Principal Scientist, DMPK/ADME

Zealand Pharma; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 184,000 - 253,000; Full time

Job summary

Zealand Pharma in Cambridge, MA seeks a Principal Scientist to lead the DMPK/ADME strategy for complex drug modalities and to build discovery platforms and bioanalysis capabilities. You will shape strategy, culture, and technical excellence from the ground up.

You will oversee PK studies, deliver integrated DMPK summaries, and drive digital/automation-enabled workflows while collaborating with cross-functional teams to support project decisions and external-facing documentation.

Qualifications

• PhD in pharmaceutical sciences, biochemistry, chemistry or a related scientific field
• 6+ years of relevant post-degree experience in DMPK/ADME (drug discovery, non-clinical studies), with complex drug modalities (e.g., antibody-peptide conjugates, peptides, antibodies)
• A track record in PK study design, data interpretation, and translating DMPK insights into actionable project recommendations
• Solid background (hands-on) in bioanalysis and assay development (LC-MS and ligand binding assays)
• Experience optimizing PK properties of peptides, antibodies, and conjugates
• Background in ADME assays and metabolite ID
• Experience working with external partners/CROs, including scientific oversight and quality-focused execution
• Experience contributing to regulatory-relevant DMPK documentation (e.g., IND/CTA support) is an advantage
• Experience with digital/automation-enabled DMPK workflows is an advantage

Responsibilities

• Drive DMPK/ADME strategy for complex drug modalities (e.g., antibodies, antibody-peptide conjugates and peptides)
• Establish and grow DMPK discovery platforms and bioanalysis capabilities (LC-MS, immunoassays) to support PK, metabolite identification, and nonclinical study needs
• Provide deep in vitro assay expertise across multiple modality formats, leading key activities such as metabolic stability, binding-related considerations, and risk assessments
• Oversee PK studies (internal and/or external) from study design through assay development, data interpretation, and reporting, ensuring scientific quality, timelines, and documentation
• Deliver integrated DMPK summaries and high-quality data packages to support project teams, governance milestones, and external-facing documentation as required
• Contribute to continuous improvement by adopting efficient, digital, and automation-enabled approaches within DMPK workflows

Skills

DMPK leadership

ADME strategy

LC-MS

Bioanalysis

PK study design

Data interpretation

External partners

CRO oversight

Regulatory support

Automation in DMPK

Education

PhD in pharmaceutical sciences

Related scientific field

Tools

LC-MS instrumentation

Ligand binding assays

Job description

Does it excite you to translate DMPK insights into the design and optimization of complex molecular formats, and do you have experience leading DMPK/ADME strategy in a fast-moving R&D environment? 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

Zealand Pharma is significantly expanding its global R&D capabilities and establishing new research units in Cambridge, MA to advance diverse drug modality capabilities in metabolic disease. As part of this expansion, we are seeking a Principal Scientist to take a leading scientific role building our DMPK and bioanalysis capabilities within complex molecular formats. This is a unique opportunity to shape strategy, culture, and technical excellence from the ground up.

We offer exciting responsibilities:

• Drive DMPK/ADME strategy for complex drug modalities (e.g., antibodies, antibody-peptide conjugates and peptides)
• Establish and grow DMPK discovery platforms and bioanalysis capabilities (LC-MS, immunoassays) to support PK, metabolite identification, and nonclinical study needs
• Provide deep in vitro assay expertise across multiple modality formats, leading key activities such as metabolic stability, binding-related considerations, and risk assessments
• Oversee PK studies (internal and/or external) from study design through assay development, data interpretation, and reporting, ensuring scientific quality, timelines, and documentation
• Deliver integrated DMPK summaries and high-quality data packages to support project teams, governance milestones, and external-facing documentation as required
• Contribute to continuous improvement by adopting efficient, digital, and automation-enabled approaches within DMPK workflows

Your profile

The successful candidate is a scientifically rigorous and collaborative DMPK leader with strong judgment and an enterprise mindset. They can translate DMPK science into robust discovery decisions, balancing data, feasibility, and downstream considerations, while acting with integrity and accountability, fostering an inclusive environment, and elevating technical standards across programs.

• PhD in pharmaceutical sciences, biochemistry, chemistry or a related scientific field
• 6+ years of relevant post-degree experience in DMPK/ADME (drug discovery, non-clinical studies), with complex drug modalities (e.g., antibody-peptide conjugates, peptides, antibodies)
• A track record in PK study design, data interpretation, and translating DMPK insights into actionable project recommendations
• Solid background (hands-on) in bioanalysis and assay development (LC-MS and ligand binding assays)
• Experience optimizing PK properties of peptides, antibodies, and conjugates
• Background in ADME assays and metabolite ID
• Experience working with external partners/CROs, including scientific oversight and quality-focused execution
• Experience contributing to regulatory-relevant DMPK documentation (e.g., IND/CTA support) is an advantage
• Experience with digital/automation-enabled DMPK workflows is an advantage

Your new team

You will join the Global DMPK department within Pharmacokinetics, Immunogenicity and Bioanalytical Sciences, working closely with cross-functional R&D stakeholders (e.g., Discovery, Translational, Toxicology, Clinical Pharmacology, and Regulatory) to shape study strategies, interpret data, and communicate DMPK risks and recommendations.

Salary Range: $184,200 - $253,200

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. 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 Cabridge, Massachusetts. Learn more at www.zealandpharma.com.