Scientist II, BioConjugation

Join Astellas Oncology Research's Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADC) Group as a scientist contributing to next-generation bioconjugate therapeutics.

Design, conjugate, purify, and characterize antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), degrader-antibody conjugates (DACs), dual-payload ADCs, and other emerging bioconjugate modalities.

Apply antibody-conjugation and bioconjugate-development expertise to advance Astellas' oncology pipeline and support development of transformative therapies.

Conduct laboratory research and independently design and execute experiments to achieve project objectives within required timelines.

Design, synthesize, purify, and characterize ADCs and other bioconjugates using multiple conjugation strategies, purification approaches, and analytical techniques.

Develop and optimize conjugation processes and workflows across different stages of discovery and development.

Identify, troubleshoot, and resolve technical challenges affecting project timelines and deliverables.

Independently design, execute, and optimize conjugation, purification, and characterization workflows according to project objectives.

Apply a broad range of bioconjugation chemistries, including lysine-, cysteine-, and enzyme-mediated approaches.

Understand reaction mechanisms, conjugation-site selection, process optimization, and the advantages and limitations of different conjugation strategies for ADC development.

Perform protein purification using chromatographic techniques including size-exclusion chromatography (SEC), ion-exchange chromatography (IEX), and multimodal chromatography.

Operate ÄKTA systems for protein and bioconjugate purification.

Apply analytical methods for protein and bioconjugate characterization, including ADC-related modalities.

Collaborate with Chemistry, Protein Science, Biology, Pharmacology, and ADME teams to advance scientific discovery and project progression.

Communicate scientific rationale, experimental results, and data interpretation clearly during team and project meetings.

Serve as a subject matter expert in bioconjugation and represent the ADC Group in cross-functional scientific discussions.

Present scientific findings and recommendations to support project decisions and milestone achievement.

Manage and prioritize multiple scientific projects simultaneously.

Monitor project progress and ensure timely delivery of high-quality materials and data.

Apply strong organizational and project-management skills in a fast-paced research environment.

Maintain accurate, complete, and well-organized laboratory records covering procedures, results, and conclusions.

Ensure laboratory documentation complies with regulatory requirements and internal standards.

Apply critical thinking, scientific problem solving, and data interpretation to identify root causes of technical challenges.

Develop effective solutions to experimental and process-related issues.

Demonstrate flexibility, adaptability, openness to diverse perspectives, and effective collaboration across areas of shared scientific expertise.

Contribute to patent applications, scientific publications, technical reports, and other intellectual-property initiatives.

Support scientific documentation and communication that advance project knowledge and development milestones.

Manage or oversee external collaborations, including contract research organizations (CROs).

Develop and implement high-throughput conjugation workflows for efficient screening and optimization of bioconjugate candidates.

Support ADC programs from early discovery through candidate selection and early CMC development.

Hands-on experience with tangential flow filtration (TFF) for protein and ADC concentration, buffer exchange, and process development.

Design, develop, and optimize dual-payload ADC conjugation strategies and manufacturing processes.

Apply formulation-development principles and understand stability considerations for ADCs and related bioconjugates.

Experience in oncology drug discovery and development, including cancer biology and therapeutic mechanisms.

PhD in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related field plus 2+ years of relevant industry or postdoctoral experience in biologics research; or M.S. plus 5+ years of relevant industry experience in biologics research.

Position based in South San Francisco (SSF), California.

The supplied posting states that the position requires on-site work, while also describing Astellas' broader hybrid-working approach under Responsible Flexibility Guidelines for eligible locations.

Category: Biologics Engineering.

Global collaboration with life-science professionals focused on improving patient outcomes.

Opportunity to contribute to transformative therapies with global patient impact.

Exposure to scientific innovation and emerging healthcare technologies.

Supportive growth culture encouraging employee development, individual contribution, and pursuit of professional interests.

Organizational values include Innovation, Integrity, and Impact, with behaviors centered on One Astellas, courage, urgency, accountability, and outcome focus.

Medical, dental, and vision insurance.

Paid time off including vacation and sick time, plus national holidays and year-end shutdown.

401(k) match and annual company contribution.

Company-paid life insurance.

Annual corporate bonus for eligible positions.

Quarterly sales incentive for eligible positions.

Long-term incentive plan for eligible positions.

Company fleet vehicle for eligible positions where applicable.

Referral bonus program.