our rich history, and we believe our greatest achievements are ahead of us. If you're passionate about the opportunity to have meaningful impact on patients in need, we invite you to apply and join us. Experience and contribute to our unique culture while you develop and expand your career!

BIOANALYTICAL SCIENTIST

SUMMARY:

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Bioanalytical Scientist with senior expertise in method development for ligand binding assays (LBAs). This role involves designing, developing new bioanalytical assays, optimization and testing LBA-based assays for RNA therapeutics and related novel modalities to support non-regulated pharmacokinetic (PK), toxicokinetic (TK), and ADA with minimal guidance. The ideal candidate will possess strong technical proficiency, independent problem-solving skills, and a collaborative mindset. This position is onsite and lab-based, involves approximately 90% laboratory work and 10% office-based tasks. The candidate must be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment that requires attention to detail and adaptability and change of priorities.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Method Development:

  • Design and develop new assays from scratch.

  • Optimize ligand binding assays (e.g. MSD, ELISA) with a focus on sensitivity, specificity, linearity, reproducibility and robustness.

  • Independently troubleshoot assay performance issues and implement improvements.

  • Write a detailed protocol of the methods developed to use in sample analysis.

  • Data Analysis & Reporting:

  • Document the experimental design and execution in ELN

  • Analyze experimental data using appropriate statistical tools.

  • Prepare PowerPoint presentation and summarize results in technical reports, when needed.

  • Present findings to internal teams and external stakeholders.

  • Collaboration & Training:

  • Work closely with cross-functional teams, including pharmacology and medicinal chemistry.

  • Provide procedural training and mentorship to junior scientists.

  • Support colleagues on sample analysis as the need arises.

REQUIREMENTS:

  • Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Biology, Analytical Chemistry, or a related field with at least 1-3 years of experience as a post-doctoral fellowship or scientist in biotech/pharma.
  • Proficiency in troubleshooting and optimizing bioanalytical methods.
  • Advanced knowledge and hands-on experience of ligand binding assay formats (e.g., ELISA, Solid).
  • Previous experience developing bioanalytical assays (e.g. ELISA, MSD) for quantification of antisense oligonucleotides or siRNA is a plus
  • Experience with bioanalytical instruments such as LC/MS is a plus
  • Familiarity with bioanalytical method validation guidance (e.g. FDA,EMA, ICH M10)
  • Experience with lab automation technologies.
  • Strong technical writing skills for documentation and reporting.
  • Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Effective communication skills for presentations and team collaboration.

Please visit our website, for more information about Ionis and to apply for this position; reference requisition # IONIS003806

Ionis offers an excellent benefits package! Follow this link for more details: Ionis Benefits

Full Benefits Link:

The pay scale for this position is $101,092.00 to $132,678.00

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE. PRINCIPALS ONLY.

Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and all its subsidiaries are proud to be EEO employers.

Job ID: 487199682
Originally Posted on: 7/29/2025

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