Senior Director Research Competitive Intelligence

Zealand Pharma • Cambridge, MA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

This role will shape Zealand Pharma’s research direction by integrating external landscapes to influence research portfolio. The position will stay on top of the rapidly evolving landscape (peer reviewed publications, press releases, patents, and congress readouts) and develop independent, data‑driven insights in close collaboration with internal or external subject matter experts. This is a hands-on scientific leadership role requiring deep understanding of discovery chemistry, pharmacology, advanced quantitative methods, data visualization, and executive‑ready communication.

Requirements

• PhD (or equivalent advanced degree) in a relevant life sciences or quantitative discipline, with demonstrated understanding of discovery chemistry, pharmacology, and development
• 10–15+ years of biopharma experience, including significant experience in R&D strategy and/or competitive intelligence
• Deep knowledge of obesity and metabolic disease biology and therapeutic landscape; ability to evaluate emerging science critically
• High learning agility and familiarity with multiple modalities (e.g., peptides, antibodies, oligonucleotides) and their discovery and development considerations
• Strong quantitative and data visualization capabilities to independently analyze complex datasets and build coherent narratives (e.g., clinical trial data, preclinical results, Bayesian/statistical approaches)
• Partner with Research Data & Tech as well as IT to develop automated workflows and incorporate agentic AI systems to accelerate internalization of external insights
• Proven ability to influence in a matrix and deliver clear, high‑impact presentations and written recommendations to senior executives

Responsibilities

• Track and synthesize competitive intelligence across metabolic health and adjacencies, including competitor readouts, publications, and patent literature in areas aligned to or adjacent to Zealand’s strategy and portfolio
• Rapidly internalize breaking external data and independently develop analyses, narratives, and implications for Zealand’s research strategy and portfolio choices
• Apply quantitative methods to capture, analyze, and visualize complex datasets (e.g., preclinical and clinical data), translating findings into actionable recommendations
• Develop high impact, communications (briefings, presentations, written summaries) as a primary research competitive intelligence point of contact
• Partner cross‑functionally with Research, Medical, Development, IR, and Commercial teams to align on key questions, decision points, and strategic options
• Build repeatable competitive intelligence “products” and operating rhythms (e.g., landscape monitoring, event coverage, thematic deep‑dives) to support leadership decision making

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees