Be the new Experienced Medicinal Chemist small molecules – Senior Principal Scientist or Principal Scientist
In a biotech company bonding to discover, design and develop innovative peptide-based medicines
Currently, we are looking for a new experienced Medicinal Chemist, who knows what it takes to advance a small molecule preclinical asset into clinical development, and who also has a keen interest in expanding the horizon into peptide drug discovery. 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.
We are searching for a highly skilled and experienced small molecule medicinal chemist to join our Discovery Research team at Zealand Pharma in the most exciting time for the company. You will be part of the Medicinal & Computational Chemistry group with the primary responsibility to be a company anchor in external collaborations with partners regarding small molecule assets. This involves taking an active role in global cross organizational project teams and giving input to compound design thereby securing fast progress of suitable lead candidates within obesity, rare diseases, and chronic inflammation.
You will work closely together with colleagues and collaborators from various disciplines such as medicinal chemistry, computational chemistry, in vitro/in vivo pharmacology, ADME, and having a broad drug discovery understanding and mindset is essential.
Responsibilities
- Overall company responsible for small molecule medicinal and organic chemistry guidance to various projects
- Secure, support and contribute to the identification, design, optimization, and profiling of novel small molecule drug candidates
- Be an active member in cross-functional project teams to advance promising small molecule candidates into preclinical and clinical development
- Managing CROs on external synthesis activities in small molecule projects
- Stay up to date of advancements in small molecule drug design and delivery technologies
Candidate Profile
- Ph.D. in Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, or a related field with extensive experience in small molecule drug discovery
- Proven track record in designing and optimizing small molecule-based therapeutics within a pharmaceutical setting
- Strong working knowledge of organic chemistry, SAR, SPR, and compound profiling in connection with lead candidate evaluations
- Project management experience from small molecule research projects
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
Additional experience with computational methods for structure-activity analysis and integration of machine learning and AI in drug discovery, biology and general disease mechanisms particularly within obesity, are a clear advantage. We also value strong scientific leadership, and a proven track record in form of publications or established collaboration with academia and/or companies, and mentoring activities are also a distinct plus. As Zealand Pharma main focus is on peptides, we envision a suitable candidate having interest to broaden scope towards peptide drug discovery.
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 July 30th, 2025, or as soon as possible. The applications will be reviewed as they come in.
For further information, please contact Magnus Gustafsson, Head of Medicinal & Computational Chemistry at [email protected] or call +4531118302.
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.
