Lead Scientist, Neuroendocrinology

Zealand Pharma; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 190,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Zealand Pharma A/S, with a U.S. presence in Cambridge, MA, seeks a Lead Scientist in the Neuroendocrinology group to drive preclinical drug discovery for metabolic diseases.

You will design mechanistic studies, lead target-validation programs, and shape R&D direction through hands-on science and cross-functional influence. You will collaborate with Global Discovery teams, translate complex data for senior management, and mentor colleagues while publishing findings and contributing to the

Qualifications

• PhD in Biology, Neurobiology, or related life science discipline.
• 6 to 10+ years of post-degree experience in pharma/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 influence across functions.
• Excellent strategic communication and scientific writing skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and lead exploratory mechanistic studies in metabolic disease models.
• Drive target-validation packages and translational strategies for preclinical programs.
• Collaborate with Global Research and Development teams to advance drug candidates.
• Identify external collaborations with academia, biotech partners, and CROs.
• Translate complex preclinical data into strategic R&D direction for senior management.
• Produce technical reports, slide decks, and peer-reviewed publications.

Skills

Receptor pharmacology

Cell-based assays

Scientific leadership

Strategic communication

Education

PhD in Biology/Neurobiology or related life sciences

Tools

In vivo models

In vitro models

Job description

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.

We offer exciting 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

Your profile

You are a scientifically curious and collaborative leader who enjoys turning complex data into clear direction. You build trust across teams and influence through expertise and communication rather than formal authority.

• 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.

Lets 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. Join us and let's bond and be bold.

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

About Zealand Pharma A/S

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. Learn more at www.zealandpharma.com.