Senior Research Scientist - Advanced Drug Delivery and Formulation Science

RTI International is an independent, scientific research institute dedicated to improving the human condition. Our vision is to address the world's most critical problems with technical and science-based solutions in pursuit of a better future. Clients rely on us to answer questions that demand an objective and multidisciplinary approach-one that integrates expertise across social, statistical, data, and laboratory sciences, engineering, and other technical disciplines to solve the world's most challenging problems.

We believe in the promise of science and technical solutions, and we push ourselves every day to deliver on that promise for the good of people, communities, and businesses in the US and around the world. If you are looking for the opportunity to make a real difference, RTI is the place for you.

The Biomedical Technologies Team is a multidisciplinary research team focused on the design and development of polymer-based systems for health-related applications, with an emphasis on translation toward early-stage products. The team works across a range of drug delivery technologies, including topical formulations, particulate-based delivery systems, and implantable platforms for various medical uses. In addition, the team is engaged in research addressing emerging concerns related to human exposure to micro- and nanoplastics, developing well-characterized model systems to support studies of oral and inhalation exposure. The team operates in a highly collaborative environment, working across internal teams and with external partners to integrate interdisciplinary expertise and advance research and development efforts.

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior Research Scientist to serve as an independent technical leader in the development of innovative drug delivery platforms. The successful candidate will be responsible for generating novel scientific concepts, leading proposal development, and advancing innovative formulation and controlled-release technologies from initial concept through experimental validation. This role requires expertise in formulation design, polymeric drug delivery systems, and release mechanisms, along with a proven ability to originate ideas, secure funding, and drive research programs forward. The Senior Research Scientist will work collaboratively within highly multidisciplinary teams encompassing chemistry, biology, pharmacology, analytical sciences, and process development.

• Serve as an independent technical leader in the design and development of drug delivery platforms
• Generate novel scientific concepts and research directions aligned with organizational priorities
• Lead the preparation of research proposals, white papers, and technical plans for internal and external funding opportunities
• Design and execute experimental programs to advance formulation and controlled-release technologies from concept through proof-of-concept validation
• Develop and optimize polymeric drug delivery systems, including formulation design and control of release mechanisms
• Interpret and integrate data from formulation, analytical, and biological studies to guide program decisions
• Drive research programs forward by establishing milestones, managing technical risks, and adapting strategies based on experimental outcomes
• Collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams
• Communicate scientific results through technical reports, presentations, and publications
• Contribute to intellectual property development through invention disclosures and patent-related activities
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior scientists and research staff

• PhD in Biomedical Engineering, Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Materials Science, or related field
• At least 5 years of post-PhD industry or applied research experience in formulation design and polymer-based drug delivery systems
• Strong understanding of controlled-release mechanisms and delivery system performance evaluation
• Proven ability to independently generate scientific ideas and translate them into funded research or development programs
• Experience preparing successful research proposals and grant applications to secure funding
• Ability to design, execute, and interpret complex experimental studies with minimal supervision
• Experience working effectively within multidisciplinary teams across chemistry, biology, pharmacology, analytical sciences, and process development
• Strong scientific writing and verbal communication skills
• Track record of technical publications, presentations, patents, or other scholarly or applied research outputs
• Ability to mentor junior scientists and contribute to a collaborative research environment

For San Francisco, CA USA Job Postings Only: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Further information is available here.

RTI accepts applications to our job openings from candidates with criminal histories or conviction records in accordance with all applicable laws, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.

For Applicants in Massachusetts Only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

The anticipated pay range for this role is listed below. Our pay ranges represent national averages and may vary by location as a geographic differential may be applied to some locations within the United States. RTI considers multiple factors when making an offer including, for example: established salary range, internal budget, business needs, and education and years of work experience possessed by the applicant. Further, salary is merely one element to our offer.

At RTI, we demonstrate our commitment to rewarding individual and team achievement through a total rewards package. This package includes (among other things) a competitive base salary, a generous paid time off policy, merit based annual increases, bonus opportunities and a robust recognition program. Other benefits include a competitive range of insurance plans (including health, dental, life, and short-term and long-term disability), access to a retirement savings program such as a 401(k) plan, paid parental leave for all parents, financial assistance with adoption expenses or infertility treatments, financial reimbursement for education and developmental opportunities, an employee assistance program, and numerous other offerings to support a healthy work-life balance.