Full-Time

Downstream Conjugation PD Scientist

Bioconjugation Process Development

Posted on 8/15/2025

Abzena

Abzena

201-500 employees

CDMO for complex biologics and ADCs

No salary listed

Bristol, PA, USA

In Person

Category
Biology & Biotech (7)
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Requirements
  • Ph.D. or M.S. in Chemistry, Bioconjugation, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, or related field with 3+ years (Ph.D.) or 5+ years (M.S.) relevant industry experience in downstream bioprocess development.
  • Hands-on experience with conjugation chemistries (e.g., maleimide-thiol, click chemistry, enzymatic conjugation) and purification of conjugates.
  • Strong working knowledge of protein purification techniques and process analytics.
  • Proven track record of process optimization and tech transfer.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
  • Strong communication skills (verbal, written, and presentation).
Responsibilities
  • Design, develop, and optimize downstream purification processes for conjugated biomolecules, including antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), and other bioconjugates.
  • Perform conjugation reactions (e.g., linker/drug attachment) and integrate purification workflows to achieve target product quality.
  • Utilize chromatography (affinity, ion exchange, HIC, SEC, mixed-mode) and filtration (UF/DF, sterile filtration) techniques for product recovery and polishing.
  • Characterize and monitor product quality using analytical techniques (HPLC, CE-SDS, UV/Vis, LC-MS, SEC-MALS).
  • Conduct process development studies to improve yield, purity, and scalability while ensuring compliance with regulatory and quality standards.
  • Collaborate with analytical development, formulation, and manufacturing teams for seamless process transfer and scale-up.
  • Author technical reports, batch records, and development protocols, and present findings in cross-functional and client meetings.
  • Support technology transfer to cGMP manufacturing and provide on-site support as needed.
  • Maintain awareness of emerging technologies, regulatory expectations, and industry best practices for conjugation and purification.
Desired Qualifications
  • Experience with ADC process development and characterization from early-stage to late-stage clinical.
  • Familiarity and experience with DoE (Design of Experiments) for process optimization.
  • Experience in GMP manufacturing support.
  • Knowledge of regulatory guidelines (ICH, FDA, EMA) for biologics and conjugates.

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

Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Geoffrey M. Glass appointed CEO July 22, 2025, drives growth.
  • Dr. Moncef Slaoui joins board January 8, 2025, boosts innovation.
  • Scientific Advisory Board formed May 15, 2025, guides ADC strategies.

What critics are saying

  • Lonza acquires Halo Life Science March 17, 2026, steals ADC share.
  • WuXi Biologics launches 10 ADC technologies Q1 2026, undercuts ThioBridge®.
  • FDA warning letter halts Bristol PA trials January 15, 2026.

What makes Abzena unique

  • ThioBridge® platform creates stable, effective ADCs for clients.
  • Composite Human Antibody™ reduces immunogenicity in biologics.
  • AbZelectPRO™ launches GS knockout CHO-K1 for afucosylated proteins.

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Benefits

Professional Development Budget

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

0%

1 year growth

0%

2 year growth

0%
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

Abzena
Apr 24th, 2025
Abzena's Customer Archetype Therapeutics to Present at AACR 2025 on Lung Cancer Drug Candidate Results

Archetype is partnering with contract research organizations (CROs) Abzena and Alloy Therapeutics, to design and develop Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) using some of the clinical stage and approved targeted therapy small molecules featured in the presentation.

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