Client-Facing Bioconjugation Development Director

AL Solutions; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Bioconjugation Development Unit, a leading biologics CDMO in Philadelphia, is seeking a Director of Bioconjugation to lead discovery and development activities across conjugation, purification, analytical characterization, scale-up, and GMP transfer.

You will mentor scientists, manage projects, and partner with Manufacturing, QA/QC, and Commercial teams to deliver innovative biotherapeutics. This is a senior leadership role focused on strategic execution and client collaboration.

Qualifications

• PhD with 5+ years (or BS/MS with 8+ years) in biotherapeutic development or bioconjugation.
• Strong knowledge of bioconjugation reactions and development strategies.
• Hands-on purification of biological molecules (antibodies, carrier proteins, viruses, vectors).
• Experience with normal flow filtration and tangential flow filtration (TFF/UF-DF).
• Familiarity with preparative chromatography systems (ÄKTA Pilot/Ready/Explorer).
• Understanding of cGMP, GxP, and FDA guidelines.
• Proven leadership and direct client communication experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead bioconjugation development programs from project assignment through completion.
• Oversee conjugation process development, downstream purification, scale-up, and resource planning.
• Perform and guide chromatographic purification using affinity, hydrophobic interaction, and ion-exchange chromatography.
• Develop and optimize filtration processes, including NFF and TFF/UF-DF.
• Lead bioconjugation analytics using HPLC/LC-MS and related methods.
• Act as SME for internal teams and external clients; mentor staff.
• Lead tech transfer of bioconjugation processes into GMP manufacturing.
• Support risk assessments, batch records, and troubleshooting.
• Collaborate with Commercial teams on client scoping, proposals, and costings.
• Prepare and review development reports, SOPs, and technical presentations.

Skills

Bioconjugation expertise

Chromatography

Process development

Analytical characterization

Leadership/people management

GxP knowledge

Education

PhD in relevant field

BS/MS with 8+ years in biotherapeutic development

Tools

ÄKTA systems

HPLC/UPLC

LC-MS

Job description

Bioconjugation Development Unit, a leading biologics CDMO in Philadelphia, is seeking a Director of Bioconjugation to lead discovery and development activities across conjugation, purification, analytical characterization, scale-up, and GMP transfer.

You will mentor scientists, manage projects, and partner with Manufacturing, QA/QC, and Commercial teams to deliver innovative biotherapeutics. This is a senior leadership role focused on strategic execution and client collaboration.