Do you thrive at the intersection of antibody science and formulation chemistry, and are you ready to take the lead on shaping how monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and antibody-drug conjugates (ADC) become patient-ready medicines? We are looking for a lighthouse who can drive phase-appropriate formulation from early discovery through Phase 2, and who is energized by owning a broad set of responsibilities. If this sounds like you, then you could be our new colleague.
Your new position
As Lead/Principal Scientist, you will drive formulation development from research projects into Phase 2 with a strong focus on mAbs and ADCs in different formats. You will design robust formulations, define process and scale-up strategies and ensure phase-appropriate control strategies that enable tox and clinical supplies. Close collaboration with internal manufacturing department, contract manufacturing organizations and Regulatory Affairs will ensure strong alignment and timely delivery across activities.
We offer exciting responsibilities:
Lead formulation development including biophysical characterization for mAbs and ADC from early research to Phase 2
Design drug product manufacturing processes and define scale-up strategies aligned with phase-appropriate controls.
Plan and execute lab-scale formulation experiments, characterization, and troubleshooting for antibody and antibody-drug conjugate candidates
Provide input to drug product manufacturing plans covering purpose, timing, and batch size to secure clinical supply readiness
Lead product and process risk assessments in collaboration with contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs), including bioconjugation and fill-finish partners
Provide input to DS/DP specifications
Your profile
A structured, collaborative specialist who brings scientific rigor to formulation and balances speed with quality in early development. Communicates clearly across functions and maintains focus on patient needs, compliance, and timelines.
MSc/PhD in chemistry, biochemistry, protein sciences, immunology, or a related field
Minimum 5 years of experience in formulation development for antibody-based medicines (mAbs and/or ADCs) up to Phase 2
Experience with antibody-drug conjugates
Experience with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and regulatory aspects of Chemistry, Manufacturing and Controls (CMC) work
Practical experience with drug product manufacturing and tech transfer, including outsourcing to contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs)
Motivation to work hands-on in the laboratory when needed
Your new team
You will join Pharmaceutical Development within Research, working closely with colleagues across Development, Quality, Clinical Supply, and external partners. The team is characterized by collaboration, accountability, and a shared commitment to bringing high-quality medicines to patients.
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 August 7th, 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. Please note that due to vacation period, delayed responses may occur.
For further information, please contact VP Head of Pharmaceutical Development, [email protected]
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 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 team in the U.S. For more information about Zealand Pharma's business and activities, please visit www.zealandpharma.com.
Skills Required
- MSc or PhD in chemistry, biochemistry, protein sciences, immunology, or related field
- Minimum 5 years experience in formulation development for antibody-based medicines (mAbs and/or ADCs) up to Phase 2
- Experience with antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs)
- Experience with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and regulatory aspects of Chemistry, Manufacturing and Controls (CMC) work
- Practical experience with drug product manufacturing and tech transfer, including outsourcing to CMOs
- Experience with biophysical characterization for antibodies and ADCs
- Willingness and motivation to work hands-on in the laboratory when needed
What We Do
Zealand Pharma A/S (Nasdaq Copenhagen: ZEAL) ("Zealand") is a Danish biotechnology company on a mission to change lives with next generation peptide medicines. In our effort to reach our goals bonding is at the core of everything we do. Let it be discovering and developing the best new peptide drugs for patients, engaging with partners or connecting with each other. This has led to more than 10 drug candidates invented by Zealand having advanced into clinical development, of which two have reached the market. Zealand’s current pipeline of internal product candidates focus on specialty gastrointestinal and metabolic diseases. Additionally, the portfolio includes clinical license collaboration with Boehringer Ingelheim and pre-clinical license collaboration with Alexion Pharmaceuticals. Zealand is based in Copenhagen (Søborg), Denmark. For further information about the Company's business and activities, please visit www.zealandpharma.com or bond with us through LinkedIn
