Join a leading biotech company bonding to discover, design, and develop innovative peptide-based medicines.
Does it excite you to work with cryo-EM and structure-based drug discovery for peptide medicines? Do you have experience with the entire cryo-EM workflow for membrane protein complexes? 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
As Principal Scientist, you will build and drive cryo-EM capabilities to advance Zealand’s peptide drug discovery pipeline, with a focus on metabolism and obesity-related diseases. You will be instrumental in enabling structure-based drug design by delivering high-quality 3D structures of membrane targets in complex with ligands. In this position you have an opportunity to shape how structural biology should further enhance our agile drug discovery engine.
We offer exciting responsibilities:
- Lead the end-to-end cryo-EM workflow from construct design to high-resolution structure determination of membrane proteins with ligands.
- Plan and execute data collection with external facilities or CROs and perform image processing, 3D reconstruction, and model building/refinement.
- Interpret and deliver structures to multidisciplinary project teams to guide and direct peptide design.
- Collaborate cross-functionally and mentor/train colleagues in applied structural biology and state-of-the-art practices.
- Provide strategic input to the further growth and development of structure-based drug discovery at Zealand.
Your profile
You are a hands-on structural biologist who thrives in a collaborative, fast-moving environment. A structured and solution-oriented approach, strong communication skills, and a passion for scientific excellence define your way of working. You balance independent execution with teamwork and are motivated by translating structural insights into impactful drug design.
- Ph.D. in structural biology, biophysics, biochemistry, or related discipline with 5+ years of relevant cryo-EM experience (industry or academic).
- Proven track record generating and modeling cryo-EM structures of membrane proteins in complex with ligands (preferably including GPCRs).
- Hands-on proficiency across the cryo-EM workflow: construct design, protein expression and purification, sample preparation, grid optimization, data collection, image processing/3D reconstruction, and model building/refinement
- Demonstrated experience of working efficiently with cryo-EM facilities or CROs for data collection and processing
- Preferred: Ability to apply SBDD one step further e.g. by ability to analyze drug–target interactions, perform molecular dynamics or apply AI/ML approaches. Knowledge of in vitro/biophysical assays for structure validation. Familiarity with cryo-ET.
Your new team
You will join the Department of Molecular Pharmacology, part of Zealand’s Research organization. The team, consisting of 13 scientists and 7 technologists, advances discovery and development projects by applying molecular biology, biophysics, biochemistry, and cell-based assays to identify and optimize peptide drug candidates and elucidate mechanisms of action. We work in cross-departmental project teams to develop and advance innovative peptide-based medicines - including close collaboration with Department of Medicinal Chemistry - to integrate in vitro assays and SBDD for enhanced target-drug interaction understanding.
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 30th of December 2025, 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 Senior Principal Scientist Jesper Mosolff Mathiesen at JMM@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 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 team in the U.S. For more information about Zealand Pharma's business and activities, please visit www.zealandpharma.com.
