Does it excite you to lead in vivo pharmacology that shapes preclinical candidate selection in obesity, metabolic disease and immunology, and do you have experience building high-performing teams and translational animal models? 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 Team Lead/Associate Director, In Vivo Pharmacology/Biology, the role provides scientific and people leadership for in vivo pharmacology efforts across multiple discovery programs. The position drives strategy and execution of robust animal models (including genetically engineered models) to enable compound screening and mechanism-of-action studies. The role partners closely across Global Biology and key functions to ensure timely, high-quality, data-driven program decisions.
We offer exciting responsibilities:
• Build, lead, coach, and develop a high-performing in vivo Pharmacology/Biology team, including hands-on training and mentoring
• Design, develop, and qualify animal models and in vivo assays (including genetically engineered models) for screening, pharmacology profiling, and mechanism-of-action studies
• Lead study strategy, execution oversight, and rigorous analysis/interpretation of pharmacology data to support program progression and candidate selection
• Drive and/or oversee specialized in vivo delivery approaches, including local CNS delivery and viral delivery methods, as relevant to program needs
• Collaborate closely with Global Biology and partner functions (Chemistry, in vitro Pharmacology, DMPK/Safety, Formulation) to deliver preclinical candidates with desired pharmacological properties
• Evaluate and implement innovative technologies and platforms that increase rigor, throughput, translational relevance, and decision quality in drug discovery
Your profile
The successful candidate is a collaborative, scientifically rigorous leader who enables teams to perform at a high level while keeping focus on clear, decision-driving deliverables. The role calls for strong judgment, structured problem-solving, and the ability to communicate complex in vivo findings to diverse stakeholders. A proactive, inclusive leadership style and comfort operating across multiple programs and priorities are essential.
• Ph.D. in Pharmacology, Biology, Veterinary Medicine, or a related field, with 5–8+ years of relevant industry experience including a supervisory role
• Demonstrated track record building and leading high-performing in vivo pharmacology/biology teams
• Deep expertise in diverse animal models and in vivo assays relevant to obesity, metabolic diseases, and immunology
• Experience developing and applying genetically engineered models for screening and mechanism-of-action studies
• Experience with in vivo delivery methods, including local CNS delivery and viral delivery approaches
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, including the ability to interact with senior leaders and external partners
Your new team
You will join the Global Biology research organization and work closely with cross-functional colleagues to progress discovery programs from early pharmacology through preclinical candidate selection. The team operates at the interface of in vivo biology, translational science, and drug discovery decision-making, with broad collaboration across internal stakeholders and external partners.
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.
We are committed to an inclusive recruitment process and welcome applications from all job applicants. The anticipated base pay range for this position is: $193,000 - $235,000.
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.
