Associate Scientist, Protein Engineering

Zealand Pharma; Cambridge, Northern (MA, KY); On-site; USD 75,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Zealand Pharma in Cambridge, MA is seeking an early-career Associate Scientist or Scientist to support protein purification and analytical characterization for discovery programs in our new Molecular Platform Development hub.

You will perform FPLC-based purification (SEC, IEX, affinity) on recombinant proteins, conduct basic analytical assays to confirm identity and purity, and contribute to high-throughput workflows while learning from senior colleagues.

Qualifications

• Foundational to working knowledge of protein purification techniques.
• Foundational to working knowledge of analytical characterization methods.
• Willingness to learn additional techniques (MS, biophysical methods, 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, including SEC, IEX, and affinity chromatography, at analytical scale.
• Perform basic analytical characterization to confirm protein identity, purity, and concentration.
• Support routine execution of established purification and analytical workflows.
• Learn and apply automated/high-throughput purification and analytical procedures.
• Assist senior colleagues with troubleshooting and skill-building through mentorship.

Skills

Protein purification

FPLC purification

SEC

IEX

Affinity chromatography

Analytical characterization

Mass spectrometry

Biophysical characterization

High-throughput workflows

Education

BS or MS in Biochemistry/ Chemistry/ Molecular Biology

PhD preferred

Job description

## Associate Scientist, Protein EngineeringApplylocations: Cambridge, MA, UStime type: Full timeposted on: Posted Yesterdayjob requisition id: JR360Does 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 - $125,000Interested in bonding with us? The applications will be reviewed as they come in. While a cover letter is not required, please include a few sentences in your CV explaining your motivation for applying.