Coupling Scientist (f/m/x)

Macroarray Diagnostics; Wien; On-site; EUR 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Public transport pass

Pluxee vouchers

Ownership from day one

Diversity & inclusion

Sustainable workplace

Job summary

MacroArray Diagnostics GmbH in Vienna is seeking a Coupling Scientist to optimize our protein coupling and conjugation methods for allergen immobilization on microspheres used in immunoassays. You will drive method development and process improvements and collaborate with Engineering and Production to transfer successful protocols.

The ideal candidate holds a BSc or MSc in chemistry with hands-on protein chemistry experience and strong documentation skills.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience in protein chemistry and conjugation.
• Experience with immobilization techniques and suspension beads is a plus.
• Strong documentation practices and data-driven problem-solving.

Responsibilities

• Develop, evaluate, and optimize protein coupling and conjugation methods for allergen immobilization onto microspheres.
• Improve existing coupling methods focusing on efficiency, reproducibility, and stability.
• Troubleshoot coupling-related issues and implement corrective actions and process improvements.
• Document R&D activities and maintain quality management documentation.

Skills

Protein chemistry

Conjugation techniques

Process optimization

Scale-up

Documentation

Education

BSc or MSc in chemistry

Job description

We have revolutionized allergy diagnostics and have been operating successfully in 115 countries and counting for over 10 years with our diagnostic products and patented technologies. Our products help clarifying allergies in a single step – for humans and animals alike. Allergies are diagnosed in a highly specific manner so that patients receive help by their specialist in no time. We increase quality of life, enable personalized treatment, advance research and relieve our health system.

For our Conjugation team, we are looking for an Coupling Scientist who will optimise our coupling methods.

What We Offer

• A full-time position with real ownership from day one
• An annual pass for Vienna's public transport, plus Pluxee vouchers
• A team that cares as much about veterinary patients as human ones
• A culture where questions, ideas, and pushback are genuinely welcome
• A workplace shaped by sustainability, equity, diversity, inclusion, and mutual respect

What You'll Do

• Develop, evaluate, and optimize protein coupling and conjugation methods for the immobilization of allergens, antibodies, and other proteins onto microspheres (e.g. polymer or nanobeads) for immunoassay applications.
• Continuously improve existing coupling methods and processes with a focus on efficiency, reproducibility, stability, robustness, and overall assay performance and evaluate and optimize existing protein couplings to enhance product quality, consistency, and long-term stability.
• Troubleshoot coupling-related issues, identify root causes of performance variability, and proactively implement corrective actions and process improvements.
• Develop and standardize coupling protocols, ensuring reliable and reproducible results across different proteins, batches, and production conditions.
• Prepare coupling methods and processes for transfer to Engineering and Production, including process characterization, identification of critical process parameters, optimization of workflows, and preparation of technical documentation.
• Collaborate closely with Engineering and Production teams to support successful method transfer, process scale-up, and implementation of new or improved coupling procedures.
• Document all R&D activities, experimental results, and process improvements in compliance with Good Documentation Practices (GDP) and applicable quality management requirements and initiate and implement changes to existing methods, protocols, and documentation to support continuous improvement and compliance with quality requirements.
• Prepare, review, and maintain department-specific quality management (QM) documentation, including coupling protocols, SOPs, and technical workflows.
• Initiate and implement changes to existing methods, protocols, and documentation to support continuous improvement and compliance with quality requirements.

What You Bring

• BSc or MSc in chemistry
• Hands-on experience in protein chemistry, protein conjugation, immobilization techniques, or surface functionalization as well as process optimization, scale-up, or method transfer to production is an advantage
• Good understanding of protein properties, chemical reactions and factors influencing coupling efficiency, stability and reproducibility
• Experience in the development, optimization, and troubleshotting of laboratory methods and processes
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a structured and data-driven approach to identify root causes and implementing improvements
• Accurate and reliable documentation skills, with an understanding of Good Documentation Practices (GDP).
• Independent, proactive, and solution-oriented working style, with a strong focus on continuous improvement.
• Good communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary teams, including R&D, Engineering, and Production
• Very good English skills; German skills are an advantage

Compensation

For this position, we offer a market-competitive minimum annual gross salary of EUR 47.220 based on full-time employment, which is above the applicable collective agreement minimum salary. Final compensation will be determined based on qualifications and experience.