Does it excite you to work with driving strategic drug substance (DS) and analytical development for peptide-based active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs)?,and do you have experience with leading high-performance teams while also contributing hands-on? 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 Director, Head of Drug Substance & Analysis within Pharmaceutical Development, you will lead a talented team driving synthetic peptide DS development and analytical method development from early research through Phase 2. The role is central to defining DS strategy, driving process development with external contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs), and ensuring processes and methods are robust and scalable.
You will be empowered—and expected—to take full ownership of your area and drive scientific decision-making in close collaboration with cross-functional Chemistry, Manufacturing and Controls (CMC) stakeholdersand you will report to the Vice President of Pharmaceutical Development
We offer exciting responsibilities:
Lead and develop a high-performing team through clear direction, coaching, feedback, and resource planning
Define and drive DS and analytical development strategies from early research through Phase 2
Drive DS process development with external CMOs, including planning, oversight, and key technical decisions
Collaborate with internal DS laboratory to strengthen process development and scientific capabilities.
Cultivate strong cross-functional collaboration across projects, internal teams, CMOs, and partners, contributing scientifically when needed to advance program goals
Your profile
A collaborative, purpose-driven leader with a strong scientific foundation and a supportive, engaging approach to team culture. Brings clarity, empathy, and drive, and navigates complex challenges with sound judgment and a proactive, goal-oriented mindset. Thrives in a friendly, highly professional environment and builds strong partnerships across internal and external stakeholders.
PhD in chemistry, biochemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, or similar
10+ years of pharmaceutical industry experience within CMC (preferred)
Strongexpertisein synthetic peptide DS development, including awareness ofstate-of-the-arttechnologies and approaches for manufacturing
Knowledge ofanalytical method development relevant to peptide APIs
Strong knowledge of GMP, guideline requirements, and regulatory submissions
Proven leadership experience, including outsourcing to CMOs and building productive external partnerships
Your new team
You will join Pharmaceutical Development, collaborating broadly across Zealand Pharma and with external CMOs and partners. The team fosters a friendly, helpful, and engaging atmosphere focused on delivering impactful results together.
Let'sbond 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 andlet'sbond and be bold.
Interested in bonding with us? Then please apply no later than April17, 2026, or as soon as possible. The applications will be reviewed as they come in. While a cover letter is notrequired,please include a few sentences in your CV explaining your motivation for applying.
For further information, please contact Vice President, Pharmaceutical Development , Lise Giehm and LGiehm@zealandpharma.com
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&Dexpertisewith a proprietary data platform thatleveragesadvanced 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 themarketand 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
#LI-Onsite
At Zealand Pharma, we are a Danish biotechnology company on a mission to change lives with next generation peptide medicines.
In our effort to reach our goals, bonding is at the core of everything we do. Let it be discovering and developing the best new peptide drugs for patients, engaging with partners or connecting with each other.
Ten drug candidates invented by Zealand Pharma have advanced into clinical development, of which two have reached the market. Our current pipeline of internal product candidates focuses on obesity, chronic inflammation, and certain rare diseases.
Our leading obesity programs are backed by strong partners, including Roche and Boehringer Ingelheim.
We are based in Copenhagen (Søborg), Denmark, with a team in the U.S. For further information about our business and activities, please visit www.zealandpharma.com or bond with us through LinkedIn.
