Scientist II/Senior Scientist I, InVitro Pharmacology

Zealand Pharma; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Zealand Pharma A/S is seeking a Scientist II / Senior Scientist I in In Vitro Pharmacology to design, execute, and interpret biochemical, biophysical, and cell-based assays across obesity, diabetes and metabolism programs.

You will work hands-on at the bench, supporting automation, assay innovation, and high-throughput screening, while collaborating with AI, Chemistry, in vivo Pharmacology, DMPK/Safety, and Formulation teams.

Qualifications

• PhD with 0–3 years industry/postdoc or MS with 3–6 years industry experience.
• Strong hands-on in vitro pharmacology and cell-based assay development.
• Experience with GPCR pharmacology in obesity/diabetes research preferred.
• Experience with biologics (antibodies, proteins, peptides, bioconjugates).
• Experience with lab automation, AI/ML or workcell environments is a plus.
• Strong data analysis, interpretation and scientific communication.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute and interpret biochemical, biophysical and cell-based assays.
• Support automation, high-throughput screening and data integration.
• Generate and communicate pharmacological data to enable program decisions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams across discovery and preclinical phases.
• Maintain rigorous documentation and data quality.

Skills

In vitro pharmacology

Cell-based assay development

Lab automation

High-throughput screening

Data analysis

Scientific communication

GPCR pharmacology

Education

PhD in Pharmacology/Biology/Biochemistry/Cell Biology

MS with 3–6 years industry experience

B.S./B.A. with 5–8+ years industry experience

Tools

LIMS

Plate readers

Microscopes

Job description

Does it excite you to work with designing and running assays that directly shape which molecules move forward in obesity and metabolic disease, and do you have experience with in vitro pharmacology assay development and lab automation? 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 a Scientist II / Senior Scientist I in In Vitro Pharmacology, you will design, execute, and interpret biochemical, biophysical, and cell-based functional assays across our obesity, diabetes, and broader metabolism portfolio. You will work hands-on at the bench, supporting lab automation/workcell, assay innovation, high-throughput screening, and LIMS integration. You will collaborate closely with Research AI, Chemistry, in vivo Pharmacology, DMPK/Safety, and Formulation colleagues to help advance candidates with the pharmacological properties needed to succeed in the clinic. The position offers the opportunity to help build out our automation-ready, high-throughput in vitro pharmacology capabilities.

We offer exciting responsibilities:

• Support the building and implementation of automation integrating tissue culture, liquid handling, and plate readers/microscopes
• Design, optimize, and validate biochemical, biophysical, and cell-based assays for compound screening and mechanism-of-action studies
• Generate, analyze, and clearly communicate pharmacological data to enable timely, high-quality decisions across discovery programs
• Represent In Vitro Pharmacology in cross-functional teams
• Maintain rigorous documentation and contribute to a strong culture of data quality and scientific integrity

Your profile

You are a hands-on scientist with an innovative mindset and a strong publication or project track record. You communicate data clearly, collaborate well across disciplines, and are motivated by turning assay expertise into decisions that move programs forward. Recent graduates with a strong record of scientific innovation and productivity are encouraged to apply, even without extensive industry tenure.

• Ph.D. in Pharmacology, Biology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, or a related field with 0-3 years of relevant industry or postdoctoral experience; M.S. with approximately 3-6 years of relevant industry experience; or B.S./B.A. with approximately 5-8+ years of relevant industry experience
• Strong hands-on experience in in vitro pharmacology and cell-based assay development
• Experience with GPCR pharmacology and associated assay formats, ideally within obesity, diabetes, or broader metabolic disease research
• Experience working with biologics, including antibodies, proteins, peptides, and bioconjugates
• Experience in lab automation, research AI, custom coding, and/or workcell environments
• Strong data analysis, interpretation, and scientific communication skills

Exceptional candidates at any degree level whose expertise and track record are an outstanding match for the scope of the role may be considered for Senior Scientist I.

Your new team

You will join the Global Biology research organization and work at the interface of discovery and preclinical candidate delivery. The team collaborates closely with functional experts across Chemistry, in vivo Pharmacology, DMPK/Safety, and Formulation, contributing to a portfolio of programs through robust in vitro data generation and interpretation.

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.

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.