Principal/Senior Principal Scientist - Computational Drug Discovery

3w3 weeks ago

Zealand Pharma

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

About this role

Zealand Pharma is expanding its global R&D capabilities, establishing new research units in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Molecular Platform Development strengthens diverse drug modality capabilities in metabolic disease. This Principal or Senior Principal Scientist role acts as a senior individual contributor and scientific leader, influencing discovery across programs.

Shape computational drug discovery for peptide- and protein-based modalities in metabolic disease. Partner with experimental teams to drive structure-guided, data-driven molecular design through iterative design–make–test–analyze cycles. Define strategy aligned with Zealand Pharma’s metabolic disease portfolio and long-term objectives.

Lead structure-guided and quantitative modeling from early concept to lead candidate selection. Provide analysis of target druggability to guide modality assessments. Establish computational capabilities for protein- and peptide-based modalities, integrating physics- and LLM-based methods.

The position sits within Discovery Research: Molecular Platform Development at the Cambridge site. Reports to the Head of Molecular Platform Development and partners closely with experimental colleagues. Mentor computational scientists and foster cross-functional understanding of models and analyses.

Requirements

PhD in Computational Chemistry, Computational Biology, Computational Biochemistry, Structural Biology, Chemical Biology, or a related field (postdoctoral training preferred)
6+ years of relevant post-degree experience (Principal Scientist) or 8+ years (Senior Principal Scientist) in computational drug discovery
Demonstrated track record of computational insights materially influencing programs that have advanced molecules into clinical development
Deep expertise in structure-guided modeling and quantitative/statistical approaches relevant to protein- and peptide-based drug discovery
Proven ability to integrate experimental structural data with quantitative structure–activity reasoning and sequence–structure–function analysis to guide molecular design
Strong cross-functional understanding of experimental discovery and early development disciplines including protein expression, peptide synthesis, formulation/stability, and in vitro/in vivo pharmacology

Responsibilities

Define and drive computational drug discovery strategy aligned with Zealand Pharma’s metabolic disease portfolio and long-term objectives
Co-develop discovery hypotheses and molecular design strategies with experimental colleagues to accelerate iterative design–make–test–analyze learning cycles
Lead structure-guided and quantitative modeling approaches from early concept through lead candidate selection
Provide structure-guided analysis of target druggability and tractability to guide modality suitability assessments
Establish and evolve computational discovery capabilities for protein- and peptide-based modalities, including bioconjugates and fusions
Mentor and support the development of computational scientists and strengthen cross-functional understanding of computational models and analyses