Director – Chemistry

Job Summary

The Director of Bioconjugate Chemistry is responsible for leading the bioconjugate and bioassay groups at NJ Bio. With a specific focus on Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADCs). In this role, you will play a crucial part in advancing cutting-edge therapies that combine the precision of antibodies with the potency of small molecules.

Plan project responsibilities; plan work for each project and execute it towards a timeline while maintaining productivity; plan project execution with starting material quantities and liaise with purchase to follow up on arrivals and help procurement with selection of materials; prepare and present project status and progress updates to clients; provide input on equipment purchases; get regular updates from project group; contribute to scientific discussions; check and maintain up to date lab notebooks for subordinates; supervise Scientists in the Bioconjugation department and Bioassay; maintain performance management metrics for personnel; be a subject matter expert for clients and stay abreast of current literature in scientific areas; write project reports containing procedures and experimental details for clients; maintain equipment, chemical inventory and participate in lab support activities. Perform other duties as required.

Additionally, will represent the company for business development, advise clients on solutions and instituting research plans for bioconjugate development. Be able to implement and allow implementation of new technologies.

The Director ensures adherence to relevant regulatory requirements and company Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) as appropriate.

Manages, coaches, and mentors direct reports.

Job Responsibilities

• Lead Organization: Oversee the research activities and ensure timeline deliveries when it comes to small molecule synthesis, bioconjugation and bioassays to support clients R&D projects.
• Scientific Expertise: Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and scientific advancements related to ADCs and bioconjugation.
• Subject Matter Experts: Represent company to clients, support business development and implement new services.
• Quality Control: Implement robust quality control measures to ensure product integrity and compliance.
• Team Leadership: Lead and mentor a team of scientists and researchers in the field of bioconjugation and chemistry.
• Collaboration: Work closely with research, development, and regulatory teams to drive innovation and achieve project goals.
• Plan work for each project and execute it towards a timeline while maintaining productivity.
• Plan project execution with starting material quantities and liaise with purchase to follow up on arrivals and help procurement with selection of materials.
• Provide input on equipment purchases.
• Supervise and train subordinates; maintain performance management metrics for personnel.
• Assist with non-assigned projects as needed.
• Be a subject matter expert for clients and stay abreast of current literature in the scientific area.
• Obtain regular updates from project group and ensure quality and project timelines are being met.
• Check and maintain up to date lab notebooks for all subordinates.
• Prepare and present project status and progress updates to clients.
• Contribute to scientific discussions.
• Stay abreast of current literature in scientific areas.
• Write project reports containing procedures and experimental details for clients.
• Maintain equipment, chemical inventory, and participate in lab support activities.
• Complete mandatory assigned trainings

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to effectively plan and execute projects.
• Ability to effectively plan the work of others.
• Ability to plan and execute work on multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally, in writing and to listen actively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to apply critical thinking and good problem-solving skills.
• Ability to demonstrate a willingness to learn.
• Demonstrated leadership ability and experience managing, coaching, and mentoring direct reports.
• Ability to influence without direct authority.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment consisting of internal and external team members.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Analytical thinker with excellent problem solving skills and the ability to adapt to changing priorities and deadlines.
• Excellent planning, organization and time management skills including the ability to support and prioritize multiple projects.
• Performs other tasks and assignments as needed and specified by management.
• Strong Leadership Skills: Ability to inspire and guide a team toward achieving project milestones.
• Expertise in linker-payload design and bioconjugation, including site-specific and non-specific conjugation.
• Knowledge of ADC characterization methods, such as HPLC, mass spectrometry, and bioanalytical assays.

Job Specifications

Education and Experience Requirements

Ph.D. in organic chemistry, protein chemistry with a strong background in bioconjugation or in chemistry or other related scientific discipline and a minimum of 8 years progressively responsible experience in a pharmaceutical, biotechnology or related environment.

Working Conditions
Office/Laboratory based position.