Principal or Senior Principal Scientist, Peptide & Bioconjugate Drug Discovery in Cambridge

Does it excite you to build next-generation peptide drug discovery capabilities in metabolic disease, and do you have experience leading peptide chemistry strategy from concept 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.

Zealand Pharma is significantly expanding its global R&D capabilities and is establishing new research units in Cambridge, Massachusetts. As part of this expansion, we are creating a new organization—Molecular Platform Development—to strengthen and advance diverse drug modality capabilities in metabolic disease.

We are seeking a Principal or Senior Principal Scientist – Peptide & Bioconjugate Drug Discovery to take a leading scientific role in building peptide- and bioconjugate-based discovery capabilities within this new organization. The position offers a unique opportunity to shape strategy, culture, and technical excellence from the ground up, while directly influencing Zealand Pharma’s long-term ambitions to deliver transformative medicines for people living with metabolic diseases.

• Define and lead peptide and bioconjugate drug discovery strategy aligned with Zealand Pharma’s metabolic disease portfolio and long-term business objectives.
• Drive peptide and bioconjugate discovery programs from concept through lead-candidate selection, partnering closely with cross-functional stakeholders in computational chemistry, protein engineering, biology, pharmaceutical development, and project stakeholders.
• Provide deep peptide and bioconjugate expertise across multiple modality formats and lead structure–activity relationship development and optimization.
• Guide lead and backup candidate selection using integrated chemical, biological, and manufacturability considerations.
• Establish and grow peptide and bioconjugate chemistry and discovery platform capabilities at the Cambridge R&D center, including automation-enabled high-throughput synthesis, purification, and analytics.
• Build a high-performing, collaborative environment through mentorship, recruiting support, and cross-functional/external partnerships (including academic, biotech, and CRO collaborations).

The successful candidate is a scientifically rigorous and collaborative leader with strong judgment and an enterprise mindset. This role requires the ability to translate chemistry-driven innovation into robust discovery decisions, balancing data, feasibility, and downstream considerations. The position acts with integrity and accountability, fosters an inclusive environment, and elevates technical standards across programs.

• PhD in Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Chemical Biology, or a related field (postdoctoral training preferred).
• 6+ years of relevant post-degree experience in peptide drug discovery (Principal) or 8+ years (Senior Principal).
• Demonstrated track record progressing programs from concept toward clinical development, evidenced by inventorship on patents and peer-reviewed publications.
• Deep expertise in peptide design, solid-phase peptide synthesis, and bioconjugation, with significant experience harnessing diverse high-throughput molecular discovery tools from hit-finding to lead candidate optimization.
• Experience establishing high-throughput/parallel workflows, including parallel and combinatorial synthesis, automated mass-directed purification, and automated analytical characterization.
• Ability to interpret and apply computational modeling and design insights, and familiarity with high-throughput hit-finding/optimization approaches (e.g., mRNA display, phage display, and/or DNA-encoded library technologies).

This position is within Discovery Research: Molecular Platform Development, a new organization being established as part of Zealand Pharma’s expanding R&D capabilities. The role reports to the Head of Molecular Platform Development and partners closely with computational research, protein sciences, biology, translational research, pharmacology, bioanalysis, and CMC colleagues to accelerate discovery and deliver high-quality peptide- and bioconjugate-based candidates.

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