Senior Scientist with expertise in synthetic organic chemistry

Join our MedChem team in this lab-based position and play a key role in shaping and expanding the chemistry capabilities that support Orbis Medicines' drug discovery pipeline

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 (nCycles) by combining AI technologies with automated synthesis and high-throughput screening of real compounds.

About the Role

As a Medicinal Chemist at Orbis Medicines, you will combine deep expertise in medicinal chemistry with a strong interest in enabling technologies such as synthetic methodology, peptide chemistry, linker chemistry, parallel synthesis, automation, and early CMC. Working closely with the platform chemistry scientists, you will help identify and implement innovative chemistry solutions that accelerate the discovery and optimization of next-generation oral macrocycle therapeutics.

The role sits within the Medicinal Chemistry organization and offers the opportunity to contribute both directly to drug discovery projects and more broadly to the development of Orbis' chemistry platform capabilities. You will report to the VP of Medicinal Chemistry and Portfolio Management Daniel Greve.

Your main responsibilities will be to:

• Contribute to medicinal chemistry programs across hit identification, hit-to-lead and lead optimization activities.
• Drive the development and implementation of innovative chemistry technologies that strengthen Orbis' discovery capabilities.
• Design and execute synthetic strategies for macrocycles, peptides, linkers and related chemical modalities.
• Support the development of scalable synthetic routes and contribute to early CMC considerations.
• Develop and apply parallel synthesis approaches to accelerate compound generation and SAR exploration.
• Evaluate and introduce emerging technologies within synthetic chemistry, peptide chemistry and medicinal chemistry.
• Work closely with colleagues across Medicinal Chemistry, Biology, DMPK and AI & Computational Drug Design.

Your Skills and Expertise

We are looking for a highly motivated scientist who loves to work in the lab. Probably you have a PhD in Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Peptide Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related field, combined with significant industrial experience in drug discovery.

The ideal candidate will bring:

• A strong track record in medicinal chemistry and small molecule drug discovery.
• Deep expertise in synthetic organic chemistry.
• Experience with peptide chemistry, macrocycle synthesis and peptide modification technologies.
• Knowledge of linker chemistry and molecular conjugation approaches.
• Experience with parallel synthesis and high-throughput chemistry methodologies.
• Familiarity with laboratory automation and modern chemistry technologies.
• Understanding of early CMC principles and scalability considerations.
• Experience working effectively in multidisciplinary drug discovery teams.
• Strong scientific communication and collaboration skills.
• A passion for innovation and for introducing new technologies that can impact multiple projects.
  
  

Application
Orbis Medicines collaborates with DEDENROTH on this recruitment. Please contact Mia Danielsen to express your interest or if you have any questions about the role or the process. Phone: +45 26178142 / Email: [email protected].

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 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.