Research Associate – Peptide Chemistry Discovery Platform
Location: Copenhagen, Denmark
Employment type: Full-time
Are you passionate about practical chemistry?
Are you an early-career chemist or laboratory technician with strong hands-on laboratory skills? Would you like to develop your expertise in peptide chemistry, automation and modern analytical techniques while contributing directly to innovative drug-discovery programmes?
We are looking for a motivated and detail-oriented Research Associate to join a Platform Chemistry team in Copenhagen.
This is a laboratory-based position for someone who enjoys experimental work, operating advanced equipment and producing reliable, high-quality results. You will work with automated synthesis workflows, generate linear and macrocyclic peptide libraries, and use modern purification and analytical technologies to support the discovery of potential future medicines.
Direct experience with peptide chemistry is an advantage, but it is not essential. Candidates with a strong practical chemistry background and a genuine interest in learning peptide chemistry are encouraged to apply.
About the organisation
You will join an innovative and growing biotechnology organisation developing a new generation of orally available macrocycle therapeutics.
The organisation combines artificial intelligence, automated chemistry, high-throughput experimentation and real-compound data to design molecules capable of addressing challenging biological targets. Its ambition is to develop oral alternatives to medicines that are traditionally administered by injection, particularly within inflammation and immune-driven diseases.
The Copenhagen research site includes a modern laboratory environment and an experienced multidisciplinary team of chemists, scientists and technology specialists.
About the role
As a Research Associate in Platform Chemistry, you will help deliver the experimental chemistry that drives the organisation’s drug-discovery platform.
You will work alongside experienced peptide chemists and scientists to execute automated synthesis workflows, produce compound libraries and evaluate experimental results. You will also operate, optimise and troubleshoot laboratory equipment such as peptide synthesisers, liquid-handling systems and LC-MS instruments.
The role offers an excellent opportunity to build specialised knowledge in peptide and macrocycle chemistry. You will receive training in automated synthesis, purification, analysis and platform operation while contributing directly to active discovery programmes.
This position is particularly well suited to someone who enjoys spending time in the laboratory, takes pride in accurate experimental work and is motivated by learning new techniques and technologies.
Your responsibilities
As part of the Platform Chemistry team, you will:
- Execute automated workflows for the synthesis of linear and macrocyclic peptide libraries.
- Operate peptide synthesisers, liquid-handling systems, purification equipment and LC-MS instruments.
- Prepare reagents, samples and laboratory materials for experimental workflows.
- Monitor experimental performance and identify deviations or technical issues.
- Optimise and troubleshoot automated laboratory methods and instrumentation.
- Purify and analyse compounds using modern chromatographic and analytical techniques.
- Interpret experimental and analytical data accurately.
- Document methods, observations, results and deviations in a clear and structured way.
- Communicate findings to colleagues across Platform Chemistry and drug-discovery teams.
- Support the delivery of high-quality compounds for research programmes.
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of laboratory workflows.
- Help maintain reliable and efficient day-to-day platform operations.
- Work according to relevant laboratory, quality and safety procedures.
Your background
You may hold one of the following qualifications:
- A bachelor’s or master’s degree in chemistry, chemical engineering or a related scientific field.
- A laboratory technician or laboratory technologist qualification.
- Another relevant scientific qualification combined with strong practical laboratory experience.
Your skills and experience
We are looking for someone who has:
- Strong practical laboratory skills.
- Experience with common synthetic chemistry, purification or analytical techniques.
- Experience operating laboratory equipment and instrumentation.
- Familiarity with equipment such as automated synthesisers, liquid handlers, HPLC, UPLC or LC-MS systems.
- A structured and careful approach to experimental work.
- A strong understanding of the importance of reproducibility and data quality.
- The ability to follow established methods while recognising opportunities for improvement.
- Confidence working independently with laboratory procedures after appropriate training.
- Good written and verbal communication skills.
- The ability to collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary scientific team.
Experience with peptide chemistry, solid-phase peptide synthesis or macrocycle chemistry is desirable, but not required.
Your personal qualities
You are likely to succeed in this role if you:
- Genuinely enjoy practical laboratory work.
- Are curious and motivated to learn new chemistry, instrumentation and software.
- Take ownership of the quality of your experimental results.
- Pay close attention to detail.
- Approach technical problems in a structured and patient way.
- Are comfortable working with both routine workflows and experimental optimisation.
- Communicate unexpected results or technical issues openly.
- Enjoy working in a collaborative and fast-developing environment.
- Are adaptable and comfortable learning new technologies.
- Want your laboratory work to contribute directly to meaningful scientific progress.
What you can expect
This opportunity offers:
- A hands-on role in an innovative biotechnology environment.
- Training in peptide synthesis, macrocycle chemistry, purification and analysis.
- Experience with advanced automation and high-throughput laboratory technologies.
- The opportunity to become an expert user of a sophisticated discovery platform.
- Direct involvement in active drug-discovery programmes.
- Close collaboration with experienced scientists and peptide chemists.
- A modern laboratory environment in Copenhagen.
- Significant opportunities for technical and professional development.
- The chance to contribute to technologies designed to improve how future medicines are developed and delivered.
Why this role matters
The molecules designed by a drug-discovery platform only become valuable when they can be produced, analysed and tested reliably.
Your work will help transform digital molecular designs into real compounds. By delivering accurate, reproducible experimental chemistry, you will provide scientists with the materials and data they need to identify promising therapeutic candidates.
In this role, your contribution will be practical, visible and directly connected to the wider discovery pipeline.
Application
Please submit your application or contact Black Swans Exist to express your interest or learn more about the position and recruitment process.
Applications will be reviewed continuously.
Black Swans Exist
