Lead Scientist, Neuroendocrinology

Zealand Pharma U.S., Inc.; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Zealand Pharma U.S., Inc. in Cambridge, MA invites a Lead Scientist to drive preclinical neuroendocrinology programs for metabolic diseases.

You will design mechanistic studies, advance target validation, and shape R&D direction with hands-on science and senior‑level influence. The role requires a PhD in Biology/Neurobiology and 6–10+ years in pharma/biotech R&D, with expertise in receptor pharmacology and in vivo/in vitro models.

Qualifications

• PhD (or equivalent) in Biology/Neurobiology or related field.
• 6–10+ years of post-degree pharma/biotech R&D.
• Expertise in receptor pharmacology and nervous system drug discovery.
• Experience developing in vivo and in vitro models.
• Strong leadership with cross-functional influence.
• Excellent scientific writing and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and lead exploratory mechanistic studies in metabolic disease models.
• Collaborate with Global R&D to advance drug candidates.
• Identify external collaborations with academic and CRO partners.
• Translate data into strategic R&D direction and present to leadership.
• Produce technical reports and peer‑reviewed publications.

Skills

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Scientific writing

Strategic thinking

Presentation skills

Team leadership

Education

PhD in Biology/Neurobiology

Job description

Position Overview

Does it excite you to work with preclinical drug discovery for metabolic diseases, and do you have experience with receptor pharmacology and nervous system drug discovery? 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 Lead Scientist in the Neuroendocrinology group, you will contribute to preclinical drug discovery, mechanistic studies, and translational strategies for metabolic diseases. You will design and drive scientific programs from exploratory studies through target validation, and help shape R&D direction. The position stands out through its combination of hands‑on science, cross‑functional influence, and visibility to senior management.

Responsibilities

• Design and run exploratory mechanistic studies, innovative metabolic disease models, and target-validation packages


• Collaborate with Global Research and Development teams to advance drug candidates, influencing across functions


• Partner with Search & Evaluation to identify external collaboration opportunities with academic institutions, biotechnology partners, and Contract Research Organizations (CROs)


• Translate complex preclinical and clinical data into strategic R&D direction


• Present recommendations to senior management


• Produce technical reports, slide decks, and peer‑reviewed publications

Qualifications / Experience

• PhD (or equivalent advanced degree) in Biology, Neurobiology, or a related life science discipline


• 6 to 10+ years of post‑degree experience in pharmaceutical or biotech R&D, including leading independent research or project teams


• Expertise in receptor pharmacology, cellular assays, and nervous system drug discovery


• Experience developing in vivo and in vitro models


• Strong leadership and collaboration skills, with the ability to influence cross‑functionally without direct authority


• Excellent strategic communication and scientific writing skills

Your new team

The Neuroendocrinology group, based in Cambridge, is embedded in Global Discovery Research. The group focuses on neuroendocrine mechanisms of metabolic regulation, with particular emphasis on central targets for obesity, and studies the mechanism of action of drugs in the Zealand Pharma pipeline. The team works closely with colleagues in the in vitro and in vivo teams within Discovery Biology in the U.S. and Denmark.

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.

We are committed to an inclusive recruitment process and welcome applications from all job applicants.

About Zealand Pharma

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 Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Since our founding in 1998, Zealand Pharma has built a core expertise in the discovery, design, and development of therapeutic peptides. This expertise has led to an R&D pipeline of innovative investigational candidates designed to address a broad range of disease areas. We have four therapeutic focus areas: obesity, rare diseases, chronic inflammation, and type 1 diabetes. In obesity, our peptide capabilities place us in a unique position to address a vast global health challenge and positively impact hundreds of millions of lives. Within rare diseases, we have a long‑standing commitment to deliver new treatments to patients living with congenital hyperinsulinism and short bowel syndrome. For chronic inflammatory diseases, we are progressing peptide programs focused on high‑profile targets shown to be difficult to address with small molecules and antibodies. For type 1 diabetes, we aspire to change the management of this disease. Our strategy is to pursue global co‑development and commercialization partnerships that complement and extend our capabilities across the value chain to deliver new peptide therapies to people who need them.

Learn more at www.zealandpharma.com.