Bioconjugation (Research Associate, Associate Scientist, Scientist)

About the Role

We are expanding our Discovery Sciences division with a new Bioconjugation Group focused on supporting client development of conjugates for therapeutic drug discovery and biomedical research. This position offers the opportunity to work at the intersection of protein chemistry and drug discovery, contribute to a diverse portfolio of client projects spanning biotech and pharma, and grow alongside a team that values scientific rigor and execution speed.

The Bioconjugation candidate will support the design, execution, and analysis of bioconjugation workflows across a range of client and internal R&D projects. This is a hands-on, fast-moving role requiring independent thinking, clear communication, and adaptability.

Responsibilities

• 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 scientific curiosity: ask why a result was observed, not just whether it matched the target.
  • Bring 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

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) and strong record-keeping/documentation practices.
• Preferred Qualifications:
  • AKTA or FPLC experience.
  • 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.

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 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.
• 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.

Pay

Salary range is $80,000 to $120,000.

Schedule

Full-time, exempt position. Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm. Occasional night/weekend work may be required.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401K with employer match (after 90-day introductory period).
• Paid holidays and PTO.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Life and long-term disability insurance.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) with employer contribution.
• Free lunch and snacks.

Location

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