Principal Scientist, DMPK/ADME

Zealand Pharma•Cambridge, MA

7d•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. The successful candidate is a scientifically rigorous and collaborative DMPK leader with strong judgment and an enterprise mindset. They can translate DMPK science into robust discovery decisions, balancing data, feasibility, and downstream considerations, while acting with integrity and accountability, fostering an inclusive environment, and elevating technical standards across programs. You will join the Global DMPK department within Pharmacokinetics, Immunogenicity and Bioanalytical Sciences, working closely with cross-functional R&D stakeholders (e.g., Discovery, Translational, Toxicology, Clinical Pharmacology, and Regulatory) to shape study strategies, interpret data, and communicate DMPK risks and recommendations.

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