Sr. Scientist 1, In Vitro Pharmacology (Metabolic Disease)

About the job

• About the job
• Are you excited by the idea of designing and running assays that directly shape which molecules move forward into Zealand Pharma's obesity and metabolic disease pipeline? Do you want to bring deep GPCR or broader metabolic-disease biology expertise into a growing in vitro Pharmacology/Biology team? If so, we'd like to hear from you.
• Your new position
• As a Scientist I/II in In Vitro Pharmacology, you will design, execute, and interpret biochemical, biophysical, and cell-based functional assays that support compound/biologics screening, SAR, and mechanism-of-action studies across our obesity, diabetes, and broader metabolism portfolio. You will work hands-on at the bench and collaborate closely with Chemistry, in vivo Pharmacology, DMPK/Safety, and Formulation colleagues to help advance candidates with the pharmacological properties needed to succeed in the clinic. You will help build out our capabilities in automation-ready, high-throughput in vitro pharmacology.
• We Offer Exciting Responsibilities
• Design, develop, optimize, and validate in vitro assays (biochemical, biophysical, and cell-based functional formats) to support compound screening and mechanism-of-action studies
• Generate, analyze, and clearly communicate pharmacological data to enable timely, high-quality decisions across discovery programs
• Contribute scientific and technical expertise in GPCR pharmacology and/or broader metabolic disease biology to develop assays with disease relevance
• Support implementation of automation, liquid handling, and HTS-enabled workflows to increase assay throughput, quality, and scalability
• Partner cross-functionally with Chemistry, in vivo Pharmacology, DMPK/Safety, and Formulation to align in vitro data packages with candidate-selection needs
• Maintain rigorous documentation and contribute to a strong data-quality and scientific-integrity culture
• Your Profile
• We are looking for candidates with strong hands-on experience in in vitro pharmacology assay development, ideally with direct exposure to GPCR biology and/or obesity, diabetes, or broader metabolic disease research. Candidates who bring innovative thinking and a strong publication or project track record, even without extensive industry tenure, are encouraged to apply.
• Education & experience (industry experience scales inversely with degree level):
• Ph.D. in Pharmacology, Biology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, or a related field, with 0–3 years of relevant industry or postdoctoral experience. Recent Ph.D. graduates with a strong record of scientific innovation and productivity are welcome to apply.
• M.S. in a related life sciences field, with approximately 3–6 years of relevant industry experience.
• B.S./B.A. in a related life sciences field, with approximately 5–8+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Exceptional candidates at any degree level whose expertise and track record are an outstanding match for the role's scope may be considered for Senior Scientist I .
• Preferred technical and scientific background:
• Experience with GPCR pharmacology and associated assay formats
• Experience working with biologics including antibodies, proteins, peptides, bioconjugates
• Background in obesity, diabetes, or broader metabolic disease biology
• Hands-on experience with biochemical and biophysical assay technologies
• Experience with cell-based functional assays and relevant cell line engineering
• Familiarity with automation, liquid handling, or HTS platforms is a plus
• Strong data analysis, interpretation, and scientific communication skills
• 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.
• Interested in bonding with us? The applications will be reviewed as they come in. While a cover letter is not required, please include a few sentences in your CV explaining your motivation for applying.
• We are committed to an inclusive recruitment process and welcome applications from all job applicants.
• Salary Range: $110K - $150K/Yr
• 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 .