Scientist / Senior Scientist, Protein Engineering

Kodiak Sciences Inc

$90K — $130K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Chemical Biology, Biochemistry, or related field
  • 0-3 years postdoctoral experience or 3+ years industry experience
  • First-author publication in high-impact peer-reviewed journal preferred
  • Experience with Solid Phase Peptide Synthesis (SPPS) or DNA-Encoded Library synthesis
  • Proficiency in chromatographic and mass spectrometry techniques
  • Hands-on experience with biochemical assays like SPR and ELISA
  • Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work collaboratively

Responsibilities

  • Lead design and optimization of peptide therapeutics considering SAR and developability
  • Conduct experimental work including peptide synthesis and data interpretation
  • Develop and apply analytical methods to characterize peptides and bioconjugates
  • Collaborate and communicate findings cross-functionally through reports and presentations

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work on cutting-edge peptide therapeutic projects
  • Collaborative and cross-functional work environment
  • Engagement with advanced analytical and biophysical methods
  • Potential for professional development and publications
Full Job Description
Description

We are seeking a talented Scientist/Senior Scientist to advance peptide therapeutic drug discovery and development programs with a strong emphasis on molecular design, organic synthesis, and analytical characterization.

Key Responsibilities
  • Lead the design, synthesis, and optimization of peptide-based therapeutics, integrating Structure-Activity Relationship (SAR) considerations, developability and conjugation strategies to drive candidate progression.
  • Perform hands-on experimental work including, but not limited to DNA-Encoded Library synthesis, Macrocyclic and Linear Peptide synthesis, polymer conjugation chemistry, purification and analytical evaluation, data interpretation and developability risk assessment.
  • Develop and apply analytical and biophysical methods (e.g., LC-MS, HPLC, NMR, SEC, DLS) to characterize peptides and bioconjugates, including purity, heterogeneity, stability, and aggregation.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally and communicate scientific findings through presentations, reports, and regulatory documentation.

Education / Qualifications
  • Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Chemical Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field, with either (i) 0-3 years of relevant postdoctoral experience and at least one first-author publication in a high-impact, peer-reviewed journal (preferred), or (ii) 3+ years of relevant industry experience.
  • Experience working with either of the following methodologies, such as Solid Phase Peptide Synthesis (SPPS), DNA-Encoded Library (DEL) synthesis, liquid phase parallel synthesis and/or polymer-based bioconjugates is highly desirable.
  • Strong experience in therapeutic development of peptides, and/or conjugated biologics, experience in analytical characterization is a plus.
  • Proficiency in chromatographic and mass spectrometry-based techniques, with an understanding of developability attributes such as stability, solubility, and manufacturability is a plus.
  • Experience in using software such as PyMol, MOE, Schrödinger, Maestro, DataWarrior, Vortex is a plus.
  • Experience with CD and/or FTIR for peptide secondary structure determination is a plus.
  • Hands-on experience with biochemical assays, including SPR, ELISA, fluorescence-based assays, is a plus.
  • Demonstrated ability to independently drive scientific work in a collaborative, cross-functional environment, with strong problem-solving and communication skills.

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