Scientist – Bioconjugation: Emerging Proximity Biology, Induced Proximity Platform

Planet Pharma Group; Thousand Oaks (CA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Planet Pharma is seeking a scientist to join our Thousand Oaks facility to advance antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). The role sits at the interface of bioconjugation chemistry, synthetic chemistry, and chemical biology to support next-generation payloads and linker technologies.

The position involves designing, generating, purifying, and characterizing ADCs, employing diverse conjugation strategies, and collaborating with chemistry, biology, and protein engineering teams to drive discovery and

Qualifications

• Requires doctorate in chemistry/biochemistry or related field, or master's with relevant experience, or bachelor's with experience.
• Experience with ADC generation, conjugation, and analytical characterization preferred.
• Strong ability to troubleshoot experiments and document results clearly.

Responsibilities

• Design, purify, and characterize antibody-drug conjugates with diverse linker chemistries.
• Apply site-specific and conventional conjugation strategies to support discovery programs.
• Perform DAR, purity, aggregation, and heterogeneity analyses of ADCs.

Skills

ADC generation

Analytical troubleshooting

Multidisciplinary collaboration

Education

PhD in chemistry/biochemistry

MS with 1-2 years lab exp

BS with 2-3 years lab exp

Tools

HIC

SEC

HPLC

Mass spectrometry

Job description

Target PR Range: 28-38/hr DOE

The Emerging Proximity Biology group within the Induced Proximity Platform at is seeking a highly motivated scientist to join our state-of-the-art research facility at the headquarters campus in Thousand Oaks, CA. The qualified candidate will work at the interface of bioconjugation chemistry, synthetic chemistry, and chemical biology to support the discovery and development of next-generation antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) incorporating novel therapeutic payloads and linker technologies.
Responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

• Design, generate, purify, and characterize antibody-drug conjugates incorporating diverse linker-payload chemistries and novel payloads.
• Utilize varying antibody conjugation strategies, including site‑specific and conventional conjugation approaches, to support discovery programs.
• Perform analytical characterization of antibody conjugates, including determination of drug‑to‑antibody ratio (DAR), assessment of conjugate purity and aggregation, and evaluation of compound heterogeneity.
• Contribute to the design and evaluation of novel linker‑payload constructs, including selection of conjugation chemistries, assessment of synthetic feasibility, and collaboration with chemistry teams to support linker‑payload development.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across chemistry, protein engineering, and biology to advance novel antibody‑based therapeutic modalities.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data, troubleshoot technical challenges, and communicate results through clear documentation, reports, and project updates.

Here’s what it takes to Win

We are all different, yet we all use our unique contributions to serve patients. The dedicated individual we seek is a scientist with these qualifications.

Basic Qualifications

• Doctorate degree in chemistry, chemical biology, biochemistry, or a related scientific discipline OR
• Master’s degree and 1‑2 years of relevant laboratory experience OR
• Bachelor’s degree and 2‑3 years of relevant laboratory experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands‑on experience with antibody‑drug conjugate (ADC) generation, including antibody conjugation, purification, and analytical characterization.
• Experience with analytical techniques relevant to ADC characterization, including hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC), size‑exclusion chromatography (SEC), HPLC, and mass spectrometry.
• Familiarity with ADC quality attributes, including drug‑to‑antibody ratio (DAR), conjugate purity, aggregation, and heterogeneity.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to independently troubleshoot experiments, interpret data, and maintain accurate experimental documentation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary research teams.

Nice‑to‑Haves

• Working knowledge of synthetic organic chemistry, including common chemical transformations, functional group compatibility, and linker design principles.
• Experience with the design, synthesis, or characterization of novel linker‑payload constructs.
• Understanding of ADC biology, including antibody internalization, intracellular payload release, and mechanisms of therapeutic activity.
• Familiarity with emerging therapeutic modalities and their applications in precision oncology and drug discovery.

Our culture is what makes a special place to work. We have a powerful shared purpose around our mission-to serve patients. We respect one another, recognize contributions, and have embedded collaboration, trust, empowerment, and inclusion in all that we do.