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 recruiting an exceptional and highly motivated postdoctoral researcher for a collaborative initiative with the Drug Formulation & Delivery group, headed by Prof. Jean-Christophe Leroux. This project is fully funded by Innosuisse for 18 months and aims to explore innovative approaches to targeted drug delivery. The research will involve affinity-based peptide discovery, peptide chemistry, bioactivity profiling through 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.
• Utilize 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.
• Investigate the use of de novo approaches for hit discovery.
• Examine the bioactivity of synthesized compounds in 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 possesses an intrinsic interest in peptide therapeutics, a passion for drug discovery and development, along with the ability to effectively integrate into a multidisciplinary team through collaborative exchange and discussions.

Requirements:

• PhD in Chemical Biology, Peptide Chemistry, or Pharmaceutical Sciences.
• Extensive expertise in (solid-phase) synthesis of peptides and peptide conjugates, including purification and analytical characterization.
• Prior experience in proteomics or peptide sequencing through mass spectrometry.
• Hands-on experience in bioactivity profiling using biophysical methods (such as fluorescence polarization, surface plasmon resonance, biolayer interferometry, isothermal titration calorimetry, etc.) and cellular assays.
• Knowledge in bioinformatics and programming is advantageous.
• Experience in structure-based design or generative models is a plus.
• First-author publications in peer-reviewed journals relevant to the profile (published or submitted).
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
• Capability 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 01.03.2026.

Workplace

Your office will be situated in a vibrant academic environment that fosters collaboration and innovation.

We Offer

• Collaborative project: Experience a close partnership between two academic groups (Drug Formulation & Delivery and Peptide-Based Drug Discovery).
• Your career with impact: Become part of ETH Zurich, which supports your professional development while contributing to positive societal changes.
• Numerous benefits: Enjoy perks such as public transport season tickets, car sharing, various sports offerings by ASVZ, childcare options, and attractive pension benefits.

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

In alignment with our values, ETH Zurich promotes an inclusive culture. We advocate for equal opportunities, value diversity, and nurture a respectful working and learning environment for all staff and students. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to discover how we maintain a fair environment where everyone can thrive. Sustainability is a core value for us, and we are committed to advancing toward a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We.

We look forward to receiving your application. Apply online using the form below. Please ensure that your application is submitted by December 12, 2026, and includes the following documents:

• 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 can be directed to Prof. Dr. Nathalie M. Grob at +41 44 633 74 57 or via email at sekretariat.grob@pharma.ethz.ch. Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is one of the world's leading universities specializing in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research, and the direct transfer of new knowledge into society. With over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries, our university fosters independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, we work collaboratively to address global challenges of today and tomorrow.