Associate Director/Director Analytical and Formulation Development

Ambrx®, Inc. is an established biopharmaceutical company with a mission to deliver breakthrough protein therapeutics using an expanded genetic code. Unlike conventional conjugation techniques that create a mixture of suboptimal molecules, Ambrx technology combines site specific conjugation with proprietary linkers, payloads, and pharmacokinetic extenders to create a single molecular species that is optimized for safety, efficacy, and biophysical properties. We call this process Protein Medicinal Chemistry™.

The successful candidate will be a leader in analytical and product development for projects from IND to BLA stages, especially at late phase CMC development.  As a senior member of this function, this individual should be able to maintain high standards of technical and quality excellence and will mentor and manage scientists and associates.

Major Responsibilities:

• Lead the efforts in developing and managing life cycle of analytical methods, ensuring that the projects are progressing timely as planned, process and products meet quality and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee biologics method optimization, qualification and validation at CDMOs and internal activities to ensure methods are scientifically sound and robust.

• Provide process development support and assist with setting in-process and batch release specifications.
• Provide analytical and formulation optimization/robustness study support, and oversight for PC/PV and manufacturing of mAbs, drug substance and drug product.
• Oversee raw materials testing, extractable and leachable studies; batch release and stability studies for mAbs, ADC/protein conjugates, and drug products; Reference Standards preparation and qualification.
• Oversee Comparability studies and clinical in-use Compatibility studies.
• Assist in gap analysis of CMC activities for BLA and develop plans to de-risk and manage studies to address the gaps.
• Write/diligently review development reports, SOPs, Test Methods, qualification and validation protocols and reports, etc.
• Author relevant CMC sections of IND, CTA, and BLA.

• Provide expertise, technical leadership, and assessment of product quality impacting OOS and OOT investigations.
• Participate in project teams to provide analytical support and coordinate resources for ongoing and new projects, from research to clinical stages.

Job Requirements:

• Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry or related field with 12+ yrs. of relevant experience in analytical development and characterization of protein therapeutics.
• 5+ years of demonstrated leadership in staff and project management including Ph.D. Scientists/Senior Scientists.
• Essential hands-on experience and in-depth knowledge in instrumentation and modern analytical chemistry techniques (HPLC assays, CE, peptide mapping, process residuals, and Compendial assays).
• Extensive experience with assay development, qualification, validation and tech transfer to CDMO to support early and late-stage development for proteins, protein conjugates, antibodies, and antibody-drug conjugates.
• Experience with PTM characterization, CQA risk assessment, and biophysical assays is a plus.
• Experience with stability data evaluation, statistical analysis, DOE studies, and shelf-life projection preferred.
• Experience in GMP-compliance and Quality/Regulatory Assurance.
• Clear understanding of phase-appropriate regulatory requirement in CMC with significant experience in supporting late phase clinical development and commercialization, including authoring relevant CMC sections for IND, IMPD/CTA, and BLA submissions.
• Demonstrated ability to set clear and measurable goals for staff and prioritize tasks and resources to achieve superior work quality and efficiency.
• Excellent presentation, oral and written communication skills, be able to communicate effectively to senior management, cross-functional teams, and collaborators.

To be considered as an applicant, please submit your resume/CV referencing the specific position of interest to . Applicants whose qualifications and experience most closely match the requirements of the position will be reviewed. Candidates will only be contacted for evaluative discussions. Ambrx offers competitive compensation & benefits.  EOE