Does it excite you to combine a strong scientific mindset with innovation to drive drug substance (DS) strategy and process development for peptide-based active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) , and do you have experience partnering with external DS manufacturing organizations (CMOs) ? 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 Senior Drug Substance Scientist, you will be the professional anchor and subject-matter expert for drug substance activities from early research through Phase 2. The role is central to defining DS strategy, driving process development with external CMOs, and ensuring processes 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 CMC stakeholders.
We offer exciting responsibilities:
Evaluate new technologies and approaches for DS manufacturing
Drive DS process development with internal process laboratory support and CMOs to deliver preclinical, Phase 1 and Phase 2 supply, and mature processes toward Phase 3 in collaboration with late stage colleagues
Key player in the collaboration with DS CMOs, includingday-to-day communication and oversight, follow-up on project timelines, documentation review, knowledge transfer, and scoping of process development
Contribute to risk assessments, critical process parameters (CPP), andscoping process developmentat the CMO
Represent DS in cross-functional CMC teams and drive scientific and strategic input to clinical trial applications and regulatory interactions in collaboration with Regulatory Affairs
Your profile
A strong scientific mindset and deep understanding of process chemistryare key to succeeding in this role. The ideal candidate takes ownership, works in a structured way, and thrives in a dynamic environment with evolving needs and priorities. Strong collaboration and stakeholder management skills are essential, given close interaction with CMOs and cross-functional teams.
M.Sc. or PhD within chemistry, biochemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, or another relevant field
+5 years of experience from the pharmaceutical industry
Experience from DS process chemistry laboratories and process development activities
Experience with solid-phase peptide synthesis and contributing to process optimization
Experience with other fields of synthetic chemistry such as antibody-drug conjugates, liquid-phase peptide synthesis, and small molecules is an advantage
Experience with outsourcing of DS/API production at CMOs, including technical oversight and review of CMO documentation
Experience with regulatory aspects of CMC work and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), and strong oral and written communication skills in English
Your new team
You will be joining a department of approximately 25 people, with a DS specialist area currently consisting of 2 DS specialists. The team works closely both within and across departments with a shared goal of enabling projects and helping colleagues succeed through collaboration, knowledge sharing, and strong day-to-day teamwork.
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? Then please apply no later than April 12, 2026, or as soon as possible. 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.
For further information, please contact Vice President, Head of Pharmaceutical Development , Lise Giehm on 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&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
#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.
