Senior Scientist II, Mass Spectrometry, Platform Biology & Bioanalysis
About The Position
CytomX Therapeutics is hiring a Senior Scientist II to serve as its in-house mass spectrometry expert supporting Platform Biology, Bioanalysis, and ADC research programs. The role designs and executes studies that inform molecule characterization, metabolism, catabolism, linker-payloads, biomarkers, and mechanism of action. It partners broadly across Research and Development to address complex analytical challenges and translate mass spectrometry data into actionable program decisions. The scientist provides expertise in the mass spectrometry-based characterization of biologics, ADCs, linker-payloads, and related biomolecules across discovery and development programs. The role develops and implements analytical methods, leads characterization of ADC attributes, applies proteomics to investigate protease biology and processing, and provides scientific direction to internal teams and external CROs. It also contributes scientific leadership, mentoring, technical communication, project and resource management, and evaluation of emerging analytical technologies.
Requirements
- Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Molecular Biology, or a related discipline.
- 4–5+ years of relevant industry experience.
- Extensive hands-on experience with LC-MS/MS and mass spectrometry platforms, such as Orbitrap and triple quadrupole instruments, in a biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or CRO environment.
- Demonstrated expertise in mass spectrometry-based characterization of proteins, monoclonal antibodies, ADCs, and/or other complex biologics.
- Experience developing, optimizing, and troubleshooting mass spectrometry workflows and interpreting complex datasets to support research and development programs.
Nice To Haves
- Experience developing and applying novel mass spectrometry-based approaches to complex biological, biochemical, and mechanistic questions.
- Experience characterizing ADCs, including DAR, conjugation heterogeneity, linker-payload stability, payload release, and catabolites.
- Strong understanding of protein chemistry, bioconjugation, post-translational modifications, and analytical characterization of biologics.
- Knowledge of protease biology and enzyme–substrate interactions, including cleavage-site specificity and kinetics of proteolytic processing; experience applying this knowledge to cleavable linkers, prodrugs, or other protease-activated molecules is a plus.
- Ability to analyze, interpret, and communicate complex datasets to multidisciplinary scientific teams.
- Experience with advanced analytical and bioanalytical technologies, including capillary electrophoresis (CE), capillary isoelectric focusing (cIEF), ELISA/Ligand Binding Assays, CE-MS, and mass spectrometry-based characterization of biologics and ADCs.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills and ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams.
- Experience managing external CROs and scientific collaborations.
- Project leadership and mentoring experience in a biotechnology environment.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present scientific findings to diverse audiences.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating successfully within cross-functional teams.
- Scientific achievements demonstrated through publications, patents, conference presentations, or significant technical contributions.
Responsibilities
- Serve as the subject matter expert for mass spectrometry-based characterization of biologics, ADCs, linker-payloads, and related biomolecules across discovery and development programs.
- Design, develop, and implement LC-MS/MS and high-resolution mass spectrometry methods for molecule characterization, linker-payload stability, catabolism, payload release, and mechanism-of-action studies.
- Lead characterization of ADC attributes, including drug-to-antibody ratio (DAR), conjugation heterogeneity, linker stability, payload-related species, and degradation products.
- Apply mass spectrometry and proteomics approaches to investigate protease biology, protease substrate specificity, and protease-mediated processing relevant to CytomX's Probody® and ADC platforms.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to generate analytical data informing candidate selection, optimization, and development decisions.
- Develop mass spectrometry approaches for characterizing proteins, peptides, biomarkers, and complex biological matrices.
- Provide scientific leadership in interpreting mass spectrometry data and communicate findings to multidisciplinary teams.
- Oversee and scientifically direct external CRO activities requiring specialized mass spectrometry expertise.
- Author technical reports, study summaries, scientific publications, and presentations.
- Mentor junior scientists and contribute to scientific excellence across the organization.
- Stay current with advances in mass spectrometry, proteomics, and analytical technologies and evaluate opportunities for implementation at CytomX.
- Independently define and manage budgets and other resources for the team and projects overseen.
Benefits
- Learning curriculum and career guidance to support development and career growth.
- Competitive total rewards program intended to support compensation goals and work/life balance.
- Collaborative work environment focused on shared goals and doing the best thing for patients.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
