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Peptide Chemistry Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Unnatural Products Inc.

$145 - $180/hr

UNP's platform couples machine learning-based in silico tools with direct-to-biology parallel peptide chemistry to enable the discovery and rapid optimization of non-natural macrocyclic peptides ...

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How much do peptide chemistry jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for peptide chemistry in the United States is $22.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $24.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is peptide chemistry?

Peptide chemistry is a specialized field of chemistry focused on the design, synthesis, characterization, and study of peptides—short chains of amino acids linked by peptide bonds. This area is crucial for developing new drugs, understanding biological processes, and creating tools for research in biochemistry and medicine. Peptide chemists often use solid-phase synthesis and analytical techniques to create peptides for pharmaceutical, diagnostic, and research applications.

What are common challenges faced by peptide chemists during peptide synthesis and how are they addressed in a typical laboratory setting?

Peptide chemists often encounter challenges such as incomplete coupling reactions, peptide aggregation, and difficulties with purification due to similar physicochemical properties of peptides and side products. These issues are typically addressed by optimizing reaction conditions, using specialized reagents or coupling agents, and employing advanced purification techniques like reverse-phase HPLC. Collaboration with analytical chemists and biologists is common to troubleshoot and refine protocols, ensuring high purity and yield in synthesized peptides.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a peptide chemist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Peptide Chemist, you need a strong background in organic and analytical chemistry, often supported by an advanced degree in chemistry or biochemistry. Familiarity with peptide synthesizers, HPLC, mass spectrometry, and techniques such as solid-phase peptide synthesis is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and the ability to communicate complex data clearly are vital soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure the accurate design, synthesis, and analysis of peptides, which are critical for pharmaceutical research and development.

What is the difference between Peptide Chemistry vs Peptide Synthesis?

AspectPeptide ChemistryPeptide Synthesis
Required CredentialsDegree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related field; laboratory experienceSimilar credentials; focus on laboratory techniques and protocols
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, pharmaceutical companies, biotech firmsLaboratories specializing in peptide production and manufacturing
Industry UsageResearch and development, drug design, molecular biologyMass production, custom peptide creation, quality control

Peptide Chemistry involves designing and understanding peptide structures and reactions, while Peptide Synthesis focuses on the actual process of creating peptides in the lab. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and often work in overlapping environments, but Peptide Chemistry emphasizes research and development, whereas Peptide Synthesis centers on production and manufacturing.

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Peptide Chemistry jobs near you
Infographic showing various Peptide Chemistry job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 26% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,292 per year, or $22.3 per hour.

Scientist, Peptide Chemistry

Calico

South San Francisco, CA • On-site

$135K - $145K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Who We Are: 

Calico (Calico Life Sciences LLC) is an Alphabet-founded research and development company whose mission is to harness advanced technologies and model systems to increase our understanding of the biology that controls human aging. Calico will use that knowledge to devise interventions that enable people to lead longer and healthier lives. Calico's highly innovative technology labs, its commitment to curiosity-driven discovery science, and, with academic and industry partners, its vibrant drug-development pipeline, together create an inspiring and exciting place to catalyze and enable medical breakthroughs. 

Position Description: 

We are seeking a scientist to join our Peptide Chemistry team. In this role, you will drive peptide drug discovery projects that sit at the nexus of empirical medicinal chemistry and Calico's proprietary Machine Learning (ML) peptide design platform. You will collaborate cross-functionally with ML scientists, medicinal chemists, automation specialists, and biologists to explore structure-activity relationships (SAR). By leveraging a rapid design-make-test cycle, you will accelerate the optimization of therapeutic peptides and contribute to the evolution of a world-class synthetic engine. 

Key Responsibilities: 

  • Drive Discovery: Lead peptide drug discovery campaigns from initial hit identification through to IND-enabling studies
  • Innovate Synthetic Workflows: Onboard and optimize novel chemistries for high-throughput, automated peptide synthesis; troubleshoot complex synthetic challenges to generate high-quality leads, and curate a custom library of building blocks
  • Cross-Functional Partnership: Collaborate with biology, software, automation, assay, and pharmacology teams to ensure seamless execution of ML platform objectives and drug discovery milestones
  • Mentorship and Management: Actively mentor junior scientists, fostering a culture of technical excellence, continuous learning, and collaborative innovation
  • Manage external collaborations and CROs efficiently, including teams of chemists, DMPK scientists and formulation experts

Position Requirements: 

  • Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Peptide Chemistry, or a related discipline with 0-2 years of industry experience in drug discovery 
  • Experience in peptide hit discovery, SAR campaigns, ADMET optimization, and peptide formulation
  • Proven experience building and interpreting complex assay cascades, including biophysical characterization, functional protein/cell-based assays, and ADMET screening 
  • High proficiency in automated synthesis, purification (HPLC, Flash, SPE), and characterization (LCMS, NMR, CD, etc.) 
  • Demonstrated ability to implement diverse chemistries, including backbone-modifications, macrocyclization, stapling, and bioconjugation via solid- or solution-phase strategies 
  • Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills 
  • Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills for effective collaboration across diverse functional groups 
  • Must be willing to work onsite 5 days per week 

Nice to Have: 

  • Experience with organic synthesis, including transition metal catalysis and synthesis of non-canonical amino acids, is highly desired 
  • Experience with automation, software, and data-science integration into chemistry workflows 
  • Ability to utilize AI-tools to improve efficiency of research and build programs for data analysis or synthesis 
  • Knowledgeable on the key principles of ML-design for peptide therapeutics
  • Prior experience with peptide-specific computational tools for hit discovery, SAR prioritization, molecular modeling, and physicochemical characterization

The estimated base salary range for this role is $135,000 - $145,000. Actual pay will be based on a number of factors including experience and qualifications. This position is also eligible for two annual cash bonuses.

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