Senior Conjugation Scientist

Ultimate Staffing; Fenton (MO); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Ultimate Staffing is seeking a Senior Conjugation Scientist for a life sciences client in St. Louis, MO, onsite.

You will drive development and scaling of bioconjugation processes for fluorescent, enzymatic, and specialty-labeled proteins to support research, diagnostic, and commercial applications worldwide. Lead design of conjugation protocols, transfer from R&D to manufacturing, and cross-functional collaboration with analytical, purification, quality, and production teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's, Master's or PhD in chemistry, Biochemistry, Organic Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline
• Experience in protein chemistry, antibody conjugation, bioconjugation, or protein labeling
• Hands-on experience with protein purification techniques such as:
• FPLC
• HPLC
• SEC
• Dialysis
• Related purification methodologies
• Experience characterizing protein conjugates and analyzing process performance
• Strong problem-solving, troubleshooting, and analytical skills
• Ability to work independently while collaborating across multiple teams

Responsibilities

• Designing and optimizing chemical conjugation processes for antibodies, proteins, and peptides
• Developing robust protocols for fluorophore, enzyme, and specialty-label attachment
• Leading process transfer activities from R&D into manufacturing
• Optimizing reaction conditions, labeling efficiency, yield, stability, and overall process performance
• Troubleshooting technical challenges and implementing process improvements
• Overseeing lab-scale through production-scale conjugation and purification activities
• Collaborating with analytical, cell culture, purification, quality, and production teams
• Managing project timelines and serving as a technical lead for new product initiatives
• Supporting validation activities, process documentation, and compliance with quality systems
• Presenting project updates and technical findings to leadership

Skills

Protein chemistry

Bioconjugation

Antibody conjugation

Analytical skills

Troubleshooting

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's/Master's/PhD in chemistry/biochemistry/organic chemistry

Tools

FPLC

HPLC

SEC

Dialysis

Job description

Are you ready to drive Innovation in Antibody Conjugation & Bioprocess Development?

We have a great opportunity for you!

• St Louis MO (Onsite)
• Direct Hire | Full-Time Salary: $85,000 - $125,000+ (based on experience and expertise)
• Innovative Life Sciences Environment

Our Life Sciences client is seeking a highly skilled Senior Conjugation Scientist to join a growing New Product Development & Operations team. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced scientist to play a key role in developing and scaling cutting-edge bioconjugation processes that support research, diagnostic, and commercial applications worldwide. Mammalian culture experience required.

If you're passionate about protein chemistry, antibody labeling, process optimization, and translating scientific innovation into scalable production processes, we want to hear from you.

What You'll Do

As a Senior Conjugation Scientist, you'll serve as a technical leader responsible for developing, optimizing, and scaling bioconjugation processes for fluorescent, enzymatic, and specialty-labeled proteins.

Key responsibilities include:

• Designing and optimizing chemical conjugation processes for antibodies, proteins, and peptides
• Developing robust protocols for fluorophore, enzyme, and specialty-label attachment
• Leading process transfer activities from R&D into manufacturing
• Optimizing reaction conditions, labeling efficiency, yield, stability, and overall process performance
• Troubleshooting technical challenges and implementing process improvements
• Overseeing lab-scale through production-scale conjugation and purification activities
• Collaborating with analytical, cell culture, purification, quality, and production teams
• Managing project timelines and serving as a technical lead for new product initiatives
• Supporting validation activities, process documentation, and compliance with quality systems
• Presenting project updates and technical findings to leadership

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's, Master's or PHD degree in chemistry, Biochemistry, Organic Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline
• Experience in protein chemistry, antibody conjugation, bioconjugation, or protein labeling
• Hands-on experience with protein purification techniques such as:
• FPLC
• HPLC
• SEC
• Dialysis
• Related purification methodologies
• Experience characterizing protein conjugates and analyzing process performance
• Strong problem-solving, troubleshooting, and analytical skills
• Ability to work independently while collaborating across multiple teams

Preferred Experience

• Antibody labeling and fluorescent conjugation expertise
• Process scale-up and technology transfer experience
• Knowledge of chromatography-based purification processes
• Experience supporting regulated environments, SOPs, and quality systems
• Project leadership and mentoring experience

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, or military or veteran status. We consider all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local laws, including the California Fair Chance Act, City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, and San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.