Principal Scientist, DMPK/ADME Strategy & Bioanalysis

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

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.