Bioconjugation (Research Associate, Associate Scientist, Scientist)

iQ Biosciences • Alameda, CA

1d • $80,000 - $120,000 • Onsite

About The Position

iQ Biosciences is seeking a Bioconjugation professional to join their Discovery Sciences division. This role will support the design, execution, and analysis of bioconjugation workflows for client and internal R&D projects. The individual will work closely with technical leads, project management, and cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality bioconjugates and develop expertise in conjugation chemistry, analytics, and study design. This is a hands-on role requiring independent thinking, experimental design, clear communication, and adaptability. Candidates with direct bioconjugation experience or a strong foundation in chemistry and biology with the ability to quickly acquire bioconjugation expertise are encouraged to apply.

Requirements

• B.S. with 5+ years, M.S. with 3+ years, or Ph.D. (0–2 years) in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Biology, or a related discipline.
• Industry experience preferred.
• Direct bioconjugation or protein chemistry experience strongly preferred; candidates with strong synthetic or analytical chemistry backgrounds and demonstrated adaptability will also be considered.
• Hands-on experience with conjugation chemistry (e.g., maleimide, NHS ester, or equivalent) and/or protein modification workflows.
• Familiarity with both stochastic conjugation approaches (lysine- and cysteine-based) and an awareness of site-specific methodologies (e.g., engineered cysteines, enzymatic tags); understanding of how conjugation site and chemistry choice influence DAR distribution, homogeneity, and downstream behavior.
• Proficiency in protein handling fundamentals and characterization methods: antibody concentration measurement (A280, BCA/DC assay), working economically with limited or precious material, and awareness of protein stability risks during handling and storage.
• Familiarity with protein conjugate characterization methods: SEC, HIC, UV-Vis absorbance; mass spectrometry experience a plus.
• Competency in data analysis tools (e.g., GraphPad Prism)
• Strong record-keeping and documentation practices.

Nice To Haves

• AKTA or FPLC experience is a plus.
• Experience in a CRO, biotech, or pharma environment managing concurrent projects under timeline pressure.
• Familiarity with ADC formats, DAR measurement, and linker-payload chemistry (cleavable or non-cleavable).
• Experience with LIMS or project management tools (e.g., Zoho).
• Exposure to multiple antibody isotypes and awareness of how structural differences affect conjugation outcomes.
• Proficiency in sterile technique and mammalian cell culture; experience with primary cell work a plus.

Responsibilities

• Execute bioconjugation reactions and purification workflows (e.g., desalting, TFF, SEC) across diverse antibody formats, linker chemistries, and payload classes.
• Perform conjugate characterization using relevant analytical methods (e.g., SEC, HIC, UV-Vis, mass spectrometry) and interpret results with attention to project-specific context.
• Design and run pilot experiments to establish bookend conditions, de-risk approaches, and build technical confidence before committing material to full-scale runs.
• Apply working knowledge of buffer selection, pH effects, and storage conditions on conjugate stability; flag formulation-related risks and support stability assessment of conjugate preparations.
• Troubleshoot unexpected outcomes through scientific and data reasoning, then proactively communicate findings and a path forward.
• Maintain accurate experimental records and contribute to SOPs, study summaries, and client deliverables.
• Approach discovery-stage projects with appropriate scientific curiosity: ask why the result was observed, not just whether it matched the target.
• Bring a rationale to experimental design decisions — anticipate key uncertainties and propose studies that resolve them efficiently.
• When data is unexpected or a conjugation fails, transition quickly into root-cause thinking; present a clear hypothesis and proposed next steps rather than waiting for direction.
• Stay current with advances in bioconjugation chemistry through literature review and apply new learnings to ongoing projects.
• Communicate progress, data, and experimental rationale clearly and rapidly to the technical lead, project manager, and internal teams.
• Surface issues, blockers, or uncertainties proactively.
• Contribute to team meetings and internal knowledge-sharing; help build the collective expertise of the Bioconjugation group and the broader Discovery Sciences division.
• As experience develops, participate in client-facing technical updates and data review meetings.
• Maintain lab organization, reagent inventory, and equipment compliance in accordance with iQ’s standards.
• Use internal systems (LIMS, Zoho) to track study progress, materials, and documentation.
• Follow established safety protocols and lab policies.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, 401K with employer match (after 90-day introductory period), paid holidays, PTO, EAP, life and long-term disability insurance, FSA with employer contribution, and free lunch/snacks.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level