About Iksuda Therapeutics  

Iksuda Therapeutics is a drug development company specialising in the development of stable, safe, and superior Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADCs). Our ADCs target difficult-to-treat cancers, including those that are resistant or refractory to current therapies.  

We are building a pipeline of ADCs centred on:  

• PermaLink® – proprietary conjugation chemistry for improved ADC stability  

• Novel ultra-potent toxins for improved tumour killing  

• Novel antibodies targeted towards well-selected antigens associated primarily with solid tumours.  

 We have developed a series of high-value ADC assets, which are available for collaborative research and license. Our first wave of ADC programmes include antibodies with proven premise in ADC formats and cytotoxic payloads with various mechanisms of action. We are working with leading research institutions in the US and Europe to develop exciting new therapies for the future.  

 Job Summary: 
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an organic chemist to join Iksuda’s highly skilled and multidisciplinary team, contributing to the successful growth and positioning of the company as a thought leader in ADC development.   
Fulfilling a lab-based role, the successful candidate will support the team to develop novel ADC technologies, working within project teams to deliver complex target molecules, under the guidance of Senior Scientists in the Chemistry team. 
Candidates should have relevant experience in multi-step organic synthesis, and background in medicinal chemistry or drug development is highly desirable. The ideal candidate should have experience in a range of synthetic chemistries and a strong track record in delivering complex target molecules on-time and to the desired purity. 

Key Responsibilities: 

1. To prepare, isolate and characterise target molecules required to produce best-in-class antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and support R&D activities. 

1. Design and implement synthetic routes to novel and known target molecules based on available literature, under guidance of Senior Scientists. 

2. Accurately estimate timescales required to synthesise compounds and deliver targets to the agreed timelines. 

3. Perform reactions necessary for preparation of compounds and synthetic intermediates at laboratory scales ranging 1 milligram to 100g. 

4. Monitor chemical reactions and characterise complex chemical mixtures by a range of analytical techniques. 

5. Troubleshoot unsuccessful reactions and develop synthetic strategies based on knowledge and available literature, with support from Senior Scientists 

6. Perform purification of target molecules. Deliver high purity compounds which conform to specification standards required generation of ADC therapeutics. 

7. Isolate high purity compounds using a range of purification techniques – flash column chromatography, solid-phase-extraction, prep-HPLC, prep-TLC, precipitation, recrystallisation etc. 

8. Characterise novel and known target molecules, using a range of analytical techniques to assign the chemical structure and confirm purity. 

2. Work within a multi-disciplinary team to evaluate the therapeutic potential of chemistry technologies which enable next-generation ADC therapeutics. 

1. Facilitate R&D activities to access ADC technologies, including novel bioconjugation platforms, self-immolative linkers, release triggers and cytotoxic payload technologies. 

2. Provide chemistry perspective and support the team obtaining in obtaining proof-of-concept (PoC) data to demonstrate therapeutic potential of technologies developed in-house and through collaborations with strategic partners.  

3. Contribute to the innovation of new ADC technologies, through team discussions, literature review and proposal of hypotheses to deliver best-in-class ADC therapeutics. 

3. Deliver high-quality results on time and regularly produce accurate, thorough, and professional work. Follow approved procedures/protocols and ensure accuracy in documentation and data produced. 

4. Perform H&S risk assessments and contribute to good laboratory practice and ensure the highest standard of laboratory safety is maintained. 

Required Education & Experience: 

MChem/MSc/MPhil degree in Chemistry (or related discipline) 

Hands-on experience performing multi-step organic synthesis of novel/known compounds, troubleshooting synthetic routes and developing purification procedures. 

Experience determining chemical purity and characterising novel/known compound through wide range of analytical techniques (e.g. LCMS, HPLC, NMR spectroscopy, IR, UV-Vis). 

Proven track record in delivering high quality research, written reports and publications. 

High level of IT proficiency (e.g. MS office, MestreNova, ChemDraw, Reaxys, Scifinder and other literature search tools). 

Desirable Skills, Knowledge & Experience – it is desirable for the candidate to possess: 

• A knowledge of antibody-drug-conjugates, medicinal chemistry, antibody-drug conjugates, bioconjugation and self-immolative linkers. 

• Experience in chemical synthesis of drug molecules, peptides, carbohydrates, cytotoxic agents. 

• Experience with LC-MS analysis, prep-HPLC and purification method development. 

• A keen interest in biologics and drug development. 

Personal Attributes – the ideal candidate would: 

• Be forward thinking and adaptable. 

• Have excellent attention to detail. 

• Be highly collaborative, self-motivated, team-oriented, with strong interpersonal skills. 

• Have excellent oral and written communication skills. 

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent 

Salary: £28k - £33k per year 

Schedule: Monday to Friday 

Education: BSc or MSc (required) 

Work Location: In person (lab-based role) 

All applications to include a cover letter.   

Must have UK Right to Work