Postdoctoral Researcher in Peptide-Based Drug Discovery / Postdoctoral Researcheress in Peptide-Based Drug Discovery

Postdoctoral Researcher in Peptide-Based Drug Discovery

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The research group for Peptide-Based Drug Discovery, led by Prof. Nathalie M. Grob, is seeking an exceptional and highly motivated postdoctoral researcher for a collaborative project with the Drug Formulation & Delivery group, headed by Prof. Jean-Christophe Leroux. This fully funded project by Innosuisse will span 18 months and aims to explore targeted drug delivery through several innovative approaches including affinity-based peptide discovery, peptide chemistry, bioactivity profiling using advanced cellular experiments, proteomics, and microscopy.

Job Description

The successful candidate will:

• Collaborate with experts in protein engineering and drug delivery on an innovative research challenge.
• Leverage expertise in designing structure-based peptide ligands and peptide conjugates.
• Develop affinity-based screens utilizing combinatorial peptide libraries.
• Synthesize, purify, and characterize peptides and peptide conjugates.
• Evaluate *de novo* approaches for hit discovery.
• Investigate the bioactivity of synthesized compounds through biophysical and cell-based assays.
• Contribute to the teaching and supervision of junior researchers within the group.

Profile

We are looking for a candidate with a genuine interest in peptide therapeutics and a passion for drug discovery and development. The ideal applicant will have the ability to effectively integrate into a multidisciplinary team, engaging in collaborative exchanges and discussions.

Requirements:

• PhD in Chemical Biology, Peptide Chemistry, or Pharmaceutical Sciences.
• Strong expertise in (solid-phase) synthesis, purification, and analytical characterization of peptides and peptide conjugates.
• Previous experience in proteomics or peptide sequencing by mass spectrometry.
• Hands-on experience in bioactivity profiling using biophysical methods (e.g., fluorescence polarization, surface plasmon resonance, biolayer interferometry, isothermal titration calorimetry, or similar) and cellular assays.
• Familiarity with bioinformatics and programming is advantageous.
• Experience in structure-based design or generative models is a plus.
• First-author publication(s) in relevant peer-reviewed journals (published or submitted).
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills in English.
• Proven ability to collaborate within a multidisciplinary team, independently develop research projects, and meet defined milestones.

The candidate must be able to start the project by 01.03.2026.

Workplace

Our workplace offers a dynamic and collaborative environment where innovative ideas can thrive.

What We Offer

• Collaborative project: Engage in a close partnership between two academic groups—Drug Formulation & Delivery and Peptide-Based Drug Discovery.
• Your career with impact: Be part of ETH Zurich, an institution that supports your professional growth while actively contributing to positive societal change.
• Numerous benefits, including public transport season tickets, car sharing, access to a wide range of sports offered by ASVZ, childcare facilities, and attractive pension benefits.

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

ETH Zurich is committed to fostering an inclusive culture that promotes equality of opportunity, values diversity, and maintains a working and learning environment where the rights and dignity of all staff and students are respected. Sustainability is central to our mission, and we are dedicated to achieving a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We!

We look forward to receiving your application online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered. Please ensure your submission include:

• Motivation letter
• CV and publication list
• University degree, transcripts, and certificates
• Names and contact details of two referees

For further information about the research group, please visit our website. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Prof. Dr. Nathalie M. Grob at +41 44 633 74 57 or via email at sekretariat.grob@pharma.ethz.ch (no applications).

About ETH Zürich

ETH Zurich is one of the world's leading universities specializing in science and technology. Renowned for excellent education, cutting-edge research, and effective knowledge transfer to society, we host over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries. Our university promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence, tackling global challenges and forging connections worldwide.