Associate Principal Scientist / Senior Research Scientist – Peptide Chemistry

We have an exciting opportunity for an Associate Principal Scientist or a Senior Research Scientist to join our dynamic Peptide Discovery team within the HIT Discovery department at Discovery Sciences. The role is located at our site in Gothenburg, Sweden. We are open to appointing at either Senior Research Scientist or Associate Principal Scientist level, depending on the successful candidate’s experience and background. As a peptide chemist, you will be responsible for the design and chemical synthesis of therapeutic peptides and reagents. We are looking for someone who has a good understanding and background in solid-phase synthesis to support delivery of our peptide portfolio. In this laboratory-based position, you will be responsible for multi-step synthesis, purification and analytical characterisation of complex peptides. You will work independently within research teams and with internal or external stakeholders. This role requires a strong background in peptide chemistry, excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. Key responsibilities: • Perform the synthesis of peptides in milligram to gram scale both for therapeutic peptides and peptides for conjugation chemistry • Design and troubleshoot the synthetic route to complex peptides • Library synthesis of peptides using automation. • LC-MS analysis and HPLC purification of peptides • Stay current with advances in the field and bring external knowledge • Develop and implement new and environmentally friendly methods to advance our peptide drug discovery efforts • Maintain accurate records and ELN • Collaborate and share knowledge with CROs Additional Key Responsibilities: • Participate to the design of drug-like peptide molecules utilizing medicinal chemistry knowledge, including property-based optimization, and an understanding of ADME, pharmacokinetics and optimal physicochemical properties • Understanding of peptide chemistry bioinformatics, structure-based design and confidently navigate complex result-driven databases • Chemistry lead for pipeline projects ensuring workflows are followed in a seamless fashion Essential requirements: • Proficient in peptide chemistry design, synthesis, purification, characterization • Deep knowledge and experiences in solid phase peptide synthesis • Experience with chromatography and mass spectrometry data analysis, method development, and applications • Experience designing and executing SAR campaigns for therapeutic peptides, including optimization of potency, selectivity, and developability properties Additional requirements • Experience in project management and leading projects and meetings • Experience with database management, structure-based design and a deep understanding of peptide bioinformatics Associate Principal Scientist: • You have a PhD in peptide chemistry, medicinal chemistry, organic chemistry (or extensive experience in the field of peptide chemistry) • You have a minimum of three years work experience as a post doc in academia, or as a scientist in biotech or pharma in a peptide chemistry laboratory or working on peptide-adjacent projects Senior Research Scientist • You have a PhD in peptide chemistry, medicinal chemistry, organic chemistry (or extensive experience in the field of peptide chemistry) or equivalent work experience To support a smooth and timely start to the assignment, candidates who already have the right to work in Sweden without requiring visa sponsorship are particularly encouraged to apply. What is next? Are you ready to make a difference? Apply today and join us in our mission to improve global public health! We welcome your applications not later than October 16, 2026. Applications are reviewed continuously and interviews are ongoing, so we encourage you to apply as early as possible. Assignment information: This is an initial 12 month full-time assignment opportunity based on-site at AstraZeneca in Gothenburg, Sweden. This is an opportunity to join AstraZeneca’s dynamic Peptide Discovery team in Gothenburg and contribute directly to the discovery and development of therapeutic peptides. If your experience aligns with either the Senior Research Scientist or Associate Principal Scientist level, we would be pleased to hear from you. Apply and bring your peptide chemistry expertise to a highly collaborative discovery environment.