Protein Mass Spectrometry Specialist

Your role Orion is looking for a curious and collaborative scientist with expertise in protein mass spectrometry to join the Structural Biology and Discovery Technologies unit. You will apply a range of mass spectrometry approaches to investigate proteins, protein–ligand interactions and mechanisms of action. Working closely with multidisciplinary drug-discovery teams, you will help understand their scientific questions and identify how protein mass spectrometry can provide the insights needed to move projects forward. Your work will include affinity-selection mass spectrometry (AS-MS), native MS, intact LC-MS, chemoproteomics, peptide mapping and hydrogen–deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDX-MS). These complementary approaches will allow you to characterise proteins, investigate protein–small molecule interactions and understand how compounds modulate protein function. You will work at the interface of mass spectrometry, protein science, biophysics, structural biology, chemical biology and medicinal chemistry, integrating complementary data to build a deeper understanding of proteins and their interactions with small molecules. Responsibilities

• Engage with project teams to understand their scientific questions and propose appropriate protein mass spectrometry approaches to help move projects forward.
• Independently plan, design and execute protein mass spectrometry experiments using approaches including AS-MS, native MS, HDX-MS, intact LC-MS, peptide mapping and proteomics.
• Analyse and critically interpret experimental results, evaluating data quality, controls and alternative explanations, and appropriately document experimental details and conclusions.
• Integrate mass spectrometry results with complementary biochemical, biophysical and structural data to build a broader understanding of protein function, protein–ligand interactions and mechanisms of action.
• Communicate and discuss protein mass spectrometry findings and their scientific implications with multidisciplinary project teams.
• Collaborate within the group to plan and coordinate ongoing and upcoming protein mass spectrometry studies.
• Provide expert guidance on protein mass spectrometry-related questions arising from collaborations with external partners.
• Support the maintenance and troubleshooting of mass spectrometers and associated equipment, including HPLC, nanoLC and HDX instrumentation.

Keep abreast of developments in protein mass spectrometry and identify opportunities for new methods, technology development and capability upgrades.

• The position is full-time and based in Espoo, Finland. Collaboration with colleagues at Orion’s other research sites, particularly Turku, and with external partners is an important part of the role. Travel between sites and to partner meetings may therefore be required. You will report to the Head of Structural Biology and Discovery Technologies.

What you can expect from us You will join a highly collaborative scientific environment where your work supports real project decisions and the discovery of new therapeutic opportunities. You will work alongside experienced colleagues across chemistry, chemical biology, structural biology, protein science, modelling and therapeutic-area research, with room to develop your scientific breadth and take increasing ownership as your experience grows. You will contribute to our chemoproteomics, HDX-MS, AS-MS and native MS capabilities, helping deepen our understanding of proteins, protein–ligand interactions and how compounds act in a cellular environment. The role offers opportunities to apply established techniques while also developing new mass spectrometry methods and technologies in response to evolving scientific and project needs. At Orion Pharma, your work creates true impact and well-being for our customers, patients and society at large. Our culture of friendliness, respect, mutual appreciation and diversity creates a safe working environment where you can strive for excellence. We offer a wealth of career paths and development opportunities that support innovative solutions and improvements in quality of life. Please visit our website to find further information about our values and Orion as an employer https://www.orion.fi/en/careers/orion-as-an-employer/ . What are we looking for We are looking for a scientist who combines hands-on protein mass spectrometry experience with a strong interest in applying these approaches to challenging questions in drug discovery.

• A PhD-level scientist in structural mass spectrometry, analytical chemistry, chemical biology, biochemistry or a closely related field.
• Extensive hands-on experience in protein mass spectrometry, gained through sustained practical application of these techniques. Your experience should include at least two of the following: native MS, HDX-MS, intact LC-MS, proteomics, AS-MS, ion mobility MS, crosslinking MS or FPOP.
• A sound understanding of protein biochemistry and biochemical and biophysical assay principles, enabling effective experimental design and integration of results from complementary methods.
• Ability to work independently in the design, execution, troubleshooting and interpretation of protein mass spectrometry experiments, critically evaluating appropriate controls, data quality and alternative interpretations to draw clear scientific conclusions.
• Clear written and oral communication skills in English, with the ability to explain scientific findings and their implications for project objectives and drug design to multidisciplinary project teams.

Scientific curiosity, a proactive learning mindset, attention to detail and the ability to work constructively in multidisciplinary teams.

• Experience that would be an advantage
• Industrial pharmaceutical or biotechnology drug-discovery experience.
• Protein–ligand characterisation using mass spectrometry.
• Chemoproteomics
• Experience with specialist software used for MS data acquisition and analysis, such as Spectronaut, Chronos, DeutEx, UniDec, Protein Metrics or Analytical Studio.
• Experience with emerging drug-discovery approaches, including chemically induced proximity, targeted protein degradation, targeted protein stabilisation and targeted covalent inhibition.

An understanding of protein construct design and protein characteristics relevant to biophysical and structural studies.

• How to apply

If this opportunity inspires you, please submit your CV and cover letter by 30 November 2026. In your application, please tell us how your scientific background and interests could help us apply protein mass spectrometry to important questions in drug discovery. For further information, please contact Mat Rappas, Head of Structural Biology and Discovery Technologies at mat.rappas@orionpharma.com. We typically review applications already during the application period and may start interviewing candidates before the application deadline. Therefore, we invite you to send your application as soon as possible. #LI-ORION Approved medical examination which also includes drug testing is required prior to the employment. We will also carry out a security clearance prior to the employment for the selected person. Your new team Orion’s pharmaceutical innovations are created within its R&D organization. We employ over 400 top professionals in the field of drug discovery and development. We work globally: in Espoo and Turku in Finland, in Nottingham and Cambridge in the UK, and in Cambridge, MA, USA. Orion R&D and the Innovative Medicines business division are dedicated to making a transformation to become a global player in the pain and oncology therapy areas. The Medicine Design department contributes to target validation and drives drug discovery from validated targets through to clinical candidate nomination, working closely with other functions to identify and develop suitable therapeutic modalities for new targets. The Structural Biology and Discovery Technologies unit is part of Medicine Design, within the broader R&D organisation. The unit brings together capabilities that support early target assessment, hit discovery, the elucidation of protein mechanisms of action and the characterisation of protein–ligand interactions. We combine in-house mass spectrometry and NMR with cryo-EM and X-ray techniques accessed through a strong external network.