Associate Scientist, Protein Engineering

Zealand Pharma; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Zealand Pharma is seeking an Associate Scientist or Scientist in Protein Purification and Analysis at our Cambridge, MA center. The role supports purification and analytical characterization of recombinant proteins to advance discovery programs and build technical skills within a multidisciplinary team.

You will work on FPLC-based workflows (SEC, IEX, affinity) at analytical scale, perform basic analyses to confirm identity and purity, and learn automated/high-throughput procedures under

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related field (Associate Scientist); PhD preferred (Scientist)
• 1–2 years of relevant experience in protein purification and/or analytical chemistry, depending on degree level
• Foundational knowledge of protein purification techniques (FPLC-based chromatography: SEC, IEX, affinity)
• Familiar with analytical characterization methods to assess identity, purity, and concentration
• Willingness to learn mass spectrometry, biophysical characterization, and high‑throughput workflows

Responsibilities

• Support purification of recombinant proteins to assist discovery programs from early research through lead‑series selection
• Assist with FPLC‑based purification workflows (SEC, IEX, affinity) at analytical scale under supervision
• Perform basic analytical characterization to confirm protein identity, purity, and concentration
• Support routine execution of purification and analytical workflows within Molecular Platform Development
• Learn and apply automated/high‑throughput purification and analytical procedures
• Assist senior colleagues with troubleshooting purification/analytical issues and gain skills

Skills

Protein purification

Analytical chemistry

Data communication

Team collaboration

Learning new techniques

Education

BS in Biochemistry/Chemistry/Molecular Biology

MS in Biochemistry/Chemistry/Molecular Biology

PhD preferred

Tools

FPLC

Mass spectrometry

Job description

Does it excite you to build a strong foundation in modern protein purification and analytical technologies, and are you eager to grow your scientific career from the ground up? If this sounds like you, and you are ready to develop your skills in a new discovery organization, then you could be our new colleague.

Your new position

As an Associate Scientist or Scientist in Protein Purification and Analysis, you will play a foundational role supporting discovery programs through hands‑on purification, analytical characterization, and data generation for protein‑based therapeutics. This position offers an excellent opportunity to build technical proficiency in modern purification and analytical technologies at the inception of our new Cambridge, MA research center. This role suits a scientist earlier in their career with a foundational understanding of protein purification and analytical techniques, scientific curiosity, and a strong desire to grow in scope and responsibility.

We offer exciting responsibilities

• Support purification of recombinant proteins to assist discovery programs from early research through lead‑series selection
• Assist with FPLC‑based purification workflows, including size‑exclusion (SEC), ion‑exchange (IEX), and affinity chromatography, at analytical scale, under supervision
• Perform basic analytical characterization to help confirm protein identity, purity, and concentration using standard analytical techniques
• Support the routine execution of established purification and analytical workflows within Molecular Platform Development
• Learn and apply automated and high‑throughput purification and analytical workflow procedures
• Assist senior colleagues with troubleshooting of routine purification and analytical issues, while building scientific and technical skills through feedback and mentorship

Your profile

You are early in your career, with a foundational understanding of protein purification and analytical techniques and a strong desire to grow in scope and responsibility. You thrive in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment and are eager to learn from senior colleagues while contributing to discovery programs from day one. You communicate experimental data and results clearly and accurately.

• BS or MS in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related field (Associate Scientist); PhD preferred (Scientist)
• 1-2 years of relevant experience in protein purification and/or analytical chemistry (Associate Scientist); 2-3 years of relevant industry experience preferred (Scientist), depending on degree level
• Foundational to working knowledge of protein purification techniques, such as FPLC‑based chromatography (SEC, IEX, affinity)
• Foundational to working knowledge of analytical characterization methods used to assess protein identity, purity, and concentration
• Familiarity with standard laboratory practices for handling and analyzing protein samples
• Willingness to learn additional techniques, including mass spectrometry, biophysical characterization, and automated/high‑throughput workflows

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: $85,000 - $125,000

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 levers 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. Learn more at www.zealandpharma.com.