Bioconjugation Scientist
Discover International · Philadelphia, PA
CONTRACT
Posted Sep 8, 2026
Job Description
Position Summary
Our client is seeking a temporary, lab-based Bioconjugation Scientist to join our Protein Sciences team for an initial 3-month contract, with the potential to extend based on program needs. This is a hands-on, bench-based role for an experienced scientist who is comfortable working independently at the lab bench on protein purification, bioconjugation chemistry, and analytical characterization in support of Client's protein-toxin conjugate and siRNA-conjugate programs. The ideal candidate is a self-starter who can step in quickly, execute experiments with minimal ramp-up, and contribute to a fast-paced, deadline-driven research environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Perform protein purification of recombinant proteins and bioconjugates using chromatography techniques such as affinity, ion-exchange, and size-exclusion chromatography (FPLC/AKTA systems).
- Execute bioconjugation reactions to generate protein-toxin conjugates, including conjugation chemistry optimization, reaction monitoring, and purification of conjugated species.
- Conjugate siRNA and other oligonucleotide payloads to protein targeting vehicles, supporting both proprietary and partnered programs.
- Support analytical development activities, including assay execution and characterization of proteins and conjugates (e.g., SDS-PAGE, SEC-HPLC, RP-HPLC, LC-MS, UV-Vis, and related techniques).
- Maintain detailed, accurate laboratory records and electronic lab notebooks (ELN) in compliance with good documentation practices.
- Troubleshoot experiments, analyze data, and communicate results clearly to project team members and stakeholders.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with process development, analytical, and discovery biology teams to advance conjugate candidates.
- Maintain lab equipment, reagent inventory, and adhere to all laboratory safety and quality standards.
Qualifications
- B.S. or M.S. in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Molecular Biology, or a related life sciences discipline.
- 5–8 years of relevant, hands-on industry laboratory experience in a biotech, pharma, or CDMO/CRO setting.
- Demonstrated hands-on experience with protein purification and chromatography (FPLC/AKTA, affinity, IEX, SEC).
- Direct experience with bioconjugation chemistry; experience generating protein-toxin conjugates (e.g., ADC-like or similar payload conjugation) strongly preferred.
- Experience with siRNA or other oligonucleotide conjugation techniques is highly desirable.
- Working knowledge of analytical development and characterization techniques (SEC-HPLC, RP-HPLC, LC-MS, SDS-PAGE, UV-Vis, or similar).
- Comfortable working independently at the bench in a fast-paced, lab-based, full-time on-site role.
- Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and clear written/verbal communication of experimental results.
- Prior experience in a small-biotech or start-up environment is a plus.
Our client is seeking a temporary, lab-based Bioconjugation Scientist to join our Protein Sciences team for an initial 3-month contract, with the potential to extend based on program needs. This is a hands-on, bench-based role for an experienced scientist who is comfortable working independently at the lab bench on protein purification, bioconjugation chemistry, and analytical characterization in support of Client's protein-toxin conjugate and siRNA-conjugate programs. The ideal candidate is a self-starter who can step in quickly, execute experiments with minimal ramp-up, and contribute to a fast-paced, deadline-driven research environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Perform protein purification of recombinant proteins and bioconjugates using chromatography techniques such as affinity, ion-exchange, and size-exclusion chromatography (FPLC/AKTA systems).
- Execute bioconjugation reactions to generate protein-toxin conjugates, including conjugation chemistry optimization, reaction monitoring, and purification of conjugated species.
- Conjugate siRNA and other oligonucleotide payloads to protein targeting vehicles, supporting both proprietary and partnered programs.
- Support analytical development activities, including assay execution and characterization of proteins and conjugates (e.g., SDS-PAGE, SEC-HPLC, RP-HPLC, LC-MS, UV-Vis, and related techniques).
- Maintain detailed, accurate laboratory records and electronic lab notebooks (ELN) in compliance with good documentation practices.
- Troubleshoot experiments, analyze data, and communicate results clearly to project team members and stakeholders.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with process development, analytical, and discovery biology teams to advance conjugate candidates.
- Maintain lab equipment, reagent inventory, and adhere to all laboratory safety and quality standards.
Qualifications
- B.S. or M.S. in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Molecular Biology, or a related life sciences discipline.
- 5–8 years of relevant, hands-on industry laboratory experience in a biotech, pharma, or CDMO/CRO setting.
- Demonstrated hands-on experience with protein purification and chromatography (FPLC/AKTA, affinity, IEX, SEC).
- Direct experience with bioconjugation chemistry; experience generating protein-toxin conjugates (e.g., ADC-like or similar payload conjugation) strongly preferred.
- Experience with siRNA or other oligonucleotide conjugation techniques is highly desirable.
- Working knowledge of analytical development and characterization techniques (SEC-HPLC, RP-HPLC, LC-MS, SDS-PAGE, UV-Vis, or similar).
- Comfortable working independently at the bench in a fast-paced, lab-based, full-time on-site role.
- Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and clear written/verbal communication of experimental results.
- Prior experience in a small-biotech or start-up environment is a plus.
Additional Details
- City
- Philadelphia
- State
- Pennsylvania
- Country
- US
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