Team Lead​/Associate Director in In vitro Pharmacology​/Biology

Your new position

As Team Lead/Associate Director in In vitro Pharmacology/Biology, this role will build and lead a high-performing team delivering fit-for-purpose assays to support discovery and preclinical candidate selection. The position will set scientific direction for biochemical, biophysical, and functional assay strategies, ensuring rigorous data generation and interpretation. Close cross-functional collaboration with Global Biology, Chemistry, in vivo Pharmacology, DMPK/Safety, and Formulation will be essential to deliver candidates with the desired pharmacological properties.

The role will also help advance innovative platforms (e.g., automation, HTS, imaging) to increase quality, speed, and scalability.

• Build, lead, and develop an in vitro Pharmacology/Biology team, including hiring, coaching, mentoring, and hands-on scientific guidance
• Define assay strategy and oversee development, optimization, validation, and transfer of biochemical, biophysical, and functional assays to support screening and MoA studies
• Drive implementation and continuous improvement of lab automation, liquid handling workflows, HTS, and imaging-based assay platforms
• Ensure rigorous analysis, interpretation, and communication of pharmacological data to enable timely, high-quality decisions across programs
• Partner closely with Chemistry, in vivo Pharmacology, DMPK/Safety, and Formulation to align in vitro data packages with candidate-selection needs
• Represent in vitro pharmacology/biology in cross-functional governance and, as relevant, in interactions with external partners and collaborators

This role suits a collaborative, structured, and scientifically curious leader with a strong quality mindset and the ability to balance strategic direction with practical execution. Success requires the ability to develop people, create clarity in complex portfolios, and foster an inclusive, high-performance team culture. Strong stakeholder management skills and the ability to communicate clearly with both technical and executive audiences are important.

• Ph.D. in Pharmacology, Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field, with 5-8+ years of experience in biotech/pharmaceutical R&D including a supervisory role
• Demonstrated track record building and leading high-performing in vitro pharmacology/biology teams across multiple discovery programs
• Deep expertise across biochemical, biophysical, and functional assay formats, including assay validation and data-quality principles
• Strong experience with automation, liquid handling, HTS enablement, and imaging-based platforms
• Proven ability to oversee rigorous pharmacological data analysis and drive clear, decision-ready conclusions
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with experience engaging senior stakeholders and external partners

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.

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 lets 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.

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