Researcher, Peptide Chemistry

Indiana Biosciences Research Institute; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The Indiana Biosciences Research Institute is seeking a Researcher in Peptide Chemistry to support peptide synthesis, purification, and characterization for internal and collaborative research. The role focuses on delivering high-quality data and maintaining laboratory documentation.

You will operate and maintain instrumentation, manage inventory, and communicate results to project teams. A chemistry background with hands-on peptide experience is required, along with strong organization and

Qualifications

• Required Bachelor's degree in chemistry or related field; relevant experience may substitute.
• At least 3 years of lab experience with automated/manual solid-phase peptide synthesis, purification, and/or characterization.
• Experience with HPLC purification and LC-MS analysis of synthetic peptides.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and organize data clearly.
• Experience with solid-phase peptide synthesis is highly desirable.
• Experience with preparative or analytical HPLC purification workflows.
• Experience with peptide characterization using LC-MS/MS or related platforms.
• Strong organizational, communication, and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Peptide synthesis, purification, and characterization for internal and sponsored projects.
• Maintain instrumentation and reagent inventory.
• Organize, store, and communicate experimental data.
• Collaborate across project teams and ensure timely results.

Skills

Peptide synthesis

Purification

Characterization

Data management

Laboratory operations

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in chemistry, biochemistry, chemical biology, pharmaceutical sciences, or related field

Tools

HPLC

LC-MS

Job description

The Opportunity:

The Researcher in Peptide Chemistry will support internal portfolio projects and external collaborative research activities through the synthesis, purification, and characterization of peptides. This laboratory-focused role includes maintaining instrumentation and reagent inventory, organizing and storing experimental data, and communicating results to relevant project teams. The position offers the opportunity for a candidate passionate about peptide synthesis to contribute directly to impactful drug discovery research while supporting high-quality laboratory operations, reliable documentation, and effective project execution.

Responsibilities:

• Peptide Synthesis, Purification, and Characterization
• Synthesize, purify, and characterize peptides in support of internal portfolio projects and sponsored research activities.
• Execute peptide chemistry workflows with attention to quality, reproducibility, and project timelines.
• Analyze and summarize peptide characterization data to support research decision-making.

Laboratory Instrumentation and Inventory

• Maintain laboratory instrumentation to support ongoing peptide chemistry activities.
• Monitor, organize, and maintain reagent inventory to ensure materials are available for project needs.
• Coordinate routine laboratory upkeep and communicate maintenance or supply needs as appropriate.

Data Organization, Storage, and Communication

• Organize, store, and maintain experimental data and documentation in accordance with project and laboratory expectations.
• Communicate data, results, and project updates to relevant project teams in a clear and timely manner.
• Support effective collaboration by ensuring accurate records and accessible data for internal stakeholders.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biochemistry, chemical biology, pharmaceutical sciences, or a related field is required. Relevant experience may be considered in lieu of degree requirements.
• At least 3 years of laboratory experience with automated and manual solid-phase peptide synthesis, purification, and/or characterization techniques.
• Familiarity with HPLC purification and LC-MS analysis of synthetic peptides.
• Ability to maintain accurate experimental records and organize data in a clear, accessible manner.
• Experience with solid-phase peptide synthesis is highly.
• Experience with preparative or analytical HPLC purification workflows.
• Experience with peptide characterization using LC-MS, MS, or related analytical platforms.
• Ability to support laboratory operations, including instrumentation upkeep and reagent inventory management.
• Exceptional organizational, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Willingness to learn new techniques and support evolving project needs is essential.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with native chemical ligation protocols.
• Experience with formulation of peptide drugs.
• Experience maintaining laboratory instrumentation, reagent inventory, and organized data storage systems.
• Experience supporting drug discovery research, collaborative research programs, and/or cross-functional project teams

Compensation:

Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits offered commensurate with experience.

About Us:

The Indiana Biosciences Research Institute (IBRI) is a first-in-class translational medicine institute dedicated to advancing life sciences in the race to eliminate disease and improve human health and life.

By connecting early-stage biotech companies with cutting-edge life science discoveries -and backed by the mission and resources of industry leaders, investors, and philanthropic partners-IBRI is successfully evolving a new, independent model to conquer disease, uniting previously fragmented forces in the quest for cures.

Carefully curating and supporting early-stage companies with investment, talent, and space, IBRI strategically accelerates drug discovery. Our work benefits from the relatively low cost of living and doing business here, allowing more resources to be directed toward science.

Fueled by the same entrepreneurial creativity as the groundbreaking scientific work we support, IBRI’s labs advance research across the frontiers of diabetes, metabolic disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and rare pediatric diseases. Our ambitious public-private vision cultivates talent while efficiently bridging the gap between research-driven inquiry and profit-driven drug development.

At IBRI, cures are launched on a clear pathway to clinical trials, enabled by the combined resources and experience of our academic and industry partners, without the typical pressure to deliver rapid results for commercialization. IBRI labs pursue breakthroughs that might never happen elsewhere. Breakthroughs are happening here. Our novel financing model ensures that when discoveries are ready for clinical trials, the intellectual property is sold back to industry or spun off, creating a direct stream of revenue.

By every measure, the IBRI model demonstrates a novel approach that delivers rewards. Scientific bench work is nurtured, drug discovery is advanced, workforce development is continuous, investors see returns, and donors see impact. Most importantly, IBRI’s structure and portfolio of accomplishments matter to the patients whose lives are improved—or even saved-by this forward-looking approach to life sciences.

IBRI is driven to bring next-generation therapies to market with an understanding of the complex pressures that often bind innovation to economics. After more than a decade, the evidence is clear: IBRI is poised to transform life sciences-and for millions of people, even life itself.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The IBRI provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and does not discriminate based on age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.