Are you passionate about turning cutting-edge molecular concepts into impactful products for life sciences and healthcare? Then leverage your experience to help us unlock the potential of next‑generation, antibody-based molecular probes for advanced analytical and imaging applications. ZEISS is establishing an interdisciplinary team in a dynamic and agile, startup-like environment. The corporate-backed unit will benefit from the ZEISS ecosystem and its deep expertise in optics, imaging, and life sciences.

This is a laboratory-based position with a strong hands-on experimental component. You will play a crucial role in advancing targeted probe technologies towards business success. Collaboration with internal and external stakeholders is essential and should be complemented with a strong hands-on mentality.

Your Role

• Designing and developing antibody-based molecular probes, including the linker components.

• Collaborating with cell biologists, engineers and application experts to define probe requirements and performance specifications.

• Conducting and interpreting in vitro studies (e.g. binding, selectivity, stability) to optimize probe performance;

• Supporting further evaluation in collaboration with internal and external partners

• Identifying and assessing project risks and developing mitigation strategies.

• Troubleshooting and resolving technical issues related to linker chemistry, stability, and assay compatibility.

• Keeping up to date of industry and academic trends in targeted probe technologies.

• Documenting results clearly and reporting on project progress to management and stakeholders.

Your Profile

• PhD in medicinal chemistry, organic chemistry, chemical biology or a comparable discipline.

• At least 2 years of professional experience in drug-like small molecule design, bioconjugation, or targeted probe development in an industrial or start up environment.

• Demonstrated expertise in:

  • Design and synthesis of small molecules and linkers.

  • Conjugation strategies for proteins or antibodies

  • Biophysical and biochemical characterization of conjugates

• Familiarity with in vitro assay data and their use in property optimization; experience interfacing with in vivo studies is a plus.

• Excellent communication skills and enjoyment of working in interdisciplinary, cross‑functional teams.

• Very good written and spoken English skills; German and Chinese are a plus

Your ZEISS Recruiting Team:

Friederike Kirklar-Harms