Director, Technical Solutions & Program Design
Abzena Inc.
Summary
Abzena is seeking a commercially minded scientific leader to partner with Business Development, clients and technical teams to design integrated development and manufacturing solutions for biologics, ADCs, AOCs and other complex modalities. This position turns customer objectives into executable, competitive programs that drive business growth and successful client outcomes.
Job description
Responsibilities
- Lead technical discussions with prospective and existing clients.
- Design integrated development and manufacturing programs from early development through GMP manufacturing and commercial readiness.
- Review RFPs, assess technical feasibility and define scope, timelines, risks and resource requirements.
- Partner with Proposal Development to create proposals, budgets, timelines and Statements of Work.
- Coordinate cross-functional subject matter experts across development, manufacturing, quality and regulatory functions to align on final client proposals.
- Present technical solutions during proposal reviews, due diligence meetings and site visits.
- Serve as the technical lead through project award and handoff to execution teams.
- Continuously improve proposal tools, templates and standard work practices.
Qualifications
- BS degree in a relevant life science or engineering discipline; MS or PhD preferred.
- 10+ years of biotechnology, pharmaceutical or CDMO experience.
- Demonstrated expertise in biologics and/or bioconjugate development and manufacturing.
- Experience leading client-facing technical and commercial discussions.
- Strong understanding of CMC development, GMP manufacturing and regulatory expectations.
What Success Looks Like
- High-quality proposals delivered on time.
- Strong conversion of opportunities into awarded programs.
- Excellent client experience and trusted-advisor relationships.
- Effective alignment between customer expectations and operational execution.
Requirements
- BS degree in a relevant life science or engineering discipline; MS or PhD preferred.
- 10+ years of biotechnology, pharmaceutical or CDMO experience.
- Demonstrated expertise in biologics and/or bioconjugate development and manufacturing.
- Experience leading client-facing technical and commercial discussions.
- Strong understanding of CMC development, GMP manufacturing and regulatory expectations.
Company overview
Abzena Inc. is a leading biopharmaceutical Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) and Contract Research Organization (CRO) specializing in complex biologics and bioconjugates. Founded in 2001, the company provides fully integrated, end-to-end services spanning from discovery through commercial launch, with a particular focus on antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), antibody-oligonucleotide conjugates (AOCs), and radionuclide-drug conjugates (RDCs). With over 20 years of scientific expertise, Abzena operates state-of-the-art research, development, and cGMP manufacturing facilities across strategic locations in San Diego, California; Bristol, Pennsylvania; and Cambridge, United Kingdom. The company employs 501-1,000 professionals and has developed proprietary technologies including ThioBridge™ conjugation technology, EpiScreen® immunogenicity assessment platform, AbZelectPRO™ cell line development system, and Composite Human Antibody™ deimmunization platform. Abzena serves biotech and biopharma companies by offering tailored solutions designed to de-risk and streamline drug development, accelerating the path to market for life-changing therapies while maintaining rigorous quality standards and regulatory compliance.