Lead Scientist in Vitro Profiling and Signaling

Does it excite you to work with in vitro pharmacology profiling and receptor signaling assays for peptide-based drug discovery? and do you have experience with developing, optimizing, and analyzing robust cell-based assay platforms? 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
As Lead Scientist – In Vitro Profiling and Signaling, you will be responsible for developing, optimizing, and analyzing in vitro profiling and signaling assays to deliver high-quality screening and characterization data on Zealand Pharma compounds. You will contribute significantly at both departmental and project team levels by enabling efficient, data-driven decisions on design and selection of drug candidates.

We offer exciting responsibilities:

• Develop and define the in vitro pharmacology assay portfolio to evaluate activity and mechanism of action of peptide drug candidates
• Analyze and interpret in vitro pharmacology datasets, identifying trends, patterns, and unexpected findings to support decision-making
• Deliver high-quality results and documentation to enable efficient cross-functional communication and external collaboration
• Represent the in vitro profiling and signaling function in project teams, anchoring the in vitro data package and supporting project plans

Your profile
The ideal candidate is a dedicated and collaborative scientist with a strong data mindset and a commitment to quality. You take ownership, work effectively across disciplines, and communicate complex findings clearly to support project progress. A curiosity-driven approach and alignment with Zealand’s values are important for success in the role.

• Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Molecular Pharmacology, Molecular Biology, or a related field, with 6+ years of post-PhD experience
• Extensive experience with in vitro pharmacology profiling of compounds, including development and validation of receptor signaling and binding assays
• Strong capability in data analysis and interpretation, with an emphasis on data reliability and robustness
• Demonstrated experience with assay automation, including setup, optimization, and troubleshooting
• Proven ability to develop and implement new technologies and methodologies in an in vitro pharmacology setting
• Experience evaluating in vitro readouts across several different membrane-bound receptor classes, managing CRO collaborations and data management systems is an advantage; a scientific background in metabolism/obesity is also an advantage

Your new team
You will be part of a department of 13 scientists and 8 technologists dedicated to advancing research and development through generation of in vitro pharmacology and biomarker data, and development of cell-based model systems to deepen understanding of drug mechanism of action. The department is organized into two teams to ensure close managerial support and scientific guidance, and works collaboratively across molecular biology, biochemical, biophysical, and cellular assay platforms to support identification, optimization, and characterization of drug candidates.

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 March 30, 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.

For further information, please contact Head of In Vitro Profiling and Signaling, Karin Hägerbrand and KHag@zealandpharma.com.

We are committed to an inclusive recruitment process and welcome applications from all job applicants.

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.

#LI-Onsite