UM Launchpad at the University of Montana
Bioconjugation Chemist, CTM-ART (Formulations Group)
UM Launchpad at the University of Montana, Billings Metropolitan Area, Montana, United States
Bioconjugation Chemist, CTM-ART (Formulations Group)
Join UM Launchpad at the University of Montana to apply for the Bioconjugation Chemist, CTM-ART (Formulations Group) role in the Center for Translational Medicine-Adjuvant Research Team (CTM-ART) at the University of Montana, Missoula, MT. The Formulations and Analytical Chemistry Group 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, with a proven ability to design, develop, and optimize conjugation strategies for small molecules, proteins, glycans, carbohydrates, monoclonal antibodies, or nanoparticles. The position involves establishing multivalent display strategies to advance vaccine and immunotherapy applications. The role also involves 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.
Responsibilities Embark on an extraordinary journey and become a part of our team of creative and forward‑thinking scientists in beautiful Montana. Nestled amidst stunning landscapes, our research environment offers not only groundbreaking scientific opportunities but also an unparalleled quality of life.
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.
Minimum Qualification and Level Requirements
Associate Research Scientist:
Bachelor of Science and >5 years of applicable lab experience or Master of Science and
Research Scientist:
Bachelor of Science and >10 years of applicable lab experience or Master of Science and >5 years lab experience; designs and executes a wide range of experiments with minimal or no supervision; performs complex data management and analysis with minimum oversight; technical expert on one or more laboratory systems.
Postdoctoral Research Associate:
Ph.D. (current or within 3 months for graduate students); has theoretical, practical and exceptional technical competencies; proven record and ability to produce research to a high publication standard; designs and executes a wide range of experiments independently and proactively incorporates new technologies into practice with minimal or no supervision; performs complex data management and analysis with minimum or no oversight; assists in grant and manuscript writing with limited input from supervisor; presents effectively to internal and external meetings; writes specific technical sections of internal and external reports with limited supervision; responsible for sharing relevant scientific information from internal and external meetings with appropriate colleagues; established networking skills through interactions with scientists outside of primary project roles; trains incoming and/or junior scientists on instrumentation and methods.
Position is full‑time, 1.0 FTE, Letter of Appointment and includes a comprehensive and competitive benefits package including insurance package, mandatory retirement plan, partial tuition waiver, and wellness program.
Application Requirements
Letter of Interest – addressing the stated required skills for the position
Detailed resume listing education and describing work experience
Three (3) professional references – names and contact information
#J-18808-Ljbffr
We are seeking highly motivated candidates with strong expertise in bioconjugation chemistry, with a proven ability to design, develop, and optimize conjugation strategies for small molecules, proteins, glycans, carbohydrates, monoclonal antibodies, or nanoparticles. The position involves establishing multivalent display strategies to advance vaccine and immunotherapy applications. The role also involves 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.
Responsibilities Embark on an extraordinary journey and become a part of our team of creative and forward‑thinking scientists in beautiful Montana. Nestled amidst stunning landscapes, our research environment offers not only groundbreaking scientific opportunities but also an unparalleled quality of life.
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.
Minimum Qualification and Level Requirements
Associate Research Scientist:
Bachelor of Science and >5 years of applicable lab experience or Master of Science and
Research Scientist:
Bachelor of Science and >10 years of applicable lab experience or Master of Science and >5 years lab experience; designs and executes a wide range of experiments with minimal or no supervision; performs complex data management and analysis with minimum oversight; technical expert on one or more laboratory systems.
Postdoctoral Research Associate:
Ph.D. (current or within 3 months for graduate students); has theoretical, practical and exceptional technical competencies; proven record and ability to produce research to a high publication standard; designs and executes a wide range of experiments independently and proactively incorporates new technologies into practice with minimal or no supervision; performs complex data management and analysis with minimum or no oversight; assists in grant and manuscript writing with limited input from supervisor; presents effectively to internal and external meetings; writes specific technical sections of internal and external reports with limited supervision; responsible for sharing relevant scientific information from internal and external meetings with appropriate colleagues; established networking skills through interactions with scientists outside of primary project roles; trains incoming and/or junior scientists on instrumentation and methods.
Position is full‑time, 1.0 FTE, Letter of Appointment and includes a comprehensive and competitive benefits package including insurance package, mandatory retirement plan, partial tuition waiver, and wellness program.
Application Requirements
Letter of Interest – addressing the stated required skills for the position
Detailed resume listing education and describing work experience
Three (3) professional references – names and contact information
#J-18808-Ljbffr