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 under Prof. Jean-Christophe Leroux. This fully funded project by Innosuisse will span 18 months and will focus on innovative solutions in targeted drug delivery, involving affinity-based peptide discovery, peptide chemistry, and advanced cellular experiments.

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.
• Evaluate de novo approaches for hit discovery.
• Investigate the bioactivity of synthesized compounds using 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 a genuine interest in peptide therapeutics, a passion for drug discovery and development, and the ability to effectively integrate into a multidisciplinary team through collaborative exchanges and discussions.

Requirements:

• PhD in Chemical Biology, Peptide Chemistry, or Pharmaceutical Sciences.
• Extensive experience in the (solid-phase) synthesis of peptides and peptide conjugates, purification, and analytical characterization.
• Previous exposure to proteomics or peptide sequencing by mass spectrometry.
• Hands-on skills in bioactivity profiling via biophysical methods (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 peer-reviewed journals pertinent to this field (published or submitted).
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
• Capacity to collaborate within a multidisciplinary team, independently develop research projects, and meet defined milestones.

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

Workplace

You will have the opportunity to experience a collaborative environment between two distinguished academic groups (Drug Formulation & Delivery and Peptide-Based Drug Discovery) at ETH Zurich.

We Offer

• Collaborative project experience across two academic groups.
• Professional development opportunities at ETH Zurich, committed to creating positive societal impact.
• Attractive benefits, including public transport season tickets, car sharing options, a range of sports activities through ASVZ, childcare services, and appealing pension benefits.

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

ETH Zurich promotes an inclusive culture that values diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to fostering a working and learning environment that respects the rights and dignity of all. For more information on our commitment to diversity and sustainability, please visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website.

Curious? So Are We.

Apply online using the form below. Please ensure your application includes the following documents:

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

For more information about the research group, visit our website. Inquiries regarding the position can be directed to 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 Zurich

ETH Zurich is one of the world's leading universities specializing in science and technology. Renowned for its outstanding education, cutting-edge research, and direct transfer of new knowledge into society, ETH Zurich cultivates an environment that promotes independent thinking. Our diverse community of over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries collaborates to develop solutions for global challenges present and future.