Scientist I/II, Bioconjugation

We have a vacancy for a Bioconjugation Scientist to join our Bioconjugation Chemistry team in Cambridge (UK). In this lab-based role you will be working as part of a team on client-facing, often short-term projects from the outset, in a fast-paced and supportive environment.

Abzena provides the most complete set of solutions in integrated early discovery to mid-phase biotherapeutic and ADC drug development services in the pharmaceutical industry. Working with a varied range of customers from academic groups, small biotech and big pharma and on a diverse range of drug types from antibodies, fusion proteins and bioconjugates, Abzena supports the development and manufacture of better treatments for patients. As a testimony of its outstanding expertise and quality of its services in biologics and bioconjugates early development, Abzena won the One Nucleus Award, Best R&D Service Provider Performance of the Year 2024.

The Bioconjugation Group in Abzena Cambridge (UK) provides conjugation solutions to support partner antibody drug conjugate (ADC), antibody oligonucleotide conjugate (AOC) and other bioconjugate development programs. Using established conjugation chemistries and our next-generation conjugation platform ThioBridge with access to a wide range of payloads, we design, synthesise and produce ADCs from mg to g scale to support their evaluation by our Bioassay and Analytics groups and in vivo studies partners for lead candidate selection.

• To independently design and carry out routine and complex experiments as necessary
• To perform complex/novel techniques with supervision
• Perform routine interpretation of analytical results
• Keep accurate records and document experimental results in electronic lab notebooks
• To manage own work schedule to ensure tasks are met within the expected timeframe
• To analyse and interpret own data, and be responsible for the quality of own work
• Keep line manager and Group Head informed of work progress in a timely fashion
• To prepare data for and to contribute to the drafting of reports
• Prepare presentations and present results at internal meetings and client meetings
• To draft and contribute to Quality and Controlled documents
• Demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Proactive independent attitude with a positive nature
• A good team player with flexibility and willingness to adapt to change
• To undertake any other duties relevant to the position and level

• BSc or MSc in Chemistry/Protein Biochemistry or a related science discipline with strong laboratory skills and at least 1 year experience in an industrial environment.
• Relevant skills required include an in-depth understanding of, and practical research experience with bioconjugation of small molecules (e.g. cytotoxic drugs, oligonucleotides, fluorescent labels) to antibodies and proteins using a range of linker chemistries, purification using automated systems (ÄKTA) and membrane ultrafiltration (TFF).
• Experience with process development and preparation of bioconjugates at g scale would be desirable.
• Required analytical skills include characterisation techniques such as column chromatography (HIC, SEC, IEX), UV-Vis spectrophotometry, microfluidics (CE-SDS, icIEF) and LC-MS.  
• As a confident IT user, you will be familiar with MS Office, and specialist software including Chromeleon, Unify, MassLynx, Dotmatics and ChemDraw.
• You will have an understanding of the ADC field including the drug development process.

UK EEO: Abzena is committed to promoting equal opportunities in employment. All our employees and any job applicants will receive equal treatment regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation ("Protected Characteristics").