Be the new Principal Scientist - In Vitro Profiling and Signaling
In a biotech company bonding to discover, design and develop innovative peptide-based medicines
Currently, we are looking for a new Principal Scientist who has experience within scientific leadership and who is eager to embark on a new career challenge. If this sounds like you, and you are ready to take on a broad area of responsibilities with an independent attitude, you are a match for us.
In this role, you will provide scientific leadership and direction in advancing our research focused on peptide drugs targeting metabolism and obesity. You will be instrumental in defining our strategy for selecting and understanding new clinical candidates in our project organization, with interactions across all disciplines.
Our department comprises 12 scientists and 8 technologists dedicated to advancing our research and development projects through generating in vitro pharmacology and biomarker data as well as developing cell based model systems to increase our understanding of mechanism of action of our drug candidates. We are organized into two teams to ensure accessible managerial support and scientific guidance. As a department we all work together and use a range of molecular biology methodologies, biochemical and cellular assays to support identification and optimization of our drug candidates. To build our future pipeline, we are also involved in the identification and maturation of new projects.
This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute significantly in both departmental and project team levels. You will play a key role in the department’s mission to quickly obtain best in vitro data set on test compounds, allowing the best decisions on design and selection of clinical candidate drugs. You will also serve as a department representative on one or more project teams, supporting project plans and anchoring the in vitro data package. Zealand Pharma is a dynamic organization with many opportunities to impact projects across all stages of the pipeline as well as your career and the future of Zealand Pharma.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and define our in vitro pharmacology assay portfolio with department scientists and technologists to evaluate the efficacy and mechanism of action of peptide drugs.
- Innovate and develop new screening technologies and methodologies to improve drug discovery processes.
- Provide strategic insights and guidance to cross-functional teams, integrating in vitro pharmacology data with knowledge on metabolism and obesity
- Analyze and interpret complex experimental data, ranging from pharmacology profiling, omics technologies, cell biology and in vivo pharmacology presenting strategic recommendations to senior leadership and external partners.
- Drive the invention and development of novel therapeutic strategies and technologies the department and in the company.
- Provide expertise knowledge in peptide therapeutics and metabolic research, influencing the company's strategic direction.
- Contribute to high-level scientific publications and regulatory submissions.
Qualifications:
We are looking for someone with a mindset in line with the Zealand values, possessing most or all of the following qualifications:
- Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Molecular biology, or a related field with at least 7 years of experience
- Extensive experience with in vitro pharmacology and profiling of compounds, preferably within an industrial setting.
- Scientific background in GPCR signaling, with experience in developing and optimizing GPCR signaling assays, including assay development and trouble shooting
- Demonstrated ability to innovate and implement new technologies and methodologies.
- Strong scientific leadership and experience working in cross-functional teams.
- Exceptional analytical skills and proficiency in data analysis.
Additionally, the following qualifications will be considered an advantage:
- Expertise in handling and analyzing large datasets, such as single cell and bulk RNA sequencing data.
- Experience with CRO interactions
- Experience with automation and higher throughput in vitro assays
- Ability to bridge learnings and understand gaps between in vitro, in vivo and clinical disciplines
Bonding to innovate
Our employees are fundamental to our success, and we continue to be able to attract and retain people with vast experience and talent. We have a unique culture, characterized by excellent teamwork and strong engagement across the organization.
Making bonds is at the core of everything we do. From discovering and developing the best new peptide drugs for patients, to engaging with our partners or connecting with each other.
We bond as a result of our entrepreneurial culture where our people are encouraged to pursue their ideas and turn them into reality. We are curious about each other’s knowledge and expertise.
We bond through curiosity and playfulness as a team, allowing ourselves to challenge common thinking and drive future innovation. Zealand Pharma is a place where everyone is heard and contributes to the success, we all want to experience.
The Zealand Pharma DNA builds on four values: (1) We are bold, (2) We empower people, (3) We work as one team, and (4) We can be trusted.
Let’s bond and be bold
We offer a combined compensation package which includes a base salary, pension, bonus, and a possibility to join our employee share program. We care about our employees’ well-being and offer health insurance, use of massage, fitness, and a range of social clubs and activities
To find out more about working at Zealand, visit https://www.zealandpharma.com/careers/zealand-as-a-workplace/
Interested? Please apply no later than 22th of July 2025, or as soon as possible. The applications will be reviewed as they come in.
For further information, please contact Head of in vitro profiling and signaling, Karin Hägerbrand KHag@zealandpharma.com.
About Zealand Pharma A/S
Zealand Pharma A/S (Nasdaq: ZEAL) is a biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of peptide-based medicines. More than 10 drug candidates invented by Zealand Pharma have advanced into clinical development, of which two have reached the market and three candidates are in late-stage development. The company has development partnerships with a number of pharma companies as well as commercial partnerships for its marketed products.
Zealand Pharma was founded in 1998 and is headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark, with a presence in the U.S. For more information about Zealand Pharma’s business and activities, please visit www.zealandpharma.com.