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Bioconjugation Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Bioconjugation information

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$30

$60

$91

How much do bioconjugation jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for bioconjugation in California is $60.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41.97 and $72.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Bioconjugation vs Protein Conjugation?

AspectBioconjugationProtein Conjugation
Required CredentialsBiochemistry, Molecular Biology certificationsBiochemistry, Molecular Biology certifications
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, biotech companiesLaboratories, biotech companies
Industry UsageDrug development, diagnostics, researchDrug development, diagnostics, research
Common Search IntentUnderstanding bioconjugation techniquesUnderstanding protein conjugation methods

Bioconjugation involves attaching biomolecules like drugs, antibodies, or peptides to other molecules for various applications. Protein conjugation specifically focuses on linking proteins to other molecules, often as part of bioconjugation processes. While both roles require similar skills and work environments, bioconjugation covers a broader range of biomolecules, whereas protein conjugation is specialized in working with proteins. Understanding these differences helps professionals and employers target the right expertise for biotech projects.

What is bioconjugation?

Bioconjugation is the process of chemically linking two molecules, at least one of which is a biological molecule such as a protein, peptide, or antibody. This technique is commonly used to attach drugs, fluorescent dyes, or other markers to biomolecules for research, diagnostic, or therapeutic purposes. Bioconjugation plays a crucial role in developing targeted drug delivery systems, biosensors, and imaging agents. The process requires careful selection of conjugation chemistries to preserve the function of the biomolecules involved.

What are the capabilities of bioconjugation?

Bioconjugation involves attaching biomolecules such as proteins, antibodies, or drugs to other molecules or surfaces, enabling targeted delivery, diagnostics, and therapeutic applications. It requires skills in chemistry, biochemistry, and often the use of specialized tools like crosslinkers and conjugation kits to ensure stability and specificity of the conjugates.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a bioconjugation scientist role, and why are they important?

To thrive as a bioconjugation scientist, you need a solid background in chemistry or biochemistry, experience with protein modification techniques, and typically a relevant advanced degree. Familiarity with analytical tools like HPLC, mass spectrometry, and knowledge of Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) or GMP guidelines is common, along with experience using laboratory information management systems (LIMS). Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating across research teams and troubleshooting experimental challenges. These competencies ensure the efficient development of high-quality bioconjugates for applications in therapeutics, diagnostics, or research.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in bioconjugation, and how can they be addressed?

One common challenge in bioconjugation roles is ensuring the specificity and stability of the conjugates produced, as improper coupling can affect the efficacy and safety of the final product. Additionally, troubleshooting complex reactions and optimizing protocols for scale-up requires strong problem-solving skills and familiarity with analytical techniques. Effective collaboration with cross-functional teams such as analytical chemistry, process development, and quality assurance is vital to overcoming these obstacles and ensuring project success. Staying updated with the latest advances in conjugation chemistries and regulatory requirements also helps professionals adapt to the evolving landscape.

What cities in California are hiring for Bioconjugation jobs?

Cities in California with the most Bioconjugation job openings:

Infographic showing various Bioconjugation job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 2% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,072 per year, or $60.6 per hour.

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, BIOCONJUGATION

Sutro Biopharma

South San Francisco, CA โ€ข On-site

$173 - $196/hr

Other

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, BIOCONJUGATION

Sutro Biopharma is seeking an innovative and highly motivated Associate Director to join the Protein Biochemistry Group. The successful candidate will serve as a scientific leader in bioconjugation and analytical characterization of conjugates, supporting the discovery and development of next-generation antibodyโ€‘drug conjugates (ADCs).

This role will be responsible for driving the development, optimization, and implementation of conjugation technologies and analytical workflows, including mass spectrometryโ€‘based characterization of proteins and bioconjugates. The Associate Director will be a member of crossโ€‘functional efforts to design, characterize, and advance novel conjugates, and will contribute to strategic decisions that impact pipeline and platform development.

Responsibilities
  • Lead the conjugation team responsible for the development and optimization of siteโ€‘specific bioconjugation of nextโ€‘generation ADCs.
  • Conjugate and characterize ADCs to support the earlyโ€‘stage research pipeline.
  • Develop analytical strategies to interrogate conjugation efficiency and biophysical properties of ADCs.
  • Coordinate with crossโ€‘functional teams to drive innovation in conjugation chemistry and evaluate emerging technologies to enhance Sutroโ€™s therapeutic platforms.
  • Collaborate with teams in research and tech operations groups to progress molecules from early leads to early development.
Qualifications
  • Ph.D. in biochemistry or a related discipline with 8+ years of industry experience.
  • Experience developing and troubleshooting bioconjugation methods is required; experience working with ADCs or antibody fragments is preferred.
  • Proficiency in analytical methods for characterization of proteins and bioconjugates utilizing HPLC (SEC, HIC, RP, and IEX), UVโ€‘Vis, DLS, SDSโ€‘PAGE, CE, and complementary biophysical techniques.
  • Familiarity with various researchโ€‘scale affinity methods for protein purification, including desalting, SEC, IMAC, protein A, protein G; experience with TFF is a plus.
  • Experience with recombinant protein expression in E. coli and/or cellโ€‘free protein synthesis systems is a plus.

Sound exciting? Apply today and join our team!

Sutro Biopharma, Inc. encourages all colleagues to be fully vaccinated for COVIDโ€‘19 prior to the first date of employment.

As an equal opportunity employer, we believe in fostering a culture that is inclusive and values diversity in background and opinions. Sutro Biopharma hires extraordinary individuals into every position in the company and is committed to the diversity of our team. Our company progresses without regard of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religious belief, age, disability or citizenship status. We are dedicated to creating a safe environment where our employees can grow and succeed together.

The anticipated salary range for fully qualified candidates applying for this role at Sutro Biopharmaโ€™s Californiaโ€‘based locations will be $173,000 โ€“ $196,000 (not including bonus, equity, and benefits). The final salary offered will be dependent on several factors that include and are not limited to relevant previous experience, job responsibilities and duration of experience, the type and length of experience within the industry and education.

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