Scientist, Bioanalytical – Drug Antibody Conjugates (DACs)

Initial Therapeutics, Inc.; Brisbane (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Nurix Therapeutics is seeking a Scientist to lead bioanalytical strategies supporting the discovery and development of next-generation degrader antibody conjugates (DACs). This role focuses on LC-MS/MS and hybrid assay strategies for quantitative and qualitative analysis across in vitro and in vivo studies to understand DAC pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and biotransformation.

The successful candidate will operate at the interface of small and large molecule bioanalysis, contributing to

Responsibilities

• Lead development, qualification, and execution of bioanalytical methods for DAC modalities in complex matrices.
• Design and implement LC-MS/MS workflows for quantitation of small molecule payloads and catabolites.
• Apply high-resolution MS for DAC characterization and metabolite ID.
• Develop hybrid LBA–LC-MS/MS strategies to address conjugate quantitation.
• Design and interpret in vitro studies including stability and degradation assays.
• Lead in vivo bioanalytical support including PK and tissue distribution.

Job description

Nurix Therapeutics is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development, and commercialization of targeted protein degradation medicines, the next frontier in innovative drug design aimed at improving treatment options for patients with cancer and inflammatory diseases. Powered by a fully AI-integrated discovery engine capable of tackling any protein class, and coupled with unparalleled ligase expertise, Nurix’s dedicated team has built a formidable advantage in translating the science of targeted protein degradation into clinical advancements. Nurix aims to establish degrader-based treatments at the forefront of patient care, writing medicine’s next chapter with a new script to outmatch disease.

Position

Nurix Therapeutics is seeking a Scientist to lead bioanalytical strategies supporting the discovery and development of next-generation degrader antibody conjugates (DACs). This role will focus on LC-MS/MS and hybrid assay strategies for quantitative and qualitative analysis of complex bioconjugates across in vitro and in vivo studies to understand DAC pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and biotransformation.

The successful candidate will operate at the interface of small and large molecule bioanalysis, and will contribute to assay development, method qualification, and execution, applying advanced LC-MS/MS and hybrid approaches to support in vitro and in vivo studies across discovery and early development.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development, qualification, and execution of bioanalytical methods for DAC modalities, including intact conjugates, total antibody, conjugated payload, and released degrader species in complex biological matrices.
• Design and implement LC-MS/MS-based workflows using Sciex platforms for sensitive and selective quantitation of small molecule payloads, linker-derived species, and catabolites
• Apply high-resolution mass spectrometry platforms for DAC characterization and metabolite identification
• Develop hybrid LBA–LC-MS/MS strategies to address challenges in conjugate quantitation and differentiation of molecular species.
• Design, execute and interpret in vitro studies, including plasma and lysosomal stability, linker cleavage kinetics, protease-mediated processing, and degradation assays.
• Lead bioanalytical support for in vivo studies, including PK, tissue distribution, and tumor exposure in preclinical species integrating DAC components to inform exposure-response relationships.
• Characterize biotransformation pathways of DACs, including identification of linker cleavage products, payload metabolites, and antibody modifications.
• Partner closely with DMPK, Proteomics, Pharmacology and Chemistry teams to inform molecular design through data-driven insights on stability, exposure, and degradation efficiency.
• Author and review technical reports, regulatory documentation, and study summaries with a high level of scientific rigor and clarity.
• Troubleshoot analytical challenges related to matrix effects, low-level quantitation, and conjugate heterogeneity.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to building bioanalytical capabilities and best practices within the organization.
• Evaluate and implement emerging technologies to advance characterization of targeted protein degrader modalities.
• Lead the identification, selection, and oversight of contract research organizations (CROs) for bioanalytical method development, assay transfer, and phase‑appropriate qualification.

Preferred Qualifications & Experience

• Experience in targeted protein degradation or heterobifunctional degrader platforms.
• Experience with hybrid LBA–LC-MS/MS assays and ligand-binding assays (ELISA, MSD).
• Understanding of linker chemistry, conjugation strategies, and degradation mechanisms for bioconjugates.
• Exposure to regulatory bioanalytical guidance (FDA, EMA) for large molecules and conjugates.

Requirements

• Ph.D. with 5+ years or M.S. with 8+ years of relevant industry experience in Bioanalysis, Analytical chemistry, or related field.
• Deep expertise in LC-MS/MS bioanalysis, including method development, qualification/validation, and troubleshooting for complex modalities.
• Proven experience with Sciex platforms (e.g., 7600 ZenoTOF, 6500+, 7500) and high-resolution MS.
• Strong background in ADCs, DACs, or related bioconjugates, including characterization and payload quantitation.
• Experience supporting both in vitro ADME and in vivo PK studies, with demonstrated ability to interpret integrated datasets.
• Proficiency in sample preparation techniques for large molecules and bioconjugates (e.g., immunocapture, enzymatic digestion, hybrid workflows).
• Strong data analysis, visualization, and reporting skills (e.g., vendor software, GraphPad Prism).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience in technical documentation.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment and manage multiple priorities.

Fit with Nurix Culture and Values

• Strong team orientation; highly collaborative
• Solutions and results‑oriented focus
• Hands‑on approach; resourceful and open to diverse points of view

Application Process

Nurix is an Equal Opportunity Employer offering a competitive salary and benefits package. Applicants should be legally entitled to work for any employer in the US.