At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive peptide and mini-protein discovery using cutting-edge mRNA display technology.
- Company: Join Zealand Pharma, a leader in biotechnology focused on obesity and metabolic health.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with strong engagement and innovative spirit.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of drug discovery and make a real impact in healthcare.
- Qualifications: PhD or relevant experience in mRNA display or related technologies required.
The predicted salary is between 42750 - 52250 £ per year.
Does it excite you to work at the frontier of peptide and mini-protein drug discovery, and do you have hands-on experience with mRNA display technology? If this sounds like you, and you are ready to help build a new discovery platform from the ground up, then you could be our new colleague.
Your new position
As a Scientist or Senior Scientist in mRNA Display, you will play a central scientific role in our new Molecular Platform Development organization, driving peptide and mini-protein discovery through mRNA display technology. You will help build and operate a modern, high-throughput display platform at the inception of our new Cambridge, MA research center. This role suits a scientist with strong technical expertise across the full mRNA display workflow, scientific curiosity, and a desire to grow in scope and responsibility.
We Offer Exciting Responsibilities
- Execute the full peptide and mini-protein mRNA display workflow, from library design and in-vitro transcription/translation through puromycin-based fusion, selection, and enrichment.
- Apply expertise in non-canonical amino acid incorporation to expand chemical diversity within display libraries.
- Apply chemical modification strategies—including macrocyclization/stapling, lipidation, and bioconjugation to improve potency, stability, and pharmacokinetic properties.
- Build and maintain custom cell-free display systems in-house, including establishing mRNA display platforms from scratch.
- Generate and analyze structure-activity relationship (SAR) data to support optimization of selected hits, contributing to lead and backup candidate selection.
- Collaborate with computational modeling, design, and data science colleagues to support efficient DMTA cycles.
Your profile
- PhD in Chemical Biology, Biochemistry, Organic Chemistry, or a related field preferred (postdoctoral training preferred); candidates with a BS/MS and significantly more relevant industry experience will also be considered.
- 2+ years of relevant post-degree experience in mRNA display or related in-vitro display technologies (Scientist); 4+ years (Senior Scientist).
- Experience building custom cell-free display systems from scratch strongly preferred; experience with other in-vitro display technologies (e.g., ribosome display) and cell-free protein/peptide expression systems (e.g., IVTT, CFS) is a plus.
- Experience incorporating non-canonical amino acids via reprogrammed translation systems (e.g., flexizyme-based methods) or related approaches.
- Experience applying next-generation sequencing (NGS) to analyze library diversity and selection enrichment; familiarity with associated bioinformatics is a plus.
- Familiarity with analytical characterization of peptides (e.g., LC-MS-based methods) and peptide developability considerations (stability, solubility, manufacturability).
Your new team
You will join Molecular Platform Development, a new organization created to strengthen and advance diverse drug modality capabilities in metabolic disease, based at our new Cambridge, MA research center. The site is a highly collaborative, multidisciplinary discovery hub integrating computational research, chemistry, and biology, and is deeply connected to the Greater Boston life sciences ecosystem.
Let’s bond and be bold
We have a unique culture, characterized by excellent teamwork and strong engagement across the organization. And we want you to help us strengthen this culture. Making bonds is at the core of everything we do. From discovering and developing the best new peptide drugs for patients, to engaging with our partners or connecting with each other. We bond through curiosity and playfulness as a team, allowing ourselves to challenge common thinking and drive future innovation. Join us and let’s bond and be bold.
Salary Range: $125,000 - $170,000
We are committed to an inclusive recruitment process and welcome applications from all job applicants.
About Zealand Pharma A/S
Zealand Pharma A/S (Nasdaq: ZEAL) is a biotechnology company focused on advancing medicines for obesity and metabolic health. Combining more than 25 years of peptide R&D expertise with a proprietary data platform that leverages advanced data-driven and AI/ML approaches, Zealand Pharma aims to lead a new era in obesity and metabolic health. To date, more than ten Zealand Pharma-invented drug candidates have entered clinical development, of which two products have reached the market and three candidates are in late-stage development. The Company has collaborations with global pharmaceutical and biotechnology partners for research, development, and commercialization. Founded in 1998, Zealand Pharma is headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark, with a U.S. presence in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Scientist/Sr. Scientist, mRNA Display in Cambridge employer: Zealand Pharma
Zealand Pharma A/S is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at the forefront of peptide and mini-protein drug discovery in Cambridge, MA. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and innovation, employees benefit from a culture that encourages curiosity and teamwork, alongside opportunities for professional growth within a rapidly advancing biotechnology company. The new research centre not only integrates cutting-edge technology but also connects deeply with the vibrant Greater Boston life sciences ecosystem, making it an ideal place for passionate scientists to thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Scientist/Sr. Scientist, mRNA Display in Cambridge
✨Get Involved in Local Research Communities
Tap into local biotechnology meetups and research forums. These are great places to mingle with industry professionals, share your passion, and even discover unadvertised job openings. It's all about getting your face known in the field!
✨Leverage University Alumni Networks
If you're a recent grad, don’t underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network! Reach out to alumni working in biotechnology to gather tips about job openings at companies like Zealand Pharma. You'd be surprised how willing people are to help out a fellow grad!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Curate a portfolio showcasing any research projects or internships you've completed in biotechnology. This tangible evidence of your skills can really impress employers when you chat with them at networking events or interviews. It's about making that killer first impression!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Biotech is a fast-paced field, so keeping yourself updated with the latest advancements is crucial. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or workshops to broaden your knowledge and meet potential employers. Plus, it’ll give you fantastic talking points for your interviews at places like Zealand Pharma!
We think you need these skills to ace Scientist/Sr. Scientist, mRNA Display in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:In the biotechnology field, it's super important to highlight your lab experience in your CV. Be sure to mention specific techniques or instruments you've mastered (think PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show Zealand Pharma that you have the hands-on skills they need.
Tailor Your Technical Skills:Make sure to emphasise your technical skills, especially those relevant to the biotechnology sector. Include any software tools or programming languages you've used, like R or Python for data analysis, which could be key for this role at Zealand Pharma.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time role, your cover letter should reflect not only your passion for biotechnology but also your long-term career ambitions. Share why you're excited about the work that Zealand Pharma does and how you envision contributing to their goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but you're genuinely invested in this opportunity.
Include Your Papers and Projects:If you've published any papers or contributed to significant projects, mention them! These documents can boost your application and provide tangible evidence of your expertise in the biotechnology field. Don’t forget to link to any relevant publications or project summaries—this can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Zealand Pharma
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
Since you're eyeing a full-time gig in biotechnology, make sure you're well-versed in the lab techniques relevant to the role. Be ready to talk about PCR, CRISPR, or any specific methods mentioned in the job description at Zealand Pharma. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.
✨Know Your Bioinformatics Tools
Get comfortable with bioinformatics tools that are commonly used in the industry, like BLAST or Bioconductor. These are key in biotechnology, and having hands-on experience or at least familiarity can set you apart. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, especially if they involved data analysis or genomic research.
✨Show Your Teamwork Skills
Biotech often involves collaboration across multiple disciplines. Be ready to share stories that highlight your teamwork and communication skills, especially in research projects. Think about working with different teams at university or any internships – this is where you can show how well you fit into Zealand Pharma's culture.
✨Research Recent Biotech Innovations
Stay updated on the latest trends and breakthroughs in biotechnology. Knowing what's happening in the field can help you engage in more meaningful discussions during your interview. Bring up recent articles or advancements that excite you, especially those related to the work being done at Zealand Pharma. This shows your passion for the industry!
