Staff / Senior Scientist, Bioconjugation Chemistry

Bioconjugation Strategies

• Partner with sample prep and assay development to screen and select conjugation chemistries for peptides and oligonucleotides that enable single molecule protein sequencing
• Design bioconjugation workflows using NHS-ester chemistry, maleimides, isothiocyanate chemistry, and click chemistry (CuAAC, SPAAC, IEDDA)
• Prepare bioconjugation reagents to enable studies from proof-of-concept through prototype-kitting

Peptide Chemistry

• Develop labeling strategies based on Edman Chemistry
• Develop and apply selective C-terminal and N-terminal conjugation chemistries
• Develop site-specific labeling strategies for amino acid sidechains (Cys, Lys, Arg, Tyr, Trp, His, Asp/Glu) on native peptides. Screen protecting groups to enhance amino acid signal in the protein sequencing assay
• Enable on-bead workflow to label and release peptides for interrogation in the sequencing assay

Synthesize, Characterize, and Scale

• Synthesize and purify peptide and oligonucleotide conjugates for assay testing
• Characterize conjugation efficiency, purity, and stability using tools such as HPLC, LC-MS/MS, NMR, CE, UV/Vis, and FTIR
• Scale conjugate synthesis from R&D quantities to prototype-grade supply for internal testing, with attention to reproducibility, shelf-life, and fit-for-purpose quality

Collaborate and Document

• Work cross-functionally with sample preparation, assay integration, and reagent manufacturing teams to troubleshoot conjugation failures and optimize workflows
• Contribute to intellectual property development through invention disclosures
• Maintain rigorous experimental documentation in Confluence and laboratory notebooks; author and maintain SOPs for new conjugation methods

Qualifications

• MS or PhD in organic chemistry, chemical biology, biochemistry, or a related field
• Industry experience in bioconjugation chemistry, with demonstrated ability to independently design, develop, and troubleshoot conjugation workflows
• Deep expertise in protein and/or peptide bioconjugation: NHS esters, maleimides, click chemistries (CuAAC, SPAAC, IEDDA), isothiocyanate coupling, and related bioorthogonal approaches
• Experience with site-specific amino acid sidechain chemistry beyond maleimide chemistry (e.g. Cys, Lys, Arg, Tyr, Trp, Asp/Glu) for application in multistep workflows
• Track record developing novel blocking groups and conducting SAR studies to optimize blocking group performance and selectivity
• Proficiency in analytical characterization: HPLC method development, LC-MS/MS for conjugate analysis, UV/Vis, and CE
• Method-development mindset: history of building and adapting new chemical approaches rather than executing established protocols
• Demonstrated ability to function as an independent contributor and collaborative partner in a cross-functional team setting