The School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology (CCEB) conducts interdisciplinary education and research across chemistry, chemical engineering and biotechnology, with research strengths that include synthetic, biological and medicinal chemistry.

We are looking for a Research Fellow in Organic Chemistry to develop, synthesize, characterize and purify antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), peptides and related linker-payload components. The role will focus on solution-phase synthesis, solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS), conjugation and purification workflows, analytical characterization, and the delivery of reproducible research results.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and execute multi-step solution-phase organic synthesis and solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) of peptides, linkers, payloads, linker-payloads and other ADC-related molecules.
• Develop and optimize amide-bond formation and conjugation reactions, including coupling-reagent selection, protecting-group strategies, chemoselectivity, conversion and yield.
• Develop and optimize ADC conjugation and purification workflows to produce material that meets project specifications.
• Purify peptides, small molecules, intermediates, linker-payloads and ADCs using flash chromatography, preparative HPLC, SEC/FPLC and other suitable methods.
• Characterize products and assess identity, purity, drug-to-antibody ratio and aggregation using NMR, LC-MS, HPLC/UPLC, UV-Vis, SEC and HIC.
• Troubleshoot amide coupling, SPPS, conjugation, purification and analytical issues, and recommend practical solutions.
• Maintain accurate experimental records and prepare technical reports, presentations and manuscripts.
• Maintain good research and laboratory safety practices and perform related duties assigned by the Principal Investigator.

Job Requirements:

• PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Biology or Biochemistry.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience in synthetic organic chemistry and in the synthesis and purification of antibody-drug conjugates; linker-payload chemistry and bioconjugation experience is required.
• Hands-on experience with SPPS, including resin handling, coupling cycles, cleavage, deprotection, preparative HPLC purification and LC-MS analysis.
• Experience developing amide-bond formation and conjugation methods, including coupling-reagent selection, protecting-group strategies, reaction optimization and chemoselectivity.
• Experience with ADC purification and characterization using SEC/FPLC, HIC, LC-MS, analytical HPLC/UPLC and UV-Vis, including assessment of purity, drug-to-antibody ratio and aggregation.
• Good experimental documentation, problem-solving, scientific writing and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary research team.

We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.