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 collaboration with the research group for Drug Formulation & Delivery under the guidance of Prof. Jean-Christophe Leroux. This fully funded project by Innosuisse spans 18 months and focuses on advancing targeted drug delivery methodologies. The role will encompass a variety of tasks, including affinity-based peptide discovery, peptide chemistry, bioactivity profiling utilizing 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 their expertise in designing structure-based peptide ligands and peptide conjugates.
• Develop affinity-based screens using combinatorial peptide libraries.
• Synthesize, purify, and characterize peptides and peptide conjugates.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of *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 who demonstrates a keen interest in peptide therapeutics, possesses a passion for drug discovery and development, and can integrate seamlessly into a multidisciplinary team through collaborative dialogue and discussions.

Requirements:

• PhD in Chemical Biology, Peptide Chemistry, or Pharmaceutical Sciences.
• In-depth expertise in the (solid-phase) synthesis of peptides and peptide conjugates, as well as their purification and analytical characterization.
• Prior experience in proteomics or peptide sequencing via mass spectrometry.
• Hands-on experience with bioactivity profiling through biophysical methods (such as fluorescence polarization, surface plasmon resonance, biolayer interferometry, and isothermal titration calorimetry) and cellular assays.
• Knowledge of bioinformatics and programming is advantageous.
• Experience in structure-based design or generative models is a plus.
• First-author publication(s) in peer-reviewed journals relevant to the profile (published or submitted).
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
• A demonstrated ability to collaborate within a multidisciplinary team, independently develop a research project, and meet defined milestones.

The candidate must be able to start the project by March 1, 2026.

Workplace

Your workspace will be situated in the vibrant academic environment of ETH Zurich, which promotes innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration.

We Offer

• Collaborative project: Experience a close relationship between two academic groups (Drug Formulation & Delivery and Peptide-Based Drug Discovery).
• Your career with impact: Join ETH Zurich, where your professional development is supported while actively contributing to positive societal change.
• Numerous benefits, including public transport season tickets, car-sharing options, a variety of sports activities through ASVZ, childcare services, and attractive pension benefits.

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

In alignment with our values, ETH Zurich fosters an inclusive culture. We promote equal opportunities, value diversity, and cultivate a working and learning environment where the rights and dignity of all staff and students are respected. Our commitment to sustainability drives us to work consistently towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We.

We look forward to receiving your application through our online portal using the form below. Applications must be submitted by December 12, 2026, and should include:

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

Further details about the research group can be found on our website. For inquiries regarding the position, please contact Prof. Dr. Nathalie M. Grob at +41 44 633 74 57 or sekretariat.grob@pharma.ethz.ch (no applications).

Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

About ETH Zürich

ETH Zurich is one of the world's leading universities specializing in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, groundbreaking fundamental research, and the direct transfer of new knowledge into society. More than 30,000 individuals from over 120 countries find ETH Zurich to be a place that promotes independent thinking and inspires excellence. Based in the heart of Europe while forming connections globally, we work together to develop solutions for today’s and tomorrow’s global challenges.