Sr Scientist, LCMS
Abzena Inc.
Summary
We are seeking an experienced LC-MS scientist to develop LC-MS methods for conjugate characterization activities supporting process development of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), oligonucleotide conjugates, radioconjugates, and other complex bioconjugate modalities. This individual will serve as a technical expert in mass spectrometry-based characterization and method development across process development and CMC activities.
Job description
The successful candidate will play a key role in developing and implementing advanced LC-MS workflows for structural characterization, impurity analysis, linker-payload assessment, DAR determination, peptide mapping, and comparability studies to support clinical development programs.
Responsibilities
- Lead development, optimization, and transfer of LC-MS analytical methods supporting ADCs and related bioconjugate therapeutics.
- Design and execute mass spectrometry studies for characterization of intact proteins/antibodies, fragment antibodies, small format proteins, peptides, linker-payloads, oligonucleotides, and conjugated species.
- Perform characterization activities including DAR analysis, peptide mapping, PTM identification, conjugation site analysis, aggregation and fragmentation assessment, disulfide scrambling, free payload and linker impurity analysis, and stability studies.
- Support analytical investigations related to process development, manufacturing deviations, comparability, and product quality assessments.
- Collaborate closely with process development, bioassay, formulation, and quality teams to establish analytical control strategies and critical quality attributes (CQAs).
- Develop robust sample preparation workflows for proteins, peptides, oligonucleotides, and conjugated modalities for LC-MS analyses.
- Interpret complex analytical datasets and communicate findings to cross-functional project teams and client sponsors.
- Author technical reports, analytical development summaries, regulatory documentation, SOPs, protocols, and method qualification reports.
- Support regulatory submissions including IND, BLA, and IMPD analytical sections.
- Maintain instrumentation including general maintenance, troubleshooting and scheduling of performative maintenance and vendor repair services.
Qualifications
- Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related discipline with 0 years of industry experience; or M.S. with 2+ years of relevant experience.
- Extensive hands-on experience with LC-MS characterization of biologics, ADCs, or related conjugated therapeutics.
- Hands-on experience with high-resolution mass spectrometry techniques and interpretation of complex datasets.
- Experience with analytical characterization techniques including intact/reduced, subunit mass analysis, and peptide mapping.
- Strong understanding of protein chemistry, conjugation technologies, and biopharmaceutical analytical development.
- Experience with data analysis software such as Waters Connect, MassLynx, or equivalent platforms.
- Excellent technical writing, problem-solving, and communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience specifically supporting ADCs, AOCs, radioconjugates, or oligonucleotide therapeutics.
- Familiarity with linker-payload chemistry and conjugation process development.
- Experience with multi-attribute methods (MAM) and advanced characterization workflows.
- Knowledge of regulatory expectations for biologics and conjugated therapeutics.
- Experience supporting method qualification, validation, and comparability studies.
- Demonstrated experience supporting CMC development and CGMP environments.
- Prior experience working with CDMOs and external analytical laboratories.
Requirements
- Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related discipline with 0 years of industry experience; or M.S. with 2+ years of relevant experience
- Extensive hands-on experience with LC-MS characterization of biologics, ADCs, or related conjugated therapeutics
- Hands-on experience with high-resolution mass spectrometry techniques and interpretation of complex datasets
- Experience with analytical characterization techniques including intact/reduced, subunit mass analysis, and peptide mapping
- Strong understanding of protein chemistry, conjugation technologies, and biopharmaceutical analytical development
- Experience with data analysis software such as Waters Connect, MassLynx, or equivalent platforms
- Excellent technical writing, problem-solving, and communication skills
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.