Scientist II, Bioconjugation

Abzena PLC; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking company as a Bioconjugation Scientist in a dynamic lab environment. This role offers the opportunity to work on innovative projects in biotherapeutics, collaborating with a diverse range of clients. You will utilize your expertise in bioconjugation and analytical techniques to contribute to the development of life-changing therapies. With a focus on both independent and team-based work, you will play a key role in experimental design, data analysis, and communication of results. Embrace the chance to grow your career in a supportive atmosphere that values creativity and initiative.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Benefits package

Collaborative work environment

Career development opportunities

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in bioconjugation and analytical techniques.
• Strong laboratory skills with a focus on small molecule conjugation.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct experiments independently and with supervision.
• Interpret analytical results and document findings accurately.

Skills

Bioconjugation

Analytical Techniques

Laboratory Skills

Problem Solving

Communication Skills

Education

BSc in Chemistry/Protein Biochemistry

MSc in Chemistry/Protein Biochemistry

Tools

ÄKTA

Chromeleon

MassLynx

Dotmatics

ChemDraw

Job description

We have a vacancy for a Bioconjugation Scientist to join our Bioconjugation Chemistry team in Cambridge (UK). In this lab-based role you will be working as part of a team on client-facing, often short-term projects from the outset, in a fast-paced and supportive environment.

Abzena provides the most complete set of solutions in integrated early discovery to mid-phase biotherapeutic and ADC drug development services in the pharmaceutical industry. Working with a varied range of customers from academic groups, small biotech and big pharma and on a diverse range of drug types from antibodies, fusion proteins and bioconjugates, Abzena supports the development and manufacture of better treatments for patients. As a testimony of its outstanding expertise and quality of its services in biologics and bioconjugates early development, Abzena won the One Nucleus Award, Best R&D Service Provider Performance of the Year 2024.

The Bioconjugation Group in Abzena Cambridge (UK) provides conjugation solutions to support partner antibody drug conjugate (ADC), antibody oligonucleotide conjugate (AOC) and other bioconjugate development programs. Using established conjugation chemistries and our next-generation conjugation platform ThioBridge with access to a wide range of payloads, we design, synthesise and produce ADCs from mg to g scale to support their evaluation by our Bioassay and Analytics groups for lead candidate selection.

Ideally, you will have a BSc or MSc in Chemistry/Protein Biochemistry or a related science discipline with strong laboratory skills and at least 2-year experience in an industrial environment. Relevant skills required include an in-depth understanding of, and practical research experience with bioconjugation of small molecules (e.g. cytotoxic drugs, oligonucleotides, fluorescent labels) to antibodies and proteins using a range of linker chemistries, purification using automated systems (ÄKTA) and membrane ultrafiltration (TFF), and analytical characterisation techniques such as column chromatography (HIC, SEC, IEX), UV-Vis spectrophotometry, microfluidics (CE-SDS, icIEF) and LC-MS. Experience with process development and preparation of bioconjugates at g scale would be desirable. As a confident IT user, you will be familiar with MS Office, and specialist software including Chromeleon, Unify, MassLynx, Dotmatics and ChemDraw. You will have an understanding of the ADC field including the drug development process.

You will be able to work both independently and as part of a team, have good planning and organising skills. In addition, you will have a high level of attention to detail and be able to identify and analyse and resolve routine problems. You will demonstrate an ability to communicate clearly both orally and in writing, keeping team and management informed. You will contribute to the group development effort undertaking research.

In return, we can offer you a competitive salary and benefits package and a collaborative, varied and challenging environment where you will be encouraged to step outside your comfort zone and develop your career.

Job Description

• To independently design and carry out routine and complex experiments as necessary
• To perform complex/novel techniques with supervision
• Perform routine interpretation of analytical results
• Keep accurate records and document experimental results in electronic lab notebooks
• To manage own work schedule to ensure tasks are met within the expected timeframe
• To analyse and interpret own data, and be responsible for the quality of own work
• Keep line manager and Group Head informed of work progress in a timely fashion
• To prepare data for and to contribute to the drafting of reports
• Prepare presentations and present results at internal meetings and client meetings
• To draft and contribute to Quality and Controlled documents
• Demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Proactive independent attitude with a positive nature
• A good team player with flexibility and willingness to adapt to change
• To undertake any other duties relevant to the position and level

£31,000 - £36,000 a year

UK EEO:Abzena is committed to promoting equal opportunities in employment. All our employees and any job applicants will receive equal treatment regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation (“Protected Characteristics”).