Position Overview: Bioconjugation (Title TBD based on experience for Discovery Sciences Division - SCI 305)

The Bioconjugation candidate will support the design, execution, and analysis of bioconjugation workflows across a range of client and internal R&D projects. Working closely with the technical lead, project management, and cross-functional teams, this individual will help deliver high-quality bioconjugates while continuously building their expertise in conjugation chemistry, analytics, and study design.

This is a hands-on, fast-moving role. Day-to-day work requires the ability to think independently about project variables, design experiments with a purpose, communicate findings rapidly and clearly, and adapt quickly. The person who thrives here is energized by scientific problem-solving, comfortable with ambiguity and iteration, and holds themselves accountable for both execution quality and team velocity.

We're looking for candidates who bring direct bioconjugation experience OR a strong foundation in chemistry and biology with the scientific instincts and adaptability to acquire bioconjugation expertise quickly and independently.

What You'll Do

Technical Execution:

• Execute bioconjugation reactions and purification workflows (e.g., desalting, TFF, SEC) across diverse antibody formats, linker chemistries, and payload classes.

• Perform conjugate characterization using relevant analytical methods (e.g., SEC, HIC, UV-Vis, mass spectrometry) and interpret results with attention to project-specific context.

• Design and run pilot experiments to establish bookend conditions, de-risk approaches, and build technical confidence before committing material to full-scale runs.

• Apply working knowledge of buffer selection, pH effects, and storage conditions on conjugate stability; flag formulation-related risks and support stability assessment of conjugate preparations.

• Troubleshoot unexpected outcomes through scientific and data reasoning, then proactively communicate findings and a path forward.

• Maintain accurate experimental records and contribute to SOPs, study summaries, and client deliverables.

Scientific Judgment & Problem-Solving:

• Approach discovery-stage projects with appropriate scientific curiosity: ask why the result was observed, not just whether it matched the target.

• Bring a rationale to experimental design decisions - anticipate key uncertainties and propose studies that resolve them efficiently.

• When data is unexpected or a conjugation fails, transition quickly into root-cause thinking; present a clear hypothesis and proposed next steps rather than waiting for direction.

• Stay current with advances in bioconjugation chemistry through literature review and apply new learnings to ongoing projects.

Communication & Collaboration:

• Communicate progress, data, and experimental rationale clearly and rapidly to the technical lead, project manager, and internal teams - we move fast and need information to flow efficiently.

• Surface issues, blockers, or uncertainties proactively.

• Contribute to team meetings and internal knowledge-sharing; help build the collective expertise of the Bioconjugation group and the broader Discovery Sciences division.

• As experience develops, participate in client-facing technical updates and data review meetings.

Laboratory Operations:

• Maintain lab organization, reagent inventory, and equipment compliance in accordance with iQ's standards.

• Use internal systems (LIMS, Zoho) to track study progress, materials, and documentation.

• Follow established safety protocols and lab policies.

Who You Are

These are the behaviors and working styles we are specifically hiring for. Technical skills can be developed; these traits define whether someone succeeds in this environment.

• Scientifically proactive: You anticipate what information you'll need before you need it. You stage experiments to answer key questions, not just execute what's in front of you.

• Resilient under setbacks: Failed conjugations, unexpected DAR values, and ambiguous data are routine - not crises. You process disappointment quickly, form a hypothesis, and get back to work.

• Reasoning-first: You don't apply a base method because it's the default. You evaluate project variables, consider what's different about this substrate or payload, and propose an approach that reflects that thinking.

• Comfortable with ambiguity: Discovery-stage bioconjugation is exploratory. You don't need complete information to make a reasonable experimental decision, and you're not paralyzed by complexity or competing priorities.

• Fast and clear communicator: You close loops quickly. If something changes, fails, or needs input, you say so directly and promptly - in writing or in person.

• Accountable: You own your projects. You track your own timelines, flag risks early, and don't wait to be asked for updates.

• Energized by breadth: A portfolio spanning ADCs, antibody formats, and novel payloads is interesting to you, not overwhelming.

Requirements

Education & Experience:

• B.S. with 5+ years, M.S. with 3+ years, or Ph.D. (0-2 years) in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Biology, or a related discipline. Industry experience preferred.

• Direct bioconjugation or protein chemistry experience strongly preferred; candidates with strong synthetic or analytical chemistry backgrounds and demonstrated adaptability will also be considered.

Technical Skills:

• Hands-on experience with conjugation chemistry (e.g., maleimide, NHS ester, or equivalent) and/or protein modification workflows.

• Familiarity with both stochastic conjugation approaches (lysine- and cysteine-based) and an awareness of site-specific methodologies (e.g., engineered cysteines, enzymatic tags); understanding of how conjugation site and chemistry choice influence DAR distribution, homogeneity, and downstream behavior.

• Proficiency in protein handling fundamentals and characterization methods: antibody concentration measurement (A280, BCA/DC assay), working economically with limited or precious material, and awareness of protein stability risks during handling and storage.

• Familiarity with protein conjugate characterization methods: SEC, HIC, UV-Vis absorbance; mass spectrometry experience a plus.

• Competency in data analysis tools (e.g., GraphPad Prism)

• Strong record-keeping and documentation practices.

Preferred:

• AKTA or FPLC experience is a plus.

• Experience in a CRO, biotech, or pharma environment managing concurrent projects under timeline pressure.

• Familiarity with ADC formats, DAR measurement, and linker-payload chemistry (cleavable or non-cleavable).

• Experience with LIMS or project management tools (e.g., Zoho).

• Exposure to multiple antibody isotypes and awareness of how structural differences affect conjugation outcomes.

• Proficiency in sterile technique and mammalian cell culture; experience with primary cell work a plus.

General Information

• Status: Full-time, exempt position, not subject to FLSA or California overtime regulations.

• Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm. Occasional night/weekend work may be required.

• Location: 100% on-site, lab-based position in Alameda, CA.

• Range is $80,000 to $120,000

• Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, 401K with employer match (after 90-day introductory period), paid holidays, PTO, EAP, life and long-term disability insurance, FSA with employer contribution, and free lunch/snacks.

Note: This job description outlines the position's primary duties and requirements. Additional responsibilities may be assigned as necessary, based on level/role, to support the goals and objectives of the organization.

Department Bioconjugation Role Bioconjugation (Research Associate, Associate Scientist, Scientist) Locations Alameda Yearly salary $80,000 - $120,000 Employment type Full-time