Principal / Senior Principal Scientist - Protein Drug Discovery

3w3 weeks ago

Zealand Pharma

Cambridge, US · Full-time · $220,000 – $270,000

About this role

Does it excite you to lead protein drug discovery for next-generation biologics, with experience building capabilities and teams from early discovery through lead-candidate selection? Zealand Pharma is expanding its global R&D capabilities and establishing new research units in Cambridge, Massachusetts. As Principal or Senior Principal Scientist, you will shape strategy, culture, and capabilities from the ground up.

This role plays a leading scientific role in Molecular Platform Development to advance diverse drug modality capabilities in metabolic disease. You will define and lead protein drug discovery strategy aligned with Zealand Pharma’s metabolic disease portfolio and long-term objectives. Drive programs from idea through lead-candidate selection, partnering with cross-functional stakeholders.

Provide scientific leadership across therapeutic protein modalities like antibodies, bispecifics, VHHs, mini-proteins, fusions, hybrids, and bioconjugates. Guide protein engineering, developability assessment, and structure-function optimization. Establish discovery biologics platform capabilities, including automation and display technologies.

The position is within Discovery Research: Molecular Platform Development at the new Cambridge site. It reports to the Head of Molecular Platform Development and partners with computational research, chemistry, biology, and other teams. Build innovation by mentoring talent and forming strategic collaborations.

Requirements

PhD in Protein Science, Biochemistry, Structural Biology, Biophysics, Bioengineering, or a related field (postdoctoral training preferred)
6+ years of relevant post-degree experience (Principal) or 8+ years (Senior Principal) in protein drug discovery
Demonstrated track record advancing projects from concept to clinical development, evidenced by inventorship on patents and authorship of high-impact peer-reviewed publications
Deep expertise in protein engineering and structure-informed design across multiple formats (mAbs, bispecifics, VHHs, mini-proteins, fusions, and bioconjugates)
Experience with high-throughput expression, purification, analytical characterization, and biophysical/biochemical developability assessment
Hands-on knowledge of hit-finding and affinity maturation approaches (e.g., phage and/or yeast display), plus ability to interpret and apply computational modeling/design insights

Responsibilities

Define and lead protein drug discovery strategy aligned with Zealand Pharma’s metabolic disease portfolio and long-term objectives
Drive protein discovery programs from idea through lead-candidate selection, partnering closely with cross-functional stakeholders and governance
Provide scientific leadership across therapeutic protein modalities (e.g., antibodies and bispecifics, VHHs and mini-proteins, fusions, hybrids, and bioconjugates)
Guide protein engineering, developability assessment, and structure–function optimization to enable high-quality candidate progression
Establish and grow discovery biologics platform capabilities within Molecular Platform Development, including automation and display technologies
Build internal and external innovation by mentoring and recruiting talent and forming strategic collaborations with academic, biotech, and CRO partners