Are you an early-career chemist with strong laboratory skills and a passion for peptide chemistry & automation? Do you enjoy practical laboratory work and want to help build the next generation of macrocyclic therapeutics?

Orbis Medicines is a pioneering Biotech company powered by our automated nGen chemistry platform and data-driven approach. We develop oral alternatives to injectable biologics and design drugs for hard-to-drug targets primarily in inflammation and immune-driven diseases. Orbis’ nGen platform designs macrocycles with oral bioavailability by combining AI technologies with automated synthesis and high-throughput screening of real compounds.

We are looking for a highly motivated hands-on Research Associate with a passion for experimental chemistry to join our Platform Chemistry team in Copenhagen.

About the role

This is a laboratory-based role within our Platform Chemistry team, focused on delivering the high-quality chemistry that drives Orbis’ drug discovery programmes. Working alongside experienced peptide chemists, you will execute automated synthesis workflows, generate macrocyclic peptide libraries, and apply modern purification and analytical techniques using one of the industry’s most advanced macrocycle discovery platforms.

The role provides an excellent opportunity to develop expertise in peptide chemistry through training in automated synthesis, purification, and analysis while becoming an expert user of Orbis’ macrocycle discovery platform. With a primary focus on delivering high-quality experimental chemistry, you will have dedicated time to build technical expertise while making a direct contribution to our discovery pipeline.

As part of the Platform Chemistry team, you will

• Execute automated workflows for the synthesis of linear and macrocyclic peptide libraries.
• Operate, optimise, and troubleshoot automated laboratory instrumentation, such as peptide synthesisers, liquid handlers, and LC-MS systems.
• Interpret, document, and communicate experimental results with accuracy and attention to detail
• Work closely with scientists across Platform Chemistry and Discovery teams to deliver high-quality compounds for drug discovery
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of laboratory workflows and day-to-day platform operations

Your skills and expertise

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemistry or a related field (BSc, BEng, MSc, MSc Eng.), or a Laboratory Technician qualification
• Strong practical laboratory skills, including experience with common synthetic and purification techniques
• Experience operating laboratory instrumentation such as automated synthesisers, liquid handling systems, and analytical equipment (e.g. LC-MS)
• Experience in peptide chemistry is desirable but not essential. We welcome candidates with strong laboratory skills and a genuine enthusiasm for learning peptide chemistry.
• Curious, adaptable, and enthusiastic about learning new experimental techniques, instrumentation and software tools.
• Committed to producing high-quality, reproducible experimental work with excellent attention to detail.
• Enjoys practical laboratory work and experimental chemistry in a collaborative environment.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.

Application

If you have questions about the role, please contact VP for Platform Chemistry, Paul Cox, at [email protected].

Excited to shape the future of macrocyclic medicine with us? Submit your application via our online recruitment portal.

Please note: we kindly ask recruitment agencies and headhunters not to contact us regarding this role.

More about Orbis Medicines

The Orbis’ nGen platform designs macrocycles with oral bioavailability by combining AI technologies with automated synthesis and high-throughput screening of real compounds.

Orbis Medicines has just been awarded a 2025 Endpoints 11 title as one of biopharma's most exciting start-ups. This marks the first time a Nordic biotech has received this honor – highlighting the disruptive potential of Orbis Medicines. With a recent EUR 90 million Series A funding round, led by top-tier investors such as NEA, Eli Lilly, Cormorant, the Export and Investment Fund of Denmark and founding investors Novo Holdings and Forbion, Orbis Medicines are well-positioned for significant growth and long-term success. The confidence of these investors validates the potential to bring groundbreaking therapies to the market.

Orbis Medicines has an established R&D site in Copenhagen that includes a state-of-the-art laboratory and a team of +40 experienced professionals and scientists. We offer the excitement of a start-up, opportunities for professional growth, and the opportunity to be at the forefront of biotech innovation. Your ideas and contributions will shape the future of medicine. Please visit the website for more details; www.orbismedicines.com