Principal Scientist - InVitro Biology & Pharmacology

Does it excite you to work with cell-based disease models that advance peptide-based medicines for obesity and metabolic health, and do you have experience with in vitro biology, pharmacology and mechanism-of-action studies? 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 Scientist – In Vitro Biology & Pharmacology, you will play a central role in driving research projects and advancing biological understanding of peptide-based drug candidates within metabolism and obesity. The position offers a unique opportunity to shape scientific approaches and deepen insight into tissue-specific mechanisms of action. You will work cross-functionally to translate biology into robust preclinical hypotheses and decision-ready data that supports progression of candidates.

We offer exciting responsibilities:

• Contribute centrally to one or more research projects from idea generation through preclinical validation
• Translate mechanism-of-action knowledge into testable preclinical hypotheses, endpoints, and measurable success criteria
• Develop and define in vitro biological models relevant to obesity pharmacology
• Drive in vitro disease-model studies to characterize molecular candidates and support data-driven selection of lead compounds
• Analyze and interpret complex data spanning pharmacology profiling and cell biology and communicate recommendations to senior leadership and external partners
• Ensure robust study design, documentation, and clear data packages that enable efficient decision-making and transitions to in vivo evaluation

Your profile
You are a collaborative and curious scientist who enjoys staying up to date with disease-relevant science and actively driving scientific discussions with colleagues at all levels. You bring broad knowledge of obesity-related biology and hands-on experience building in vitro disease models to investigate mechanism-of-action questions. You thrive in a dynamic environment, communicate clearly, and are motivated by making a meaningful impact on patient-relevant science.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Pharmacology, In Vitro Biology, or a related field, with at least 8 years of post-Ph.D. experience
• Strong scientific background in metabolism and/or obesity biology
• Experience supporting drug discovery and/or drug development projects
• Extensive experience with in vitro/ex vivo biological models, including primary cells and cell-based readouts
• Experience with G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) pharmacology (advantageous)
• Experience working with external vendors and contract research organizations (CROs) (advantageous)

Your new team
The Department of Molecular Pharmacology is a dynamic and social environment with a strong collaborative spirit and supportive colleagues. The department comprises 12 scientists and 8 laboratory technicians and is organized into two teams. We work closely across the department using a broad range of cellular assays to support the identification, optimization, and mechanistic understanding of our drug candidates. The open position is within our In Vitro Biology group, which focuses on cell-based disease models and biomarker evaluation. Zealand Pharma is a dynamic organization with many opportunities to impact projects across all stages of the pipeline, as well as your own career development and the future of the company.

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 19, 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 Biology, Gitte Lund Christensen and [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 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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