Bioconjugate Chemist, Scientist II

About Firefly Bio:

Firefly specializes in Degrader Antibody Conjugates (DACs) which combine the unique strengths of ADCs with selective protein degraders. Our mission is to unlock the full potential of bioconjugates and develop medicines with long-lasting benefits for patients. We are establishing an expert team to build state-of-the-art platform capabilities for the invention and development of innovative drug conjugates. Our company culture is built on the values of Focus, Integrity, Respect and Energy. We are looking for passionate individuals committed to making an impact on the future of medicine.

Position Summary:

The Bioconjugate Chemist will design, optimize and execute on the preparation of antibody and protein drug conjugates at the milligram to one-gram scale, with a primary focus on advancing ongoing Firefly Bio Degrader Antibody Drug Conjugate (DAC) discovery programs. The position is lab-facing and on-site.

Responsibilities:

• Prepare, purify, and characterize high quality novel bioconjugates in support of Firefly Bio programs, maintaining clear and current records of the work and performing all applicable analytical work.
• Execute the preparation of bioconjugates internally, or effectively manage external resources, to produce drug conjugates at the milligram to gram scale with high quality and high throughput
• Identify and implement novel and state of the art technologies applicable to Firefly Bio programs.
• Develop and optimize bioconjugation processes through the application of established and state-of-the-art methodologies, including hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC), size exclusion chromatography (SEC), liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), ion-exchange (IEX), and reversed phase (RP)-HPLC.
• Represent the Bioconjugate Chemistry function on project teams, contribute knowledge of the field to help define project strategy
• Contribute to IP filings, as appropriate.
• Contribute to the development and success of the Bioconjugate Chemistry group by fostering a collaborative, high-performing environment
• Communicate effectively with Firefly Bio colleagues
• Assist with developability assessment of candidate molecules
• Maintain thorough documentation of experimental procedures, writing of reports and technical documents.
• Maintain a safe, pleasant, and efficient working environment.

Requirements and Experience:

• Ph.D., or M.S., degree in relevant scientific discipline with appropriate industry/post-doc experience relating to drug development
• 2-5 years of work experience in a research and/or development environment.
• Strong hands-on experience producing and characterizing antibody and protein drug conjugates.
• Strong knowledge of state-of-the-art conjugation methods and handling of highly potent compounds.
• Excellent problem-solving skills with a thorough understanding of protein chemistry, protein handling, purification, and characterization.
• Demonstrated hands-on technical proficiency with analytical techniques including hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC), size exclusion chromatography (SEC), liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), ion-exchange (IEX), and reversed phase (RP)-HPLC.
• Hands-on experience and comfort working with AKTA FPLCs desired.
• Working knowledge of common preparative purification techniques including FPLC, gel filtration and TFF (UF/DF) desired.
• The ability to plan and perform bioconjugation processes on milligram to gram scale with strong laboratory bench skills are required.
• Must be able to independently prioritize own work assignments and consistently demonstrate the ability to perform assigned tasks, problem solve, and overcome hurdles through rigorous data collection, technical expertise, and application of various analytical techniques in the laboratory.
• Highly organized, diligent, and quality focused with good computer and documentation skills
• Comfortable working in a dynamic, fast paced, and collaborative environment.
• Ability to analyze, interpret, and present data in a clear manner.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, written and verbal.

Additional Skills:

• Experience with formulation and stability studies of bioconjugates
• Experience with automated workflows to produce bioconjugates in high throughput

Benefits

Every team member is essential in shaping Firefly Bio’s culture and science and for our success. We offer competitive compensation packages including stock options and the opportunity to be part of groundbreaking research. Firefly Bio is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applicants for employment. Firefly Bio does not discriminate based on race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits.