Be the new Project Director, Research Portfolio Management Office
In a biotech company bonding to discover, design and develop innovative peptide-based medicines
Currently, we are looking for a new strategic and hands-on Project Director, who has extensive experience shaping and driving early-stage drug discovery projects from idea to clinical entry. If this sounds like you, and you are ready to take on a broad area of responsibilities with an independent attitude, you are a match for us.
As a key member of our cross-functional development efforts, you will lead early-stage drug discovery projects, ensure clear governance and alignment with portfolio priorities, and act as the strategic anchor guiding cross-disciplinary teams toward successful delivery. Your work will directly impact project decisions, clinical readiness, and ultimately the lives of patients.
You will report to the Head of the Portfolio Management Office and work closely with functional leaders in biology, chemistry, pharmacology, translational sciences, and modeling & simulation.
Responsibilities
- Lead the lifecycle of early drug discovery projects from inception to Phase 1 readiness
- Develop integrated project strategies and drive timely, high-quality execution across functions
- Ensure governance in line with Zealand’s Project Manual; prepare decision points for governance bodies
- Facilitate effective project team meetings and cross-functional interactions to drive alignment and scientific rigor
- Integrate data across in vitro profiling, translational pharmacology, modeling & simulation, and medicinal chemistry to inform critical decisions
- Identify and mitigate risks across timelines, scope, resources, and budgets; track and communicate progress to stakeholders and senior leadership
Candidate profile
- Ph.D. or advanced degree in Life Sciences, Pharmacology, Biotechnology, Biology, Chemistry, or a related field.
- Minimum of 8 years’ experience in drug development and cross-functional project leadership, preferably within obesity/metabolic diseases.
- Strong understanding of preclinical discovery processes, including pharmacology, chemistry, and translational biology.
- Proven ability to develop and execute project strategies, manage risk, and deliver at pace to key milestones.
- Skilled communicator and relationship builder across diverse stakeholder groups.
As a person you are good at combining scientific insight with operational excellence, you lead multidisciplinary teams with clarity, accountability, and purpose. You promote creativity and scientific excellence while maintaining focus on priorities, risks, and delivery. You are an organized facilitator and a skilled communicator who builds strong relationships across scientific, operational, and executive stakeholders.
Bonding to innovate
Our employees are fundamental to our success, and we continue to be able to attract and retain people with vast experience and talent. We have a unique culture, characterized by excellent teamwork and strong engagement across the organization.
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 as a result of our entrepreneurial culture where our people are encouraged to pursue their ideas and turn them into reality. We are curious about each other’s knowledge and expertise.
We bond through curiosity and playfulness as a team, allowing ourselves to challenge common thinking and drive future innovation. Zealand Pharma is a place where everyone is heard and contributes to the success, we all want to experience.
The Zealand Pharma DNA builds on four values: (1) We are bold, (2) We empower people, (3) We work as one team, and (4) We can be trusted.
Let’s bond and be bold
We offer a combined compensation package which includes a base salary, pension, bonus, and a possibility to join our employee share program. We care about our employees’ well-being and offer health insurance, use of massage, fitness, and a range of social clubs and activities.
To find out more about working at Zealand, visit https://www.zealandpharma.com/careers/zealand-as-a-workplace/
Interested? Please apply no later than September 28, 2025, or as soon as possible. The applications will be reviewed as they come in.
For further information, please contact Head of the Portfolio Management Office, Salka Elbøl Rasmussen, SElboel@zealandpharma.com.
About Zealand Pharma A/S
Zealand Pharma A/S (Nasdaq: ZEAL) is a biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of peptide-based medicines. More than 10 drug candidates invented by Zealand Pharma have advanced into clinical development, of which two have reached the market and three candidates are in late-stage development. The company has development partnerships with a number of pharma companies as well as commercial partnerships for its marketed products.
Zealand Pharma was founded in 1998 and is headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark, with a presence in the U.S. For more information about Zealand Pharma’s business and activities, please visit www.zealandpharma.com.
