Lead or Principal Scientist

Zealand Pharma A/S; Denmark; On-site; DKK 750,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Zealand Pharma A/S is seeking a Lead/Principal Scientist to drive formulation development for monoclonal antibodies and antibody-drug conjugates through various developmental phases. This role involves leading formulation and biophysical characterization, designing drug product processes, and planning lab-scale experiments.

The ideal candidate must have an MSc/PhD in a relevant field, a minimum of 5 years of experience in formulation development, and a strong hands-on approach to laboratory work. This position is pivotal in ensuring clinical supply readiness and collaborating with external partners.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in formulation development for antibody-based medicines up to Phase 2.
• Practical experience with drug product manufacturing and tech transfer, including outsourcing to CMOs.
• Motivation to work hands-on in the laboratory when needed.

Responsibilities

• Lead formulation development and biophysical characterization for mAbs and ADCs.
• Design drug product manufacturing processes and define scale-up strategies.
• Plan and execute lab-scale formulation experiments and troubleshooting.
• Provide input to drug product manufacturing plans for clinical supply readiness.
• Lead product and process risk assessments in collaboration with CMOs.

Skills

Formulation development

Biophysical characterization

Antibody-drug conjugates experience

Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)

Tech transfer

Laboratory skills

Education

MSc/PhD in chemistry, biochemistry, protein sciences, or immunology

Job description

Position Overview

Lead/Principal Scientist to drive formulation development from research projects into Phase 2 with a strong focus on monoclonal antibodies and antibody‑drug conjugates in different formats.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead formulation development and biophysical characterization for mAbs and ADCs from early research to Phase 2.
• Design drug product manufacturing processes and define scale‑up strategies aligned with phase‑appropriate controls.
• Plan and execute lab‑scale formulation experiments, characterization and troubleshooting.
• Provide input to drug product manufacturing plans covering purpose, timing and batch size to secure clinical supply readiness.
• Lead product and process risk assessments in collaboration with CMOs, including bioconjugation and fill‑finish partners.
• Provide input to DS/DP specifications.

Qualifications

• MSc/PhD in chemistry, biochemistry, protein sciences, immunology or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in formulation development for antibody‑based medicines up to Phase 2.
• Experience with antibody‑drug conjugates.
• Experience with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and regulatory aspects of Chemistry, Manufacturing and Controls (CMC).
• Practical experience with drug product manufacturing and tech transfer, including outsourcing to CMOs.
• Motivation to work hands‑on in the laboratory when needed.

Team

Join Pharmaceutical Development within Research, working closely with colleagues across Development, Quality, Clinical Supply and external partners.

Application Deadline

Applications will be reviewed as they come in. Deadline: August 7, 2026.

EEO Statement

Zealand Pharma is committed to an inclusive recruitment process and welcomes applications from all job applicants.