Principal Scientist – Bioseparation & Analytical Development

Overview

Element Ann Arbor is currently seeking a highly experienced Principal Scientist – Bioseparation to lead and execute advanced analytical method development, characterization, and validation of large molecule therapeutics across discovery, development, and late-stage CMC. This is an onsite, laboratory-based role with significant hands‑on responsibility in bioseparation sciences, supporting a broad range of biologics modalities including proteins and recombinant proteins, peptides and peptide‑drug conjugates, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and biosimilars, antibody‑drug conjugates (ADCs), mRNA therapeutics, DNA constructs (including plasmid DNA and oligonucleotides), viral vectors, and other complex or emerging modalities such as fusion proteins, multispecifics, and engineered biologics.

• Lead development, optimization, and troubleshooting of bioseparation‑based analytical methods supporting biologics across discovery, development, and late‑stage CMC, including orthogonal analytical strategies for comprehensive characterization
• Perform hands‑on execution and technical leadership across a broad range of modalities, including proteins and recombinant proteins, peptides and peptide‑drug conjugates, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and biosimilars, antibody‑drug conjugates (ADCs), mRNA therapeutics, DNA/plasmid DNA/oligonucleotides, viral vectors, and emerging complex biologics (fusion proteins, multispecifics, engineered constructs)
• Apply deep expertise in chromatography platforms (HPLC/UPLC/UHPLC, SEC, IEX, HIC, RP‑HPLC, affinity chromatography), mass spectrometry (LC‑MS/MS, high‑resolution MS, SEC‑MALS, native MS, MAM workflows, glycan/PTM characterization), capillary electrophoresis (CE‑SDS, cIEF, purity/identity assays), and supporting biophysical techniques (DLS, DSC, UV/fluorescence, MALS, CD, FTIR)
• Lead analytical strategy for complex biologics programs, including method development, qualification, validation, transfer, comparability, stability, forced degradation, and full characterization studies
• Ensure development of robust GMP‑compliant methods aligned with ICH Q2/Q6, USP, EP, and GMP requirements, and support regulatory submissions (IND, BLA, IMPD) with high‑quality analytical data packages
• Drive innovation in analytical science, including implementation of MAM workflows, high‑throughput LC‑MS platforms, automated bioseparation methods, and evaluation of emerging technologies in biologics characterization
• Provide scientific leadership and mentorship to junior scientists, including troubleshooting complex bioseparation and mass spectrometry challenges and establishing best practices in analytical development and execution

• PhD in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related field (or MS with extensive industry experience in biologics analytical development)
• 8–15+ years of experience in biopharmaceutical or CRO analytical development with strong hands‑on expertise in bioseparation of large molecules
• Deep technical expertise across analytical platforms, including LC/UPLC/SEC/IEX/HIC/RP chromatography, LC‑MS and high‑resolution mass spectrometry, CE‑SDS, cIEF, SEC‑MALS, and complementary biophysical techniques. Strong scientific knowledge of protein structure and higher‑order structure, monoclonal antibodies and biosimilars, antibody‑drug conjugates (ADCs), engineered biologics, and nucleic acid‑based therapeutics (mRNA, DNA, oligonucleotides)
• Demonstrated experience in comparability, stability studies, and degradation pathway analysis for complex biologics
• Preferred experience includes CRO or client‑facing analytical project execution, MAM workflows, advanced LC‑MS analytics, glycan mapping and PTM quantification, and automation/high‑throughput analytical systems
• Strong scientific writing capability with experience supporting regulatory documentation and submissions
• Proven ability to execute in onsite laboratory environments with strong hands‑on bioseparation and multi‑platform analytical integration skills
• Ability to manage complex biologics programs in fast‑paced, matrixed environments with strong problem‑solving and scientific…