Does it excite you to shape research strategy by turning breaking external data in obesity and metabolic health into actionable insights? Do you have experience with research competitive intelligence and quantitative analysis? 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 Sr. Director, Research Competitive Intelligence, this role will shape Zealand Pharma’s research direction by integrating external landscapes to influence research portfolio. The position will stay on top of the rapidly evolving landscape (peer reviewed publications, press releases, patents, and congress readouts) and develop independent, data‑driven insights in close collaboration with internal or external subject matter experts.
The role currently reports to Chief Scientific Officer & EVP, Dr. Utpal Singh, and partners closely with Research, Medical, Development, IR, and Commercial stakeholders. This is a hands-on scientific leadership role requiring deep understanding of discovery chemistry, pharmacology, advanced quantitative methods, data visualization, and executive‑ready communication.
We offer exciting responsibilities
- Track and synthesize competitive intelligence across metabolic health and adjacencies, including competitor readouts, publications, and patent literature in areas aligned to or adjacent to Zealand’s strategy and portfolio
- Rapidly internalize breaking external data and independently develop analyses, narratives, and implications for Zealand’s research strategy and portfolio choices
- Apply quantitative methods to capture, analyze, and visualize complex datasets (e.g., preclinical and clinical data), translating findings into actionable recommendations
- Develop high impact, communications (briefings, presentations, written summaries) as a primary research competitive intelligence point of contact
- Partner cross‑functionally with Research, Medical, Development, IR, and Commercial teams to align on key questions, decision points, and strategic options
- Build repeatable competitive intelligence “products” and operating rhythms (e.g., landscape monitoring, event coverage, thematic deep‑dives) to support leadership decision making
Your profile
This role suits a scientifically rigorous, externally oriented leader who operates with urgency, curiosity, and sound judgment. Success requires comfort working independently on ambiguous problems while collaborating effectively in a matrixed environment. The ideal profile combines deep scientific acumen in metabolic disease with strong analytical thinking and crisp communication for senior audiences.
- PhD (or equivalent advanced degree) in a relevant life sciences or quantitative discipline, with demonstrated understanding of discovery chemistry, pharmacology, and development
- 10–15+ years of biopharma experience, including significant experience in R&D strategy and/or competitive intelligence
- Deep knowledge of obesity and metabolic disease biology and therapeutic landscape; ability to evaluate emerging science critically
- High learning agility and familiarity with multiple modalities (e.g., peptides, antibodies, oligonucleotides) and their discovery and development considerations
- Strong quantitative and data visualization capabilities to independently analyze complex datasets and build coherent narratives (e.g., clinical trial data, preclinical results, Bayesian/statistical approaches)
- Partner with Research Data & Tech as well as IT to develop automated workflows and incorporate agentic AI systems to accelerate internalization of external insights
- Proven ability to influence in a matrix and deliver clear, high‑impact presentations and written recommendations to senior executives
Your new team
The position, for now, sits within the Research organization and reports to the Chief Scientific Officer & EVP. The role will work closely with senior scientific leaders and subject matter experts across research disciplines (including chemistry/computational sciences and biology) and collaborate broadly with Medical, Development, IR, and Commercial colleagues to ensure external insights are rapidly translated into strategic and portfolio implications. While the role involves a high degree of independent thinking, we value and encourage regular onsite collaboration to support open dialogue, shared learning, and strong connections across teams.
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?
Please apply as soon as possible. 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 salary expectations for this role are: $226,000-276,000 USD.
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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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
