Scientist I/II - Bioconjugation

MacroGenics is a leader in the discovery and development of innovative medicines using next-generation antibody-based technologies. Our team of 150+ dedicated individuals advances a pipeline of product candidates to treat patients with cancer. We partner with leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies globally and foster a culture of innovation, open communication, and teamwork where employees see their direct impact on organizational success.

About the role

The Scientist I/II will be an integral member of the Targeted Therapeutics Group, focused on generating novel antibody-based therapies for cancer treatment. This role involves designing, synthesizing, characterizing, and optimizing antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), degrader-antibody conjugates (DACs), and other targeted therapeutic modalities. The position offers an opportunity to work in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment advancing cancer therapeutics from discovery through preclinical and clinical development.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute antibody conjugation experiments using a variety of linker-payload technologies.
• Develop and optimize bioconjugation processes for ADCs, DACs, and related targeted therapeutics.
• Synthesize and optimize novel linker-payload molecules to contribute to next-generation ADC therapies.
• Purify, characterize, and analyze synthesized molecules using analytical techniques such as HPLC, FPLC, LC-MS, and NMR.
• Evaluate conjugation efficiency, drug-to-antibody ratio (DAR), aggregation, stability, and product quality attributes.
• Contribute to troubleshooting, process optimization, and scale-up activities.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to advance ADC programs from early discovery through preclinical and clinical development stages.
• Author protocols, research reports, and intellectual property documents while maintaining high-quality electronic laboratory records.

Qualifications

Scientist I

• M.S. degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related field with 0-2 years of direct relevant experience.
• B.S. degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related field with 3-5 years of direct relevant experience.

Scientist II

• M.S. degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related field with 2-5 years of direct relevant experience.
• B.S. degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related field with 5-8 years of direct relevant experience.

Skills

• Hands-on experience in bioconjugation, protein conjugation, or antibody-drug conjugate development.
• Experience with purification and characterization techniques for both small molecules and bioconjugates.
• Strong understanding of protein chemistry, antibody structure, and conjugation methodologies.
• Experience operating analytical instruments such as HPLC, UPLC, LC-MS, SEC, and HIC.
• Excellent organizational, documentation, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within cross-functional teams.
• Detail-oriented with strong written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience developing ADCs, DACs, or other targeted therapeutic modalities.
• Familiarity with linker-payload chemistry, site-specific conjugation, and cysteine-based conjugation strategies.
• Experience with analytical analysis of conjugates: DAR, aggregation, and stability of conjugates.
• Experience in synthetic organic chemistry, including the synthesis, purification, and characterization of small molecules and linker-payloads.

Pay

The annual rate of pay for this position ranges from $86,100 - $131,300 for Scientist I and $95,900 - $146,300 for Scientist II. This role is eligible for the Company’s discretionary bonus and discretionary equity incentives.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage.
• Employee wellness resources.
• 401(k) plan with employer match.
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP).
• Paid time off and paid parental leave.
• Disability benefits.