Principal/Senior Scientist In Vitro Profiling and Signaling

Does it excite you to develop and apply state-of-the-art in vitro assays to support peptide-based drug discovery efforts, and do you have experience with data analysis, interpretation, and reporting of in vitro pharmacology data? 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 Principal or Senior Scientist – In Vitro Profiling and Signaling, you will be responsible for developing, optimizing, and validating in vitro assays and translating the resulting data into robust decision support for our drug discovery efforts (or ‘projects’). The position is close to the laboratory, with a strong focus on building fit-for-purpose assays and ensuring high data quality from both in-house work and external collaborations. 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:

• Lead the development, optimization, and validation of receptor signaling and binding assays to characterize peptide drug candidates
• Perform in-depth data analysis and interpretation of in vitro pharmacology results, identifying trends, patterns, and unexpected findings to guide decisions
• Support the use and continuous improvement of our data management system and analysis, visualization, documentation and reporting workflows
• Coordinate and support CRO assay execution, data analysis and delivery, ensuring alignment on methods, data integrity, and documentation

Your profile
You are a collaborative scientist with a strong data mindset and a clear drive to build and improve assays and the data workflows around them. You take ownership, work effectively across disciplines, and communicate complex findings clearly and structured to support project progress. Curiosity, quality focus, and alignment with Zealand’s values are important for success in this role.

• Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Molecular Biology, or a related field, with at least 5 years of post-PhD experience
• Extensive experience with in vitro pharmacology profiling of compounds, including development, troubleshooting and validation of receptor signaling and binding assays
• Strong capability in data analysis and interpretation, with a focus on data reliability and robustness
• Experience working with data management systems, with an interest in optimizing data analysis and reporting workflows
• Experience with automation of liquid handling for drug screening assays
• Experience with drug discovery and scientific background in metabolism or obesity is an advantage

Your new team
You will be part of a department of 13 scientists and 9 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. The position is within our In vitro profiling and signaling team, which focuses on cell-based signaling and binding assays for compound profiling and mechanism-of-action studies.

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 June 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 ([email protected]).

Please note that due to the summer holiday period, response times may be longer than usual.

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.

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