Principal/Senior Principal Scientist - Peptide & Bioconjugate Drug Discovery

3w3 weeks ago

Zealand Pharma

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

About this role

Zealand Pharma is expanding global R&D capabilities and establishing new research units in Cambridge, Massachusetts. We are creating Molecular Platform Development to advance diverse drug modalities in metabolic disease. This role leads building peptide- and bioconjugate-based discovery capabilities from the ground up.

Define and lead peptide and bioconjugate drug discovery strategy aligned with metabolic disease portfolio. Drive programs from concept through lead-candidate selection, partnering with computational chemistry, protein engineering, biology, and pharmaceutical development. Provide deep expertise across modality formats and lead structure-activity relationship optimization.

Guide lead and backup candidate selection using chemical, biological, and manufacturability considerations. Establish peptide chemistry platform at the Cambridge R&D center, including automation-enabled high-throughput synthesis, purification, and analytics. Build collaborative environment through mentorship and cross-functional/external partnerships.

Shape strategy, culture, and technical excellence while influencing Zealand Pharma’s ambitions for transformative metabolic disease medicines. Act as a scientifically rigorous leader with enterprise mindset, balancing innovation, data, and downstream feasibility. Foster inclusive environment and elevate technical standards across programs.

Requirements

PhD in Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Chemical Biology, or a related field (postdoctoral training preferred)
6+ years of relevant post-degree experience in peptide drug discovery (Principal) or 8+ years (Senior Principal)
Demonstrated track record progressing programs from concept toward clinical development, evidenced by inventorship on patents and peer-reviewed publications
Deep expertise in peptide design, solid-phase peptide synthesis, and bioconjugation, with significant experience harnessing diverse high-throughput molecular discovery tools from hit-finding to lead candidate optimization
Experience establishing high-throughput/parallel workflows, including parallel and combinatorial synthesis, automated mass-directed purification, and automated analytical characterization
Ability to interpret and apply computational modeling and design insights, and familiarity with high-throughput hit-finding/optimization approaches (e.g., mRNA display, phage display)

Responsibilities

Define and lead peptide and bioconjugate drug discovery strategy aligned with Zealand Pharma’s metabolic disease portfolio and long-term business objectives
Drive peptide and bioconjugate discovery programs from concept through lead-candidate selection, partnering closely with cross-functional stakeholders
Provide deep peptide and bioconjugate expertise across multiple modality formats and lead structure–activity relationship development and optimization
Guide lead and backup candidate selection using integrated chemical, biological, and manufacturability considerations
Establish and grow peptide and bioconjugate chemistry and discovery platform capabilities at the Cambridge R&D center, including automation-enabled high-throughput synthesis, purification, and analytics
Build a high-performing, collaborative environment through mentorship, recruiting support, and cross-functional/external partnerships