Program Director, Linker-Payload and Antibody-Drug Conjugate Engineering

Lindonlight is dedicated to the discovery and development of transformative therapies for pediatric brain tumors. The organization operates as an integrated ecosystem comprised of the Lindonlight Foundation, Lindonlight Collective, and Lindonlight Bio. Within this ecosystem, Lindonlight Bio is focused on developing promising therapeutics for pediatric glioma, with antibody-drug conjugates identified as a critical and under-exploited opportunity.

We are seeking an individual who will lead a novel payload-linker/ADC program targeting pediatric glioma from late discovery stage to IND. The ideal candidate is a highly motivated and technically creative medicinal chemist with extensive experience in ADC linker design. A passionate individual with original ideas on linker-payload design who is eager to put their ideas to the test. Industrial or graduate research experience and deep knowledge of ADC, linker-payload design and pharmacology/metabolism, as well as conjugation chemistry/engineering are required.

Candidates with a strong background in Medicinal Chemistry, bioconjugation, linker design and in vivo metabolism, as demonstrated by publications, presentations and patents, are encouraged to apply. The ideal candidate can demonstrate multiple attributes listed above to solve challenging problems in linker design for novel ADC payloads.

The Director will work with the CEO and collaborate with a diverse cross-functional team of the Lindonlight group, overseeing the work of external chemistry, bioconjugation, metabolism and oncology CROs in the design and execution of the synthesis of novel payload linkers and ADC for pediatric glioma.

• Work in a team environment to design and optimize linkers with novel payloads at third-party partners (CROs).
• Perform Sci Finder searches to evaluate chemical precedents and freedom to operate.
• Evaluate and prioritize linker technologies for specific payloads and indications.
• Guide CROs through antibody conjugations and appropriate QC.
• Assist in converting CRO provided information (conjugations, synthesis, potency) into patent ready format.
• Design PK/PD and tox experiments and supervise execution by CROs.
• Select most appropriate CRO (price competitive, expertise) for PK/PD, in vitro ADME, etc.
• Optimize payload potency, membrane permeability, bystander effect, and metabolic stability.
• Control hydrophobicity (cLogP), solubility, and aggregation risk at the linker–payload level.
• Develop cleavable and non‑cleavable linker–payload architectures (Val‑Cit, GGFG, β‑glucuronide, sulfatase‑cleavable, trisulfide, carbonate).

• PhD in Chemistry (Synthetic, Medicinal or Bioconjugate focus), Chemical Engineering, Physical Chemistry, Chemistry, Biochemistry or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in the pharmaceutical or biotech industry in developing Drug substance (small molecule or biologics) manufacturing process technologies.
• The successful candidate is a proven, experienced team leader with a track record of success in medicinal chemistry and multidisciplinary ADC discovery.
• Experience in phosphate coupling reactions strongly welcome.

• Demonstrable ability to work proactively, independently, collaboratively and tenaciously in an interdisciplinary, dynamic fast paced environment.
• Experience with antibody‑drug conjugate (ADC) modalities beyond traditional payloads (TOP1, Tubulin, etc.) is a plus.
• Experience with novel conjugation chemistries, including but not limited to native cysteine/lysine conjugation, enzymatic, site‑specific, and engineered cysteine conjugations is a plus.
• Experience with running well design experiments, collecting required analytical data, modeling, and ability to work with CRO.
• Experience in ADC/linker CMC and develop ability
• Program execution and ability to carry a program to IND

• Reports to: Chief Executive Officer
• Job Type: Full-time, In-Person
• Schedule: Monday to Friday;
  Weekends as needed
• Work Hours: Requires flexibility to accommodate recurring evening meetings with international collaborators across time zones (Europe and Asia), occurring approximately 2–3 times per week.
• Location: Houston, TX [Texas Medical Center]
• Travel: Approximately 15% | This Houston-based position requires occasional travel to Boston for week‑long team meetings, as well as occasional travel to scientific conferences and meetings.
• Compensation: Expected base salary range: $190,000 - $260,000

Final salary will be based on the candidate’s experience, qualifications, and overall fit for the position.

• 401(k) with company match
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off

Lindonlight is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or any other legally protected status.