Principal Scientist, DMPK/ADME

Zealand Pharma•Cambridge, MA

8d•$184,200 - $253,200•Onsite

About The Position

Zealand Pharma is significantly expanding its global R&D capabilities and establishing new research units in Cambridge, MA to advance diverse drug modality capabilities in metabolic disease. As part of this expansion, we are seeking a Principal Scientist to take a leading scientific role building our DMPK and bioanalysis capabilities within complex molecular formats. This is a unique opportunity to shape strategy, culture, and technical excellence from the ground up.

Requirements

PhD in pharmaceutical sciences, biochemistry, chemistry or a related scientific field
6+ years of relevant post-degree experience in DMPK/ADME (drug discovery, non-clinical studies), with complex drug modalities (e.g., antibody-peptide conjugates, peptides, antibodies)
A track record in PK study design, data interpretation, and translating DMPK insights into actionable project recommendations
Solid background (hands-on) in bioanalysis and assay development (LC-MS and ligand binding assays)
Experience optimizing PK properties of peptides, antibodies, and conjugates
Background in ADME assays and metabolite ID
Experience working with external partners/CROs, including scientific oversight and quality-focused execution

Nice To Haves

Experience contributing to regulatory-relevant DMPK documentation (e.g., IND/CTA support) is an advantage
Experience with digital/automation-enabled DMPK workflows is an advantage

Responsibilities

Drive DMPK/ADME strategy for complex drug modalities (e.g., antibodies, antibody-peptide conjugates and peptides)
Establish and grow DMPK discovery platforms and bioanalysis capabilities (LC-MS, immunoassays) to support PK, metabolite identification, and nonclinical study needs
Provide deep in vitro assay expertise across multiple modality formats, leading key activities such as metabolic stability, binding-related considerations, and risk assessments
Oversee PK studies (internal and/or external) from study design through assay development, data interpretation, and reporting, ensuring scientific quality, timelines, and documentation
Deliver integrated DMPK summaries and high-quality data packages to support project teams, governance milestones, and external-facing documentation as required
Contribute to continuous improvement by adopting efficient, digital, and automation-enabled approaches within DMPK workflows