Scientist/Principal Scientist - Expert in Peptide design/generation and optimization

About us

Coave Therapeutics is a pre-clinical-stage biotechnology company committed to developing groundbreaking gene therapies. Powered by its proprietary ALIGATER™ (Advanced Vectors-Ligand Conjugates) platform, Coave develops a novel class of AAV and LNP gene delivery systems with superior targeting, specificity, efficacy across a wide range of applications. Importantly, the platform streamlines manufacturing by eliminating the need for prior AAV capsid modifications. By overcoming critical challenges in delivering genetic payloads to extra-hepatic tissues, Coave is building a pipeline of innovative gene therapies aimed at transforming the treatment of rare and common diseases, with a particular focus on muscle, neuromuscular, and eye diseases.

Job Description

Job description will vary depending on level of experience

We are looking for a highly motivated and experienced PhD or BS/MS’s-level peptide expert to lead and drive research and development efforts in the generation of peptides using both experimental and computational approaches to advance our internal peptide-conjugated vectors (AAV & LNP) discovery programs. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in peptide chemistry and synthesis, phage display technologies, AI-driven peptide generation, and in silico modeling, with a track record of delivering innovative solutions in peptide science. The successful candidate will communicate effectively with internal and external collaborators to achieve project objectives and will work efficiently in a multi-disciplinary team environment.

Key responsibilities

Contribute to scientific strategies and goals within a project team setting,

Lead and manage peptide generation projects (outsourced activities), utilizing phage display and/or other state-of-the-art peptide discovery technologies,

Lead and manage (outsourced activities) peptide design and optimization, prediction, and screening processes through AI-based tools and algorithms,

Lead and manage (internally or externally) in silico simulations and molecular modeling to predict peptide-receptors interactions, stability, and binding affinities,

Analyze peptide data, identifying key patterns and opportunities for optimization,

Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to design and validate peptide-based candidates for various therapeutic applications,

Stay UpToDate with the latest research in peptide engineering, AI applications, and phage display technologies,

Present data and reports on project status at individual and group meetings,

Contribute to the preparation of scientific reports, presentations, and publications and contribute to intellectual property generation.

Qualifications

Ph.D. or a BS/MS’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology or a related field (or equivalent industry experience) with a focus on peptide research and 5+ years of relevant experience,

Expertise in peptide design, optimization, synthesis, and characterization,

Background in phage display technology, including library construction, screening, and analysis,

Proficiency in in silico techniques for peptide modeling, molecular dynamics simulations, and structure-activity relationship (SAR) analysis,

Experience in AI approaches for peptide generation, optimization, and screening,

Ideally experience in computational biology or bioinformatics software,

Ideally familiar with peptide-based therapeutic platforms (e.g., immunotherapy, antibody-drug conjugates),

Excellent problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work both independently and in collaborative team environments,

Strong written and verbal communication skills, with a proven ability to publish research findings and communicate complex scientific concepts effectively.

 

Why Join Us?

Be part of a pioneering team

Work in a collaborative and innovative environment

Opportunities for professional growth and development.