Principal Scientist (Bioconjugation)

The Principal Scientist for Bioconjugation in Discovery Biotherapeutics is a knowledgeable, highly-skilled and self-motivated scientist who provides Antibody Drug Conjugate support for the advancement of the ADC portfolio at Exelixis. The ideal candidate will be an exceptional scientist who operates independently in the lab, and successfully prepares, purifies, and characterizes antibody-drug conjugates that drive projects forward while building strong working relationships with colleagues throughout the organization. This individual will also provide scientific leadership, contribute to strategic direction, and mentor junior team members. Experience in early process development and technology transfer is highly desirable.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Independently plans, executes, and optimizes ADC conjugation processes in alignment with project goals

• Designs and performs ADC conjugation at mg- to multi-gram scale, supporting both discovery and early development needs

• Applies bioconjugation techniques using appropriate linkers, payloads, and conjugation chemistries

• Purifies ADCs using techniques such as FPLC and tangential flow filtration (TFF), and characterizes them via HPLC, LC-MS, and other analytical methods

• Leads early process development efforts, including scale-up strategies, equipment setup, and workflow optimization for downstream processing

• Supports technology transfer of conjugation processes to development and manufacturing teams

• Maintains electronic lab notebook in accordance with company policy and practice

• As part of the ADC team, is responsible for one or more group roles related to equipment, ADC registration, ADC inventory, lab safety, and/or lab supplies

• Presents progress in team meetings

• Demonstrates and fosters teamwork within Discovery Biotherapeutics and with other cross-functional colleagues

• Complies with safe laboratory practices and EH&S guidelines

• Maintains familiarity with current scientific literature relevant to the research experiments or program

• Contributes to the writing of technical documents, patents, scientific manuscripts, etc.

• Leads scientific discussions and contributes to project strategy and planning

• Mentors and provides technical guidance to junior scientists and associates

• Collaborates cross-functionally to influence project direction and decision-making.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• May directly supervise one or two junior employees.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILLS: 

Education:

• Ph.D. in Chemistry or a closely related field and a minimum of five (5) years of related experience; or,

• MS/MA in Chemistry or a closely related field and a minimum of nine (9) years of related experience; or,

• BS/BA in Chemistry or a closely related field and a minimum of eleven (11) years of related experience; or,

• Equivalent combination of education and industry experience in bioconjugation chemistry.

Experience:

• Proven expertise in bioconjugation chemistry, including linker/payload selection and conjugation strategies

• Hands-on experience with ADC preparation at mg- to multi-gram scale

• Proficiency in purification and analytical characterization of ADCs using FPLC, TFF, HPLC, and LC-MS

• Demonstrated success in early process development and scale-up of ADCs

• Experience supporting technology transfer to development or manufacturing teams

• Experience troubleshooting and optimizing conjugation workflows

• Strong track record of scientific leadership and innovation in ADC development

• Experience contributing to technical reports, patents, and/or regulatory filings.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Knowledge in state of the art in different aspects of ADC research including conjugation technologies, linkers, and payloads.

• Extensive knowledge of bioconjugation platforms, applications, and development. Comprehensive understanding of current approaches and emerging technologies in ADCs.

• Knowledge of intellectual property matters, and issues related to ADCs

• The knowledge to apply advanced scientific and technical principles, theories, and concepts, and contribute to the development of new principles and concepts.

• Ability to work independently, excellent time management and organization skills to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.