Zealand Pharma
Associate Scientist, Protein Engineering

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Does it excite you to build a strong foundation in modern protein purification and analytical technologies, and are you eager to grow your scientific career from the ground up? If this sounds like you, and you are ready to develop your skills in a new discovery organization, then you could be our new colleague.
Your new position
As an Associate Scientist or Scientist in Protein Purification and Analysis, you will play a foundational role supporting discovery programs through hands-on purification, analytical characterization, and data generation for protein-based therapeutics. This position offers an excellent opportunity to build technical proficiency in modern purification and analytical technologies at the inception of our new Cambridge, MA research center. This role suits a scientist earlier in their career with a foundational understanding of protein purification and analytical techniques, scientific curiosity, and a strong desire to grow in scope and responsibility.
We Offer Exciting Responsibilities
- Support purification of recombinant proteins to assist discovery programs from early research through lead-series selection
- Assist with FPLC-based purification workflows, including size-exclusion (SEC), ion-exchange (IEX), and affinity chromatography, at analytical scale, under supervision
- Perform basic analytical characterization to help confirm protein identity, purity, and concentration using standard analytical techniques
- Support the routine execution of established purification and analytical workflows within Molecular Platform Development
- Learn and apply automated and high-throughput purification and analytical workflow procedures
- Assist senior colleagues with troubleshooting of routine purification and analytical issues, while building scientific and technical skills through feedback and mentorship
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
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Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Your profile
- You are early in your career, with a foundational understanding of protein purification and analytical techniques and a strong desire to grow in scope and responsibility.
- You thrive in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment and are eager to learn from senior colleagues while contributing to discovery programs from day one.
- You communicate experimental data and results clearly and accurately.
Qualifications:
- BS or MS in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related field (Associate Scientist); PhD preferred (Scientist)
- 1-2 years of relevant experience in protein purification and/or analytical chemistry (Associate Scientist); 2-3 years of relevant industry experience preferred (Scientist), depending on degree level
- Foundational to working knowledge of protein purification techniques, such as FPLC-based chromatography (SEC, IEX, affinity)
- Foundational to working knowledge of analytical characterization methods used to assess protein identity, purity, and concentration
- Familiarity with standard laboratory practices for handling and analyzing protein samples
- Willingness to learn additional techniques, including mass spectrometry, biophysical characterization, and automated/high-throughput workflows
Your new team
You will join Molecular Platform Development, a new organization created to strengthen and advance diverse drug modality capabilities in metabolic disease, based at our new Cambridge, MA research center. The site is a highly collaborative, multidisciplinary discovery hub integrating computational research, chemistry, and biology, and is deeply connected to the Greater Boston life sciences ecosystem.


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Let's bond and be bold
We have a unique culture, characterized by excellent teamwork and strong engagement across the organization. And we want you to help us strengthen this culture.
Making bonds is at the core of everything we do. From discovering and developing the best new peptide drugs for patients, to engaging with our partners or connecting with each other. We bond through curiosity and playfulness as a team, allowing ourselves to challenge common thinking and drive future innovation. Join us and let's bond and be bold.
Salary Range: $85,000 - $125,000
Interested in bonding with us? The applications will be reviewed as they come in. While a cover letter is not required, please include a few sentences in your CV explaining your motivation for applying.
We are committed to an inclusive recruitment process and welcome applications from all job applicants.
About Zealand Pharma A/S
Zealand Pharma A/S (Nasdaq: ZEAL) is a biotechnology company focused on advancing medicines for obesity and metabolic health. Combining more than 25 years of peptide R&D expertise with a proprietary data platform that leverages advanced data-driven and AI/ML approaches, Zealand Pharma aims to lead a new era in obesity and metabolic health. To date, more than ten Zealand Pharma-invented drug candidates have entered clinical development, of which two products have reached the market and three candidates are in late-stage development. The Company has collaborations with global pharmaceutical and biotechnology partners for research, development, and commercialization. Founded in 1998, Zealand Pharma is headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark, with a U.S. presence in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Learn more at www.zealandpharma.com.
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