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BioSpace

Senior Scientist 1, Biophysical Characterization

BioSpace, San Rafael, California, United States, 94911

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Senior Scientist 1, Biophysical Characterization BioMarin is a global biotechnology company that relentlessly pursues bold science to translate genetic discoveries into new medicines that advance the future of human health. Since our founding in 1997, we have applied our scientific expertise in understanding the underlying causes of genetic conditions to create transformative medicines, using a range of treatment modalities. We develop medicines for patients with significant unmet medical need, enlisting the best experts and cultivating an environment that empowers our teams to pursue innovative science. With this distinctive approach to drug discovery, we’ve produced a diverse pipeline of commercial, clinical and preclinical candidates that offer opportunities for first‑to‑market advantages or substantial benefits over existing therapies.

From research and discovery to post‑market clinical development, our worldwide research and development (WWRD) engine involves all bench and clinical research and the associated support groups. Our teams work on developing first‑in‑class and best‑in‑class therapeutics that provide meaningful advances to patients with genetic diseases. We are seeking a Senior Scientist 1 – Biophysical Characterization & Bioconjugation to lead analytical strategy and experimental design for therapeutic proteins and their bioconjugates—particularly enzyme‑ and antibody‑based platforms.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership in Biophysical Characterization

Lead biophysical characterization strategies for protein‑based therapeutics (enzymes, antibodies, fusion proteins) and, as appropriate, other modalities such as nanoparticles and/or small molecules.

Apply bioconjugation chemistry expertise to optimize critical product attributes such as half‑life, specificity, and developability.

Assay Development & Innovation

Develop, optimize, and validate fit‑for‑purpose and high‑throughput assays to assess higher‑order structure, aggregation, stability, and binding interactions.

For bioconjugates, evaluate conjugation efficiency, site occupancy, DAR/DPR, linker/payload stability, degradation profiles, and serum/matrix stability.

Deliver well‑documented, phase‑appropriate analytical packages suitable for internal or CRO execution (development → qualification → transfer).

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

Partner with Discovery, Therapeutic Development, Analytical Sciences, Protein Engineering, Formulation, and Regulatory teams to integrate biophysical insights and support decision‑making at key development milestones.

Technology Transfer & External Partnerships

Lead technology transfer of assays and workflows to Analytical Sciences or external partners (CROs/CDMOs), ensuring SOP completeness, acceptance criteria, comparability plans, and data integrity standards.

Scientific Innovation & External Engagement

Stay current on bioconjugation and analytical biophysics innovations (e.g., mass photometry, HDX‑MS, native/denaturing MS for DAR and site occupancy, FcRn assays).

Evaluate and implement emerging platforms to strengthen data quality and reduce program risk.

Regulatory Support

Prepare analytical reports and datasets supporting IND/CTA submissions.

Contribute to comparability assessments and respond to health authority queries in collaboration with CMC and Quality.

Mentorship & Culture Building

Act as a player‑coach, mentoring junior scientists, maintaining high data integrity standards, and promoting a culture of excellence, innovation, and accountability.

Qualifications

Education:

Ph.D. in Biophysics, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or Chemical/Biomedical Engineering preferred.

M.S. or B.S. with significant industry experience will be considered.

Experience:

Ph.D. with 6+ years, M.S. with 10+ years, or B.S. with 12+ years of relevant experience in biophysical and analytical characterization of biologics.

Proven success with therapeutic protein conjugates (enzymes, antibodies, fusion proteins). Experience with small‑molecule or nanoparticle conjugates is an advantage.

Technical Expertise:

Working knowledge or hands‑on experience in at least one or two methods per category:

Size/Assembly: SEC‑MALS, FFF‑MALS, AUC, DLS, Mass Photometry

Structure/Stability: DSC, DSF, CD, FTIR, HDX‑MS (preferred)

Binding/Mechanism: SPR, BLI, ITC, MST

Chromatography/Charge/Identity: HIC, IEX, RP‑HPLC, CE‑SDS, cIEF, LC‑MS (intact mass, peptide mapping; native/denaturing for DAR/site occupancy)

Conjugation Analytics: DAR/DPR analysis, linker/payload stability, forced degradation, serum/matrix stability

Regulatory & CMC: Experience contributing to IND/CTA filings and supporting method lifecycle management for complex biologics and conjugates.

Core Competencies

Strong experimental design, quantitative analysis, and problem‑solving skills

Clear written and verbal communication

Ability to lead and collaborate within cross‑functional, matrixed teams

Experience managing CRO/CDMO deliverables

Preferred Qualifications

Experience establishing release and stability testing panels for biologics or conjugates

Demonstrated success transferring analytical methods to/from CROs/CDMOs, including full documentation and comparability packages

Familiarity with regulatory submissions and agency interactions for bioconjugates or ADCs

Evidence of scientific innovation, such as peer‑reviewed publications, patents, or conference presentations

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled An Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

Seniority Level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment Type

Full‑time

Job Function

Research, Analyst, and Information Technology

Industries: Internet News

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