Downstream Conjugation PD Scientist

Downstream Conjugation PD Scientist

Bristol, PAScientific - Bioconjugation /Full Time /On-Site

With extensive experience in developing biologics and bioconjugates, we offer a seamless service delivered by fully integrated teams, from early discovery to commercial manufacturing.

Forward-thinking and committed, we find the best solution and use the right technologies to design, develop and manufacture your products to ensure we get vital medicines to patients quickly and safely.

We are dedicated to quality excellence. We are driven to get better treatments to market, efficiently and responsibly by reducing timelines and delivering the highest quality products and services.

We are Abzena. More than a CDMO, we are a responsible and dedicated partner that takes care of your products from concept to patient.

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Downstream Conjugation Purification Process Development Scientist to join our Bioconjugation Process Development team. This role focuses on developing, optimizing, and scaling downstream purification processes for complex bioconjugates, such as antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), antibody-oligonucleotide conjugates (AOCs) and other targeted therapeutic conjugates. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in purification of biologics and conjugates, hands-on experience with conjugation processes, and a proven ability to transfer processes from bench to manufacturing scale.

Responsibilities

Design, develop, and optimize downstream purification processes for conjugated biomolecules, including antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), and other bioconjugates

Perform conjugation reactions (e.g., linker/drug attachment) and integrate purification workflows to achieve target product quality

Utilize chromatography (affinity, ion exchange, HIC, SEC, mixed-mode) and filtration (UF/DF, sterile filtration) techniques for product recovery and polishing.

Characterize and monitor product quality using analytical techniques (HPLC, CE-SDS, UV/Vis, LC-MS, SEC-MALS).

Conduct process development studies to improve yield, purity, and scalability while ensuring compliance with regulatory and quality standards.

Collaborate with analytical development, formulation, and manufacturing teams for seamless process transfer and scale-up.

Author technical reports, batch records, and development protocols, and present findings in cross-functional and client meetings.

Support technology transfer to cGMP manufacturing and provide on-site support as needed.

Maintain awareness of emerging technologies, regulatory expectations, and industry best practices for conjugation and purification.

Required Qualifications

Ph.D. or M.S. in Chemistry, Bioconjugation, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, or related field with 3+ years (Ph.D.) or 5+ years (M.S.) relevant industry experience in downstream bioprocess development.

Hands-on experience with conjugation chemistries (e.g., maleimide-thiol, click chemistry, enzymatic conjugation) and purification of conjugates.

Strong working knowledge of protein purification techniques and process analytics.

Proven track record of process optimization and tech transfer.

Excellent problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

Strong communication skills (verbal, written, and presentation).

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with ADC process development and characterization from early-stage to late-stage clinical.

Familiarity and experience with DoE (Design of Experiments) for process optimization.

Experience in GMP manufacturing support.

Knowledge of regulatory guidelines (ICH, FDA, EMA) for biologics and conjugates.

FLSA:Exempt

Abzena is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, and training.