Principal or Senior Principal Scientist, Protein Drug Discovery

Does it excite you to lead protein drug discovery for next-generation biologics, and do you have experience building capabilities and teams from early discovery through lead-candidate selection? If this sounds like you, and you are ready to take on a broad area of responsibilities, then you could be our new colleague.
Your new position
Zealand Pharma is significantly expanding its global R&D capabilities and is establishing new research units in Cambridge, Massachusetts. As part of this expansion, Molecular Platform Development is being created to strengthen and advance diverse drug modality capabilities in metabolic disease.

As Principal or Senior Principal Scientist – Protein Drug Discovery, this position will play a leading scientific role in shaping strategy, culture, and capabilities from the ground up, while influencing long-term ambitions to deliver transformative medicines for people living with metabolic diseases.

We offer exciting responsibilities:
•    Define and lead protein drug discovery strategy aligned with Zealand Pharma’s metabolic disease portfolio and long-term objectives
•    Drive protein discovery programs from idea through lead-candidate selection, partnering closely with cross-functional stakeholders and governance
•    Provide scientific leadership across therapeutic protein modalities (e.g., antibodies and bispecifics, VHHs and mini-proteins, as well as fusions, hybrids, and bioconjugates with other proteins, peptides, or synthetic payloads)
•    Guide protein engineering, developability assessment, and structure–function optimization to enable high-quality candidate progression
•    Establish and grow discovery biologics platform capabilities within Molecular Platform Development center, including fit-for-purpose automation and display technologies to improve reliability, data quality, and throughput
•    Build internal and external innovation by mentoring and recruiting talent and by forming strategic collaborations with academic, biotech, and CRO partners
Your profile

The successful candidate is a scientifically rigorous and collaborative leader with strong judgment and an enterprise mindset. This role requires the ability to integrate discovery science with translational, CMC, IP, and business considerations to support high-quality decision-making. The position acts with integrity, fosters an inclusive environment, and elevates technical standards across teams and programs.
•    PhD in Protein Science, Biochemistry, Structural Biology, Biophysics, Bioengineering, or a related field (postdoctoral training preferred)
•    6+ years of relevant post-degree experience (Principal) or 8+ years (Senior Principal) in protein drug discovery
•    Demonstrated track record advancing projects from concept to clinical development, evidenced by inventorship on patents and authorship of high-impact peer-reviewed publications
•    Deep expertise in protein engineering and structure-informed design across multiple formats (mAbs, bispecifics, VHHs, mini-proteins, fusions, and bioconjugates)
•    Experience with high-throughput expression, purification, analytical characterization, and biophysical/biochemical developability assessment
•    Hands-on knowledge of hit-finding and affinity maturation approaches (e.g., phage and/or yeast display), plus ability to interpret and apply computational modeling/design insights in experimental decision-making

Your new team
This position is within Discovery Research: Molecular Platform Development at Zealand Pharma’s new Cambridge, MA site. The role reports to the Head of Molecular Platform Development and partners closely with computational research, chemistry, biology, translational research, pharmacology, bioanalysis, and CMC teams to deliver high-quality protein therapeutics for metabolic disease.
Let's bond and be bold
We have a unique culture, characterized by excellent teamwork and strong engagement across the organization. And we want you to help us strengthen this culture.

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 through curiosity and playfulness as a team, allowing ourselves to challenge common thinking and drive future innovation. Join us and let's bond and be bold.
Interested in bonding with us? Then please apply no later than April 24, 2026, or as soon as possible. The applications will be reviewed as they come in. While a cover letter is not required, please include a few sentences in your CV explaining your motivation for applying.
We are committed to an inclusive recruitment process and welcome applications from all job applicants.  

The anticipated base pay range for this position is :  $ 220,000 - $ 270,000

About Zealand Pharma A/S
Zealand Pharma A/S (Nasdaq: ZEAL) is a biotechnology company focused on advancing medicines for obesity and metabolic health. Combining more than 25 years of peptide R&D expertise with a proprietary data platform that leverages advanced data-driven and AI/ML approaches, Zealand Pharma aims to lead a new era in obesity and metabolic health. To date, more than ten Zealand Pharma-invented drug candidates have entered clinical development, of which two products have reached the market and three candidates are in late-stage development. The Company has collaborations with global pharmaceutical and biotechnology partners for research, development, and commercialization. Founded in 1998, Zealand Pharma is headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark, with a U.S. presence in Boston, Massachusetts. Learn more at www.zealandpharma.com