Peptide drug design scientist w. deep expertise in GPCR agonist peptide design & optimization Applied

Black Swans Exist ApS; København; On-site; DKK 900,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Job summary

Black Swans Exist ApS in Copenhagen is seeking an exceptional peptide drug design scientist with deep expertise in GPCR agonist peptide design and optimization. You will lead molecular design of ~40 amino acid peptide agonists, drive second-generation candidates, and collaborate across discovery and development in a fast-moving biotech environment.

The role emphasizes scientific excellence, IP, and hands-on problem solving, with responsibility to guide design-test-learn cycles and work with CROs

Qualifications

• Strong track record in peptide therapeutic discovery, ideally including GPCR agonist programs.
• Deep expertise in peptide engineering and receptor pharmacology.
• Excellent project management skills, with hands-on problem solving.

Responsibilities

• Drive design and optimization of second-generation peptide agonists targeting a Class B GPCR.
• Lead SAR and molecular engineering to improve potency, efficacy, selectivity, stability, PK/PD and half-life.
• Design differentiated analogs guided by strong scientific rationale and experimental insight.
• Collaborate with biology, pharmacology, and formulation teams to support rapid design-test-learn cycles.
• Integrate pharmacology, formulation, and DMPK insights to guide iterative optimization.
• Collaborate with CROs and external partners across discovery and development activities.
• Generate and evaluate novel scientific hypotheses with data-driven mindset.
• Support IP generation alongside CSO and VP of IP.

Skills

GPCR design

Peptide engineering

SAR analysis

IP awareness

Project management

Education

PhD in peptide/medicinal chemistry

Related discipline

Job description

Peptide drug design scientist with deep expertise in GPCR agonist peptide design and optimization
We are an early-stage biotech company in Copenhagen developing next-generation peptide therapeutics for cardiovascular disease, built around a highly promising Class B GPCR target with strong translational potential.

Our current lead peptide is advancing toward First-in-Human studies in 2027, while we are simultaneously building a second-generation portfolio of differentiated long-acting agonists designed to further expand therapeutic potential and product profile.

We are seeking an exceptional peptide drug design scientist with deep expertise in GPCR agonist peptide design and optimization.
This is a unique opportunity for a highly scientific, hands-on peptide expert to drive the discovery and evolution of next-generation peptide therapeutics in a focused and agile biotech environment and working with world-class CROs.
As a key member of the team, you will lead the molecular design and optimization of ~40 amino acid peptide agonists with improved pharmacology, prolonged half-life, differentiation potential, and developability. The role is ideal for someone motivated primarily by scientific excellence, innovation, IP, and solving complex molecular design and IP challenges.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive the design and optimization of second-generation peptide agonists targeting a Class B GPCR
• Lead SAR and molecular engineering efforts to improve potency, efficacy, selectivity, stability, absorption, PK/PD, and half-life
• Design differentiated analogs guided by strong scientific rationale and experimental insight
• Work closely with internal biology, pharmacology, and formulation teams that have established a broad set of translational and mechanistic assays to support rapid design-test-learn cycles
• Integrate pharmacology, formulation, and DMPK insights to guide iterative optimization
• Collaborate with CROs and multidisciplinary external partners across discovery and development activities
• Generate and evaluate novel scientific hypotheses with a rigorous and data-driven mindset
• Work closely with our CSO and VP of IP and contribute to IP generation

Candidate Profile

• PhD in peptide chemistry, medicinal chemistry, or related discipline
• Strong track record in peptide therapeutic discovery, ideally including GPCR agonist programs
• Deep expertise in peptide engineering, long-acting peptide modalities and receptor pharmacology
• Highly self-driven scientist with strong ownership mentality and high scientific standards
• Motivated by science-first innovation and hands-on problem solving rather than organizational complexity or corporate strategy
• Creative, rigorous, and structured in experimental thinking and execution
• Comfortable operating independently in a small, fast-moving, and highly collaborative biotech environment
• Experience with intellectual property strategy and/or peptide CMC and developability considerations is a strong advantage
• Excellent project management skills

Why Join Us

• Opportunity to shape the next generation of peptide therapeutics around a promising cardiovascular target
• High degree of scientific ownership and influence on future clinical candidates
• Small, highly capable, and execution-focused team with rapid learning cycles and decision-making
• Access to established biology, pharmacology, and formulation capabilities enabling rapid scientific iteration
• Ability to work at the forefront of peptide science with direct translational impact
• Opportunity to help build a differentiated peptide franchise beyond the first clinical asset