Senior Scientist - mRNA Display & Peptide Discovery

Zealand Pharma U.S., Inc.; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 125,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Zealand Pharma U.S., Inc. in Cambridge, MA seeks a Scientist/Senior Scientist specialized in mRNA display to build and operate a new molecular platform. You will drive peptide and mini-protein discovery, design display libraries, and optimize candidates in collaboration with computational modeling and data science teams.

The role emphasizes cross-functional teamwork, development of in-house cell-free display systems, and advancing novel therapeutic peptides within our new discovery center.

Qualifications

• PhD in Chemical Biology, Biochemistry, Organic Chemistry, or related field (postdoc preferred).
• BS/MS with significantly more industry experience will be considered.
• 2+ years post-degree in mRNA display or related in vitro display technologies (Scientist).
• 4+ years (Senior Scientist)
• Experience building custom cell-free display systems from scratch preferred.
• Experience with other in vitro display technologies (e.g., ribosome display) and cell-free expression systems (IVTT, CFS) is a plus.
• Experience incorporating non-canonical amino acids via reprogrammed translation systems or related approaches.
• NGS analysis of library diversity and selection enrichment; bioinformatics familiarity is a plus.
• Analytical characterization of peptides (LC-MS) and developability considerations.

Responsibilities

• Execute the full peptide and mini-protein mRNA display workflow from design to enrichment.
• Apply non-canonical amino acid incorporation to expand library diversity.
• Apply modifications (macrocyclization/stapling, lipidation, bioconjugation) to improve properties.
• Build and maintain custom cell-free display systems from scratch.
• Generate and analyze SAR data to support lead optimization.
• Collaborate with modeling, design, and data science to support DMTA cycles.

Skills

mRNA display workflow

Non-canonical amino acids

Chemical modification strategies

Cell-free display systems

SAR data analysis

Education

PhD in Chemical Biology / Biochemistry / Organic Chemistry

BS/MS with industry experience

Tools

IVTT

CFS

Ribosome display

Job description

Zealand Pharma U.S., Inc. in Cambridge, MA seeks a Scientist/Senior Scientist specialized in mRNA display to build and operate a new molecular platform. You will drive peptide and mini-protein discovery, design display libraries, and optimize candidates in collaboration with computational modeling and data science teams.

The role emphasizes cross-functional teamwork, development of in-house cell-free display systems, and advancing novel therapeutic peptides within our new discovery center.