Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are among the most promising and most challenging modalities in modern cancer therapy. Behind each one is complex chemistry that must work not just at the bench, but reliably and safely at a manufacturable scale. Our latest colleague spotlight features Roya Mir, Ph.D., Associate Director of Process Chemistry, who leads the team responsible for making exactly that transition at our Linker-Payload Development & Manufacturing facility in Bristol, PA.
Roya heads a group of process chemists focused on transforming innovative ideas into manufacturing-ready processes for the linker-payloads used in ADCs, the work that enables the development of next-generation targeted therapies for patients. Her role is to guide those process development efforts, turning complex chemistry into processes that are robust, scalable, sustainable, and efficient enough to deliver high-quality products consistently that customers and patients can count on. It is a discipline that rewards precision and persistence in equal measure, and Roya’s career has been shaped by a simple conviction that the hardest problems are the ones most worth solving.
Roya shares, ” Innovation at Abzena is powered by collaboration. Working closely with talented colleagues across process development, analytical sciences, manufacturing, quality, engineering, and project management allows us to move quickly from concept to scalable solutions. Combining scientific expertise with high-throughput experimentation enables us to rapidly identify the best process and accelerate development for our customers and bring life-changing medicines to patients faster.”
From the Research Bench to Process Chemistry Leadership
Roya’s path into process chemistry has been guided by a consistent motivation – a passion for chemistry paired with a desire to translate innovative science into medicines that make a difference. Her journey began as a research scientist in the Pharmaceutical Department at Tehran University in Iran, following a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry. More than a decade of hands-on laboratory experience in synthetic chemistry, combined with a drive to solve complex manufacturing challenges, set the stage for her move into process development leadership within the biotechnology industry.
“My career has been driven by a passion for chemistry and a desire to transform innovative science into life-changing medicines.”
Committed to continuous learning, Roya returned to academia to earn a master’s degree in Organic Chemistry before immigrating to Canada to pursue a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry at Brock University. Throughout her doctoral and postdoctoral research, she collaborated with multiple pharmaceutical companies on process development projects, experience that sharpened her ability to design practical, scalable chemical processes.
After moving to the United States, Roya continued in the pharmaceutical industry, leading the development and scale-up of manufacturing processes for active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), from laboratory research through pilot-scale production. That deep grounding in API process development opened the door to the world of ADCs, one of the most innovative and rapidly advancing areas in cancer therapy today.
“Today, I enjoy applying my background in organic chemistry and process development to help develop robust, efficient, and scalable manufacturing processes that support the delivery of next-generation cancer treatments to patients.”
Leading Process Chemistry at Abzena
As Associate Director of Process Chemistry, Roya guides development efforts that turn complex chemistry into safe, reproducible, and efficient manufacturing processes. “Every day brings a new scientific challenge, which is what makes my work so rewarding.” A typical day involves reviewing project progress with her team, discussing scientific strategies, troubleshooting demanding chemistry, and making the key decisions that keep projects on track.
Much of her time is spent interpreting experimental data and identifying opportunities to build more robust and efficient processes, all while balancing quality, timelines, scalability, cost, and sustainability. Applying the principles of green chemistry is central to that effort, as Roya and her team continually seek ways to reduce waste, improve resource efficiency, and design processes that are both environmentally responsible and commercially viable.
Collaboration sits at the heart of her role. Roya works closely with colleagues across process development, analytical sciences, manufacturing, quality, engineering, and project management to overcome technical challenges and deliver high-quality solutions for customers. Pairing that scientific expertise with high-throughput experimentation allows the team to rapidly identify the best process and accelerate development. Just as important to her is helping in the development of others — mentoring scientists, encouraging creative problem-solving, and helping build an environment where innovation can thrive.
“Seeing a process evolve from an initial laboratory concept to a safe, reproducible, multi-kilogram manufacturing process is incredibly rewarding. It’s a testament to the expertise, teamwork, and commitment to quality excellence that defines Abzena.”
What Makes Working at Abzena So Compelling
What stands out most to Roya about working at Abzena is the combination of strong scientific collaboration, a supportive team culture, and the opportunity to contribute to work that can have a real impact on patients.
“The projects are challenging in the best way, and I enjoy being part of an environment where people are encouraged to think creatively, solve complex problems, and continuously improve.”
Equally motivating is the breadth of the work itself. For Roya, this field brings together science, innovation, and practical application in a way that is both intellectually rewarding and genuinely meaningful. Watching ideas move from early development through to solutions that support the delivery of important therapies is what makes the work so fulfilling.
Life Beyond the Lab
Outside of Abzena, Roya finds balance and inspiration in the outdoors. She enjoys hiking and spending time in nature, which she sees as much more than simply exercise.
“Hiking is a great way to connect with people, exchange ideas, and have meaningful conversations, whether about science, our careers, or the exciting advances being made in cancer therapies.”
Meeting people from different backgrounds, learning from their experiences, and sharing how innovation in the field is shaping the future of medicine are among the things she values most.
Roya is also drawn to museums and art exhibitions, fascinated by creativity and innovation, whether expressed through science or art. Exploring new ideas, cultures, and the evolution of knowledge inspires her and reminds her that progress often comes from curiosity, imagination, and the willingness to see the world from different perspectives.
Her Advice for Those Considering a Career in Process Chemistry
For anyone interested in a career in Process Chemistry within the pharmaceutical CDMO industry, Roya’s advice is grounded in her own journey:
“Build a strong foundation in organic chemistry while staying curious and open to continuous learning. Process chemistry is much more than carrying out reactions — it requires creativity, critical thinking, and the ability to solve complex problems while balancing quality, safety, cost, sustainability, and timelines.”
She encourages emerging scientists to take every opportunity to gain hands-on laboratory experience and to develop a deep understanding of how chemistry translates from the bench to manufacturing. She does note that setbacks are part of the process and often the most valuable part.
“Don’t be discouraged when experiments don’t work as planned. Every challenge is an opportunity to learn and innovate.”
Roya also emphasizes that technical skill alone is not enough. Strong communication and collaboration are just as essential, as process chemists work closely with multidisciplinary teams to bring life-changing medicines from concept to production. Above all, she points to the sense of purpose that makes the career so rewarding.
“Remember that your work can have a direct impact on patients’ lives. Knowing that the processes you develop contribute to the manufacture of innovative therapies makes this career both meaningful and incredibly rewarding.”
Roya’s journey from a research bench scientist to leading process chemistry for next-generation ADCs is a testament to what is possible when scientific curiosity, perseverance, and purpose all come together in the right environment. At Abzena, our process chemists are at the heart of turning complex science into the medicines patients are waiting for, and we are always looking for driven individuals who are ready to make a meaningful impact.
If you are interested in joining a team that helps bring life-changing therapies from concept to patients, visit the Abzena Careers Page to explore our open roles and take the next step toward a career that truly moves medicine forward. Careers | Vacancies | Abzena
