Principal Scientist, DMPK/ADME

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

Job summary

Zealand Pharma U.S., Inc. is seeking a Principal Scientist to lead DMPK and bioanalysis capabilities in Cambridge, MA, shaping strategy and scientific excellence for complex modalities. You will drive discovery platforms and provide expert PK and metabolite insights to support nonclinical studies.

You will collaborate across cross‑functional teams and external CROs, delivering robust data packages and regulatory‑relevant documentation while advancing digital and automation‑enabled DMPK workflows.

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 modalities (antibody‑peptide conjugates, peptides, antibodies).
• Track record in PK study design, data interpretation, and translating DMPK insights into actionable project recommendations.
• Solid background 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 (IND/CTA) 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 ID, and nonclinical study needs.
• Provide deep in vitro assay expertise across multiple modality formats, leading metabolic stability, binding considerations, and risk assessments.
• Oversee PK studies (internal and/or external) from design through assay development, data interpretation, and reporting.
• Deliver integrated DMPK summaries and high‑quality data packages to support project teams, governance milestones, and external documentation.
• Contribute to continuous improvement by adopting digital and automation‑enabled approaches within DMPK workflows.

Skills

DMPK leadership

ADME strategy

PK study design

Bioanalysis LC-MS

Ligand-binding assays

External partner oversight

Digital/automation DMPK workflows

Education

PhD in pharmaceutical sciences/biochemistry/chemistry

Tools

LC-MS

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

We have a unique culture

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. 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.