INTERNSHIP IN DRUG DISCOVERY AND DEVELOPMENT WITH POTENTIAL PATHWAY TO A PHD – CHEMISTRY GROUP

About us

Philogen is a Swiss-Italian integrated biotechnology company founded in 1996, dedicated to developing innovative biopharmaceuticals for cancer therapy. Philochem AG is the discovery R&D center of the Philogen Group located in Otelfingen (Zurich, Switzerland). Promising preclinical candidates developed at Philochem are subsequently produced at Philogen’s authorized Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) facilities in Siena (Italy). The Company currently sponsors and coordinates Phase I, II and III prospective clinical trials in Europe and in the United States. Despite the focus on cancer research, the company is also active in discovering innovative therapies for inflammatory conditions.

Philochem operates with four key departments:

• Chemistry: Design and synthesis of targeted small-molecule diagnostics and therapeutics.
• Biology: Discovery and characterization of innovative therapeutic proteins.
• Cell Line Development: Generation of GMP-ready mammalian cell lines for biologics production.
• Mass Spectrometry: Integrated analytical support bridging chemistry and biology across discovery and development

Internship Description

We invite applications for a full-time internship in the Chemistry Group at Philochem, focused on industrial drug discovery using DNA-Encoded Chemical Libraries (DELs). This position is ideal for early-career scientists seeking hands-on experience in an industry-driven R&D environment, with strong exposure to applied research. The intern will contribute primarily to DEL screening campaigns, including target engagement strategies, hit identification, data analysis, and hit validation using biochemical and cell-based assays within active discovery programs.

High-performing candidates may be considered for a PhD pathway embedded in a collaboration between Philochem and a leading European university, while maintaining a strong industrial research focus.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute and support DEL screening campaigns against pharmaceutically relevant targets
• Contribute to the design of screening strategies and selection of appropriate target formats
• Analyze sequencing data to identify, prioritize and synthesize hit compounds
• Validate hits based on in vitro assays and in vivo translational studies
• Analyze data, contribute to experimental design, and troubleshoot challenges
• Collaborate within a dynamic, cross-disciplinary team
• Present findings at scientific meetings and publish research in top-tier journals

Candidate Profile

• Master’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, or a closely related discipline
• Strong interest in small-molecule drug discovery and chemical biology
• Prior experience with DELs or high-throughput screening technologies is a plus but not required
• Solid synthetic chemistry and analytical skills, ability to critically interpret experiments
• Excellent written and spoken English
• Highly motivated, intellectually curious, and able to work and collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment

What We Offer

• Industrial Internship starting in Q1 2026: Gain hands-on experience using cutting-edge technologies in drug discovery.
• PhD Pathway: Transition into a PhD program upon mutual agreement, supported by a partnership between Philochem and a European university.
• Mentorship & Publications: Direct mentorship from experts in the field and opportunities to publish in top scientific journals
• Collaborative & Innovative Environment

How to Apply

Please submit your application including:

• CV
• Motivation letter
• University transcripts
• Contact details of at least two references

Applications will be reviewed on a continuous basis. Please send your application to Dr. Tony Georgiev (E-Mail schreiben) and Dr. Sebastian Oehler (E-Mail schreiben).