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Abzena

CDMO for complex biologics and ADCs

Production Services Associate 1

Full-Time
$40k - $60k/yr
Junior
San Diego, CA, USA
In Person
Biology & BiotechBioprocess & Biomanufacturing

About the job

Requirements
  • 0–2 years of experience in manufacturing production.
  • A high school diploma is required.
  • Knowledge and understanding of current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs).
  • Experience using single-use technologies and disposable systems.
  • Ability to perform basic arithmetic operations: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
  • Ability to walk and stand for extended periods.
  • Ability to frequently lift or move objects weighing up to 30 pounds.
  • Ability to use arms, hands, and fingers to handle, feel, or reach.
  • Ability to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
  • Near and far sight, color, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to focus.
Responsibilities
  • Support both downstream and upstream production in a current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) manufacturing environment.
  • Prepare buffers and media, clean and sanitize the facility, assemble equipment kits, and set up and break down operational equipment according to the operations schedule.
  • Perform complex tasks in accordance with cGMP requirements.
  • Operate and maintain production equipment using single-use materials for buffer and media preparation, including weighing and dispensing.
  • Perform daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning of the cleanroom and surrounding controlled areas, including floors, walls, ceilings, and equipment.
  • Maintain and stock supplies, including gowning and emergency kits.
  • Document and verify task completion according to current Good Documentation Practices (cGDP), standard operating procedures (SOPs), and batch records.
  • Manage a flexible work schedule where shift work may be required.
  • Conduct activities supporting production schedules as directed by senior staff.
  • Support floor operations for multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Cross-train on various tasks, including upstream and downstream cGMP manufacturing.
  • Set up equipment according to established practices, including RTP, STR, production bioreactors, AKTA systems, depth filters and pods, viral filtration, and UFDF.
  • Safely handle and transport raw materials, finished products, and equipment into and out of the cleanroom while adhering to aseptic technique.
  • Follow Abzena policies, procedures, quality standards, and applicable regulations.
  • Communicate and work effectively in a team environment.
  • Adhere to quality standards and perform other assigned duties.

About the company

Abzena is a CDMO that provides integrated services for complex biologics and bioconjugates, including antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). It supports projects from antibody discovery through GMP manufacturing for clinical trials and commercial supply, using its in-house platforms and expertise. It differentiates itself with end-to-end development and manufacturing capabilities, supported by proprietary technologies like ThioBridge and Composite Human Antibody, and global facilities in San Diego, Bristol, and Cambridge. Its goal is to help biologics programs progress efficiently from discovery to market by offering specialized, partnered development and manufacturing services and potential licensing of its technologies.

Company Size

201-500

Company Stage

IPO

Headquarters

Babraham, United Kingdom

Founded

2001

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • March 2026 Frost recognized Abzena as an ADC CDMO leader.
  • September 2025 GS knockout CHO-K1 platforms expanded AbzelectPRO capabilities.
  • 2026 AOC momentum, including Novartis-Avidity and Dyne, lifts demand for integrated services.

What critics are saying

  • Headcount fell 6.4% from 2023 to March 2026, signaling operational tightening.
  • WCAS ownership creates exit pressure, distracting management from long-term customer retention.
  • Large pharma can internalize ADC manufacturing, leaving Abzena dependent on fragile biotech demand.

What makes Abzena unique

  • Abzena spans discovery, conjugation, and GMP manufacturing across San Diego, Bristol, and Cambridge.
  • ThioBridge and integrated ADC expertise distinguish Abzena in complex bioconjugates.
  • Its 2026 Frost Radar leadership validates specialization in ADCs and AOCs.

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Benefits

  • Professional Development Budget

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

0%

1 year growth

-1%

2 year growth

-1%
Abzena
Jul 15th, 2026
Outsourced Pharma capability Update - Cell Line Development June 2026.

Outsourced Pharma capability Update - Cell Line Development June 2026. Early cell line decisions define everything that comes after: yield, stability, manufacturability, and timelines. That's why Abzena PLC presented at the Outsourced Pharma Capabilities Update on June 16th, which is focused on Cell Line Development strategies. Abzena's VP & Scientific Leader of Cell Line Development, John E. Gill IV, presented a talk on "Integrated Cell Line Development: Manufacturability to GMP-Ready by Design." John broke down how a truly integrated approach, one built with GMP readiness and manufacturability in mind from day one, changes the trajectory of complex biologic programs. The result: - Accelerated timelines to GMP - Reduced downstream risk - Cell lines engineered to meet GMP standards, not retrofitted to them - A smoother, faster path from discovery to clinical & commercial manufacturing When GMP readiness is designed in from the start, not added later, programs don't stall. They move forward faster.

Abzena
Mar 17th, 2026
Frost radar report: Antibody-Drug Conjugate contract development & manufacturing organizations.

Frost radar report: Antibody-Drug Conjugate contract development & manufacturing organizations. Abzena is recognized as a technology-forward, innovative CDMO in the Frost radar(tm): ADC contract development and manufacturing report, 2025. In this comprehensive analysis of the Antibody-Drug Conjugate (ADC) contract development and manufacturing (CDMO) market, global research analysts Frost & Sullivan, an independent firm, evaluated leading service providers and recognized Abzena as a Leader in both Innovation and Growth. As the author of the report, Unmesh Lal, VP of Healthcare & Life Sciences at Frost & Sullivan, shared, "With deep analytical expertise, flexible licensing models, and a dual US-UK footprint, Abzena combines scientific rigor with commercial agility. Its 'grow-with-the-client' strategy is converting early-stage partnerships into long-term manufacturing relationships, solidifying its position as a premier end-to-end CDMO for complex biologics." * How Abzena's proprietary ThioBridge(R) site-specific conjugation platform improves the design & delivery of ADCs. * How a fully integrated end-to-end development and manufacturing model eliminates tech-transfer risks and reduces timelines & costs. * How assay development for complex ADC & AOC characterization provides the data needed to de-risk clinical programs & build confidence with regulators and investors * How a dual US and UK integrated footprint provides a secure supply chain and deep FDA and EMA regulatory expertise.

Clinical Research News
Sep 16th, 2025
Abzena Enhances AbZelectPRO(TM) Cell Line Offering with New GS Knockout Platforms

Abzena enhances abzelectpro(tm) cell line offering with new GS knockout platforms san diego, CA - september 15, 2025 - abzena, the leading end-to-end integrated CDMO for complex biologics and bioconjugates, announced the expansion of its abzelectpro(tm) cell line development (CLD) platform with the launch of two next-generation glutamine synthetase ("GS") knockout CHO-K1 expression systems, including a double knockout ADCC+ platform for afucosylated proteins.

Bio-IT World
Jul 22nd, 2025
Appointment; Abzena Appoints Geoffrey M. Glass as Chief Executive Officer

San Diego, CA - July 22, 2025 - Abzena, the leading end-to-end integrated CDMO + CRO for complex biologics and bioconjugates, today announced that Geoffrey M. Glass has been appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective immediately.

PR Newswire
May 15th, 2025
Abzena Announces Establishment Of Scientific Advisory Board To Support Innovation Strategy

SAN DIEGO, May 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Abzena, the leading end-to-end integrated CDMO + CRO for complex biologics and bioconjugates, has announced today the formation of its Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) comprised of biopharma industry experts with diversified expertise in Discovery Research & Development (R&D) and Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC). The new advisory board will work closely with Abzena's scientific and commercial leadership to provide strategic guidance and expert insights that support Abzena's continued commitment to growth and innovation.Matt Stober, CEO of Abzena, said, "The establishment of the Scientific Advisory Board was a strategic decision to help guide the future of Abzena. We have seen considerable momentum over the past few years in supporting complex and innovative modalities, such as Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), Antibody-oligonucleotide conjugates (AOCs), and bispecifics. We aim to continue building upon this by offering the most state-of-the-art technologies and capabilities to support our customers' programs. These experts will be instrumental in assisting us with this mission by evaluating our strategies and providing recommendations that will further enhance our ability to move medicines forward to patients faster."Joe Principe, CCO of Abzena, said, "We are honored to welcome these distinguished individuals to our Scientific Advisory Board. These founding members are recognized leaders in our industry, bringing a wealth of expertise that will help guide us as we continue through this significant phase of our growth