Lead Bioconjugation Scientist - ADC Process Development

Abzena Inc.; Bristol (VA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Abzena Inc. seeks a highly experienced Principal Scientist to drive conjugation process development for bioconjugates, including ADCs and other linker-payload therapies.

You will lead robust, scalable processes from early development to commercial readiness and provide scientific leadership across chemistry, analytics, tech transfer, and regulatory documentation. You will collaborate with CMC, analytical, manufacturing, quality, and project teams to deliver high-quality products and support CGMP

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related field with 10+ years of industry experience; or M.S. with 12+ years in industry.
• Extensive experience in bioconjugation process development, particularly ADCs or related targeted therapeutics.
• Strong understanding of conjugation chemistries, linker-payload technologies, purification methods, and protein/conjugate characterization.
• Experience supporting CGMP manufacturing and technology transfer activities.
• Working knowledge of CMC development principles, regulatory expectations, and phase-appropriate development strategies.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and optimization of conjugation chemistry processes for bioconjugates, including ADCs and other linker-payload platforms.
• Design scalable and manufacturable conjugation strategies with a focus on process robustness, product quality, yield, and reproducibility.
• Develop and execute DOE campaigns, and scale-up strategies for clinical manufacturing.
• Serve as SME for conjugation chemistry, analytical characterization of conjugation processes, and process controls.
• Collaborate with analytical development teams to establish CQAs, in-process controls, and release specifications.
• Author and review technical reports, development summaries, batch records, SOPs, regulatory sections, and tech transfer documentation.
• Provide technical oversight during CGMP manufacturing campaigns as needed.
• Troubleshoot process deviations, investigations, and manufacturing challenges related to conjugation operations.
• Drive implementation of platform technologies and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance process efficiency.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to scientific strategy and leadership.

Skills

Bioconjugation

ADC technology

DOE design of experiments

CGMP manufacturing

Technology transfer

Regulatory documentation

Analytical characterization

Leadership

Education

Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences or related (10+ years)

M.S. with 12+ years in industry

Tools

HIC

SEC

LC-MS

CE-SDS

DAR characterization

Job description

Abzena Inc. seeks a highly experienced Principal Scientist to drive conjugation process development for bioconjugates, including ADCs and other linker-payload therapies.

You will lead robust, scalable processes from early development to commercial readiness and provide scientific leadership across chemistry, analytics, tech transfer, and regulatory documentation. You will collaborate with CMC, analytical, manufacturing, quality, and project teams to deliver high-quality products and support CGMP