Senior / Principal Scientist, LCMS - ADC & Related Modalities
We are seeking an experienced LC-MS scientist to lead LC-MS method development and 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.
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, qualification, 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).
- Serve as technical SME for high-resolution mass spectrometry platforms including QTOF, triple quadrupole, and associated LC systems.
- Develop robust sample preparation workflows for proteins, peptides, oligonucleotides, and conjugated modalities.
- 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.
- Evaluate and implement emerging MS technologies and analytical innovations to enhance characterization capabilities.
- Mentor junior scientists and contribute to scientific strategy and laboratory best practices.
Required Qualifications
- Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related discipline with 5+ years of industry experience; or M.S. with 8+ years of relevant experience.
- Extensive hands-on experience with LC-MS characterization of biologics, ADCs, or related conjugated therapeutics.
- Strong expertise in high-resolution mass spectrometry techniques and interpretation of complex datasets.
- Experience with analytical characterization techniques including intact mass analysis, peptide mapping, IEX, SEC, RP-HPLC, CE, and native MS.
- Demonstrated experience supporting CMC development and CGMP environments.
- 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.
- Prior experience working with CDMOs and external analytical laboratories.
FLSA: Exempt
Abzena is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.
This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, and training.
