Scientist I/II, Protein Science

Hexagon Bio•Menlo Park, CA

4d•$120,000 - $160,000•Onsite

About The Position

Hexagon Bio leverages a genomics-based platform and understanding of natural product evolution to develop next-generation ADCs with novel payloads for cancer. We use data science, genomics, machine learning, synthetic biology, and automation to discover potent, evolutionarily refined small molecules from microbial genomes, and apply medicinal chemistry to optimize these molecules into truly transformative medicines. Hexagon Bio is seeking a highly motivated Scientist I/II to join our Protein Science team. This laboratory-based role focuses on ADC conjugation, purification, and analytical characterization/QC to support our expanding ADC pipeline. You will work closely with biochemists, medicinal chemists, and cell biologists to generate high-quality materials that enable in vitro and in vivo studies of novel natural-product–based payloads. We are looking for a team member who excels at hands-on bench work, enjoys solving technical problems, and thrives in a fast-paced startup environment.

Requirements

PhD. in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Structural Biology, or related discipline.
2-4 years of hands-on industry experience, preferably in protein sciences or related area
Direct experience with ADC conjugation, protein purification, or analytical characterization is strongly preferred.
Hands-on experience with ÄKTA/FPLC chromatography systems including preparative HIC, IEX and SEC.
Experience with ÄKTA method development and maintenance is a plus
Hands-on experience with HPLC based analytical methods such as SEC, IEX, HIC, RP-HPLC, and UV-Vis.
Hands-on experience with LC-MS and DSF / Light scattering is a plus
Strong analytical and troubleshooting abilities.
Excellent organization, communication, and documentation skills.
Curiosity, initiative, and the ability to excel in a dynamic startup environment.

Responsibilities

Perform antibody-drug conjugation at milligram to gram scale using a variety of linker chemistries and conjugation strategies
Purification of conjugated antibodies via TFF (tangential flow filtration) and FPLC-based purifications (SEC, IEX, HIC and other chromatography-based methods)
Optimize reaction conditions, monitor conjugation efficiency, and ensure consistency across production batches.
Execute analytical assays to assess ADC properties and quality, including: SEC, HIC, IEX, RP-HPLC, UV-Vis, LC-MS DAR determination, SDS-PAGE, endotoxin, DSF and light scattering.
Design and troubleshoot experiments, analyze data and communicate results clearly to project teams.
Collaborate with cell biology teams to ensure materials meet criteria for potency assays, in vitro MoA studies, and in vivo PK/efficacy/tolerability experiments.
Identify workflow limitations and implement process improvements to increase throughput and reproducibility.
Maintain detailed electronic laboratory notebooks.
Comply with safety policies and best laboratory practices.
Contribute to a collaborative, transparent, and mission-driven team culture.

Benefits

A flexible and dynamic work environment where you pave your own path, Hexagon cultivates employees' unique strengths at all levels and provides mobility across departments.
“All Hands Meetings” provide an opportunity to share company and team updates. These meetings are rooted in our value of transparency. They are designed to foster a culture of collaboration, curiosity, and open communication.
Rapid career advancement for driven performers.
Access to scientific conferences throughout the year.
A range of amenities, courtesy of the Menlo Park Labs business park, including shuttle, gym, rock-climbing wall, pool, sauna, sports courts, cafe, bike lockers, and free EV charging stations.
Opportunities to engage with the Hexagon community through team-building events like our Hexagon Happy Hours and holiday parties.

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