Does it excite you to work with model-informed drug development (MIDD) in metabolic health, and are you an expert in mechanistic and translational PK/PD modelling and simulation? If this sounds like you, and you are ready to take on a broad area of responsibilities, then you could be our new colleague.
Your new position
Zealand Pharma is expanding its Modelling & Simulation capabilities and is seeking a Director-level, hands-on Translational PK/PD modeller to drive MIDD across preclinical and early clinical programs. The position focuses on developing and applying empirical, semi-mechanistic, and mechanistic PK/PD models to inform lead candidate selection, biomarker strategy, and early clinical dose selection.
Working closely with DMPK , Biology, Pharmacology, Medical, and Biomarker colleagues at our headquarters in Copenhagen area Denmark and our Boston site, the role embeds quantitative modelling into project strategy from target validation through proof-of-concept and into clinical trials. The position reports to the Head of Modelling & Simulation and can be located in headquarters in Copenhagen area or in Boston.
We Offer Exciting Responsibilities
- Lead and execute hands-on mechanistic and translational PK/PD modelling and simulation to enable MIDD from preclinical through early clinical development.
- Develop and apply mechanistic and semi-mechanistic models (e.g., TMDD, PBPK, systems PK/PD, and disease models) to support dose selection, study design, and development strategy.
- Translate preclinical PK/PD and biomarker data into quantitative predictions for first-in-human and early clinical studies, supporting go/no-go and design decisions.
- Drive and manage collaborations with external partners (including CROs), ensuring high scientific quality and timely delivery of modelling outputs.
- Contribute to internal governance, external collaborations, and MIDD-relevant documentation, supporting regulatory strategy where needed.
Your Profile
You bring scientific curiosity, a pragmatic mindset, and the ability to translate complex quantitative work into clear, decision-ready insights. You thrive in cross-functional collaboration and can influence project direction in a matrix organization through strong communication and stakeholder management. You are motivated by building robust ways of working and raising scientific standards through sparring and mentoring.
- PhD in pharmacometrics, PK/PD modelling, PBPK, quantitative systems pharmacology, or a related quantitative discipline, with extensive relevant industry experience.
- Strong track record in translational and mechanistic PK/PD modelling impacting early clinical development decisions.
- Extensive hands-on experience with MATLAB/SimBiology, PBPK software, or similar tools for mechanistic modelling.
- Experience with R and population PK/PD tools (e.g., NONMEM, Phoenix) and applying population approaches alongside mechanistic models.
- Solid understanding of MIDD concepts, including quantitative translation, biomarker integration, and model-based dose selection and study design.
- Experience writing and/or contributing to regulatory documents/submissions; ability to communicate assumptions, limitations, and impact clearly to senior stakeholders.
Your new team
You will join the Modelling & Simulation team, covering mechanistic, translational, and clinical PK/PD activities from drug discovery to late-stage clinical development. The team partners closely with Discovery and Development functions to ensure quantitative insights are integrated into project plans and key decisions across the portfolio.
Let's bond and be bold
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 let's bond and be bold.
Interested in bonding with us? Then please apply no later than
6th April 2026, or as soon as possible. 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.
For further information, please contact Head of Modelling and Simulation,
Rasmus Juul Kildemoes: RKildemoes@zealandpharma.com
We are committed to an inclusive recruitment process and welcome applications from all job applicants.
About Zealand Pharma A/S
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 Boston, Massachusetts. Learn more at www.zealandpharma.com.
