Global Head of Drug Substance

Does it excite you to build something from the ground up, and do you have deep expertise in peptide process chemistry and leading high-performing teams? If this sounds like you, and you are ready to shape the future of peptide drug substance development at a fast-growing biotech, then you could be our new colleague.

Zealand Pharma is looking for a Global Head of Drug Substance - Senior Director
, based in Boston. This is a rare opportunity to establish and lead a Peptide Process Development function from the ground up - building a Boston-based lab and team while providing global leadership across Drug Substance. The role owns the full arc from synthetic route scouting through Phase 1 and 2, laying the foundation for Phase 3-ready processes, and is central to enabling Zealand's growing pipeline of peptide therapeutics to reach patients.

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The ideal candidate brings a track record of scientific excellence in peptide process chemistry combined with the leadership presence to inspire and grow a team. A pragmatic problem-solver and strategic thinker, this person thrives in a dynamic, build-phase environment and can balance hands‑on technical depth with cross‑functional influence. Comfort with ambiguity and a bias for action are essential.

• Advanced degree (PhD preferred) in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field, with extensive experience in peptide process development
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing and developing cross‑functional or global technical teams
• Deep expertise in solid‑phase and/or liquid‑phase peptide synthesis, purification, and process optimization across Phase 1, 2 and 3 clinical stages
• Broad experience across the full process development cycle, including synthetic route scouting, salt selection, upstream and downstream process optimization, and evaluation of process alternatives with a focus on yield, COGS, manufacturability, and scalability
• Knowledge of process development and technology transfer to GMP manufacturing, including CMO management
• Experience defining manufacturing strategies from early discovery to Phase 2, with an eye toward building a robust foundation for Phase 3 and commercial
• Strong cross‑functional collaboration skills, particularly with Analytical Development and Manufacturing

This role leads a globally distributed Drug Substance organization spanning two sites. In Boston, the role will establish a process wet lab staffed with process scientists focused on hands‑on peptide process development and optimization. In Copenhagen, a DS team