Senior Director Research Competitive Intelligence

Zealand Pharma; Cambridge, Northern (MA, KY); On-site; USD 226,000 - 276,000; Full time

Job summary

Zealand Pharma in the U.S. presence in Boston, MA seeks a Sr. Director, Research Competitive Intelligence to shape research strategy by integrating external landscapes and data-driven insights across obesity and metabolic health.

You will lead quantitative analyses of preclinical and clinical data, partner with Research, Medical, Development, IR and Commercial teams, and develop repeatable CI products to support leadership decisions.

Qualifications

• PhD (or equivalent) in life sciences or quantitative field required.
• 10–15+ years of biopharma R&D strategy or CI experience.
• Deep knowledge of obesity and metabolic disease biology.
• Strong ability to translate external data into strategic recommendations.

Responsibilities

• Track and synthesize competitive intelligence in metabolic health.
• Develop data-driven analyses and narratives for strategy.
• Apply quantitative methods to analyze preclinical and clinical data.
• Create high-impact briefings and presentations for leadership.

Skills

Quantitative analysis

Data visualization

Executive communication

Stakeholder influence

Leadership

Education

PhD or equivalent

Tools

AI workflows

Job description

Does it excite you to shape research strategy by turning breaking external data in obesity and metabolic health into actionable insights? Do you have experience with research competitive intelligence and quantitative analysis? 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 Sr. Director, Research Competitive Intelligence will shape Zealand Pharma’s research direction by integrating external landscapes to influence research portfolio. The position will stay on top of the rapidly evolving landscape (peer reviewed publications, press releases, patents, and congress readouts) and develop independent, data‑driven insights in close collaboration with internal or external subject matter experts. The role currently reports to Chief Scientific Officer & EVP, Dr. Utpal Singh, and partners closely with Research, Medical, Development, IR, and Commercial stakeholders. This is a hands‑on scientific leadership role requiring deep understanding of discovery chemistry, pharmacology, advanced quantitative methods, data visualization, and executive‑ready communication.

Responsibilities

• Track and synthesize competitive intelligence across metabolic health and adjacencies, including competitor readouts, publications, and patent literature in areas aligned to or adjacent to Zealand’s strategy and portfolio
• Rapidly internalize breaking external data and independently develop analyses, narratives, and implications for Zealand’s research strategy and portfolio choices
• Apply quantitative methods to capture, analyze, and visualize complex datasets (e.g., preclinical and clinical data), translating findings into actionable recommendations
• Develop high impact, communications (briefings, presentations, written summaries) as a primary research competitive intelligence point of contact
• Partner cross‑functionally with Research, Medical, Development, IR, and Commercial teams to align on key questions, decision points, and strategic options
• Build repeatable competitive intelligence “products” and operating rhythms (e.g., landscape monitoring, event coverage, thematic deep‑dives) to support leadership decision making

Profile

• PhD (or equivalent advanced degree) in a relevant life sciences or quantitative discipline, with demonstrated understanding of discovery chemistry, pharmacology, and development
• 10–15+ years of biopharma experience, including significant experience in R&D strategy and/or competitive intelligence
• Deep knowledge of obesity and metabolic disease biology and therapeutic landscape; ability to evaluate emerging science critically
• High learning agility and familiarity with multiple modalities (e.g., peptides, antibodies, oligonucleotides) and their discovery and development considerations
• Strong quantitative and data visualization capabilities to independently analyze complex datasets and build coherent narratives (e.g., clinical trial data, preclinical results, Bayesian/statistical approaches)
• Partner with Research Data & Tech as well as IT to develop automated workflows and incorporate agentic AI systems to accelerate internalization of external insights
• Proven ability to influence in a matrix and deliver clear, high‑impact presentations and written recommendations to senior executives

Your new team

The position, for now, sits within the Research organization and reports to the Chief Scientific Officer & EVP. The role will work closely with senior scientific leaders and subject matter experts across research disciplines (including chemistry/computational sciences and biology) and collaborate broadly with Medical, Development, IR, and Commercial colleagues to ensure external insights are rapidly translated into strategic and portfolio implications. While the role involves a high degree of independent thinking, we value and encourage regular onsite collaboration to support open dialogue, shared learning, and strong connections across teams.

Culture & Bonding

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.

Salary

The salary expectations for this role are: $226,000-276,000 USD.

About Zealand Pharma

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