The University of Montana - College of Business
Bioconjugation Chemist, CTM-ART (Formulations Group)
The University of Montana - College of Business, Billings Metropolitan Area, Montana, United States
Bioconjugation Chemist, CTM-ART (Formulations Group)
Location:
University of Montana – College of Business, Missoula, MT
The Formulations and Analytical Chemistry Group within the Center for Translational Medicine-Adjuvant Research Team (CTM-ART) at the University of Montana seeks an energetic and skilled Bioconjugation Chemist to join the lab of Dr. Walid Abdelwahab. This position offers an exciting opportunity to work within a well‑funded, world‑class research team with strong connections in both academia and industry, dedicated to advancing novel vaccines, adjuvants, and immunomodulators. Our research encompasses a broad spectrum of small‑ and large‑molecule drug discovery and development, as well as protein and mRNA vaccine delivery systems, including lipid‑based platforms (LNPs, liposomes, emulsions), inorganic nanoparticles, and bioconjugates. This opportunity provides a strong preparation for a career in academic or industry research.
We are seeking highly motivated candidates with strong expertise in bioconjugation chemistry and a proven ability to design, develop, and optimize conjugation strategies for small molecules, proteins, glycans, carbohydrates, monoclonal antibodies, or nanoparticles. The role involves establishing multivalent display strategies to advance vaccine and immunotherapy applications and performing analytical characterization of bioconjugates using techniques such as HPLC (UV/CAD), MS, NMR, CE, CD, DSC, and DLS to support formulation development. Familiarity with vaccine delivery systems, nanoparticle technology, and carbohydrate chemistry, along with a solid understanding of immunology and biological systems, will be viewed favorably.
Qualifications Minimum Qualifications
Advanced degree (or equivalent combination of education and experience) in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
Demonstrated expertise in bioconjugation chemistry and analytical characterization of bioconjugates.
Hands‑on formulation experience with small molecules, proteins, glycans, carbohydrates, monoclonal antibodies, or nanoparticles.
Strong commitment to laboratory safety practices.
Excellent documentation, communication, and presentation skills.
Proven ability to record, summarize, and report research results in technical documents (e.g., validation reports, stability reports, development summaries).
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with nanoparticle formulations (e.g., polymeric nanoparticles, dendrimers, inorganic nanoparticles).
Ability to design, conduct, and interpret experiments aligned with project objectives.
Strong problem‑solving skills and ability to recommend technical solutions.
Effective communicator with the ability to present findings clearly and concisely in both written and oral formats.
Demonstrated ability to collaborate across teams, foster partnerships, and contribute to a highly interactive research environment.
Benefits Full‑time, 1.0 FTE. Letter of Appointment and a comprehensive and competitive benefits package including insurance, mandatory retirement plan, partial tuition waiver, and wellness program.
Application Requirements
Letter of Interest addressing the required skills.
Detailed resume listing education and work experience.
Three professional references (names and contact information).
EEO Statement The Affiliation of the University of Montana (UM Affiliation) is an equal opportunity employer. UM Affiliation does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of protected class status as described in UM’s non‑discrimination policy and any applicable law. Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law.
Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to the offer of employment. In accordance with university regulations, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations.
References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. UM partners with SkillSurvey for reference checking. Applicants may receive emails from SkillSurvey to submit reference information.
Testing: Individual hiring departments within the UM Affiliation may elect to administer pre‑employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions.
Employment Eligibility: All new employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM and all affiliated campuses, as legally required (e.g., Form I‑9). The University of Montana will require proof of authorization to work in the United States before final hiring.
Note: The University is not able to offer H‑1B sponsorship and is not able to pay the $100,000 payment accompanying new H‑1B visa petitions.
For full benefits information visit the Montana University System Benefits website or contact our office for additional questions.
Senior Level & Employment Type Mid‑Senior level – Other (Research, Analyst, and Information Technology). Employment type: Other.
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University of Montana – College of Business, Missoula, MT
The Formulations and Analytical Chemistry Group within the Center for Translational Medicine-Adjuvant Research Team (CTM-ART) at the University of Montana seeks an energetic and skilled Bioconjugation Chemist to join the lab of Dr. Walid Abdelwahab. This position offers an exciting opportunity to work within a well‑funded, world‑class research team with strong connections in both academia and industry, dedicated to advancing novel vaccines, adjuvants, and immunomodulators. Our research encompasses a broad spectrum of small‑ and large‑molecule drug discovery and development, as well as protein and mRNA vaccine delivery systems, including lipid‑based platforms (LNPs, liposomes, emulsions), inorganic nanoparticles, and bioconjugates. This opportunity provides a strong preparation for a career in academic or industry research.
We are seeking highly motivated candidates with strong expertise in bioconjugation chemistry and a proven ability to design, develop, and optimize conjugation strategies for small molecules, proteins, glycans, carbohydrates, monoclonal antibodies, or nanoparticles. The role involves establishing multivalent display strategies to advance vaccine and immunotherapy applications and performing analytical characterization of bioconjugates using techniques such as HPLC (UV/CAD), MS, NMR, CE, CD, DSC, and DLS to support formulation development. Familiarity with vaccine delivery systems, nanoparticle technology, and carbohydrate chemistry, along with a solid understanding of immunology and biological systems, will be viewed favorably.
Qualifications Minimum Qualifications
Advanced degree (or equivalent combination of education and experience) in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
Demonstrated expertise in bioconjugation chemistry and analytical characterization of bioconjugates.
Hands‑on formulation experience with small molecules, proteins, glycans, carbohydrates, monoclonal antibodies, or nanoparticles.
Strong commitment to laboratory safety practices.
Excellent documentation, communication, and presentation skills.
Proven ability to record, summarize, and report research results in technical documents (e.g., validation reports, stability reports, development summaries).
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with nanoparticle formulations (e.g., polymeric nanoparticles, dendrimers, inorganic nanoparticles).
Ability to design, conduct, and interpret experiments aligned with project objectives.
Strong problem‑solving skills and ability to recommend technical solutions.
Effective communicator with the ability to present findings clearly and concisely in both written and oral formats.
Demonstrated ability to collaborate across teams, foster partnerships, and contribute to a highly interactive research environment.
Benefits Full‑time, 1.0 FTE. Letter of Appointment and a comprehensive and competitive benefits package including insurance, mandatory retirement plan, partial tuition waiver, and wellness program.
Application Requirements
Letter of Interest addressing the required skills.
Detailed resume listing education and work experience.
Three professional references (names and contact information).
EEO Statement The Affiliation of the University of Montana (UM Affiliation) is an equal opportunity employer. UM Affiliation does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of protected class status as described in UM’s non‑discrimination policy and any applicable law. Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law.
Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to the offer of employment. In accordance with university regulations, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations.
References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. UM partners with SkillSurvey for reference checking. Applicants may receive emails from SkillSurvey to submit reference information.
Testing: Individual hiring departments within the UM Affiliation may elect to administer pre‑employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions.
Employment Eligibility: All new employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM and all affiliated campuses, as legally required (e.g., Form I‑9). The University of Montana will require proof of authorization to work in the United States before final hiring.
Note: The University is not able to offer H‑1B sponsorship and is not able to pay the $100,000 payment accompanying new H‑1B visa petitions.
For full benefits information visit the Montana University System Benefits website or contact our office for additional questions.
Senior Level & Employment Type Mid‑Senior level – Other (Research, Analyst, and Information Technology). Employment type: Other.
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