Does it excite you to build our oral formulation competencies — across small molecules and potentially peptides — from early testing through toxicology studies and into Phase 1 and Phase 2? If you thrive on establishing new capabilities and taking full ownership of a broad area of responsibility, then you could be our new colleague.
Your new position
As Principal/Lead Drug Product Specialist, you will drive oral formulation development from research projects into Phase 2, working across both small-molecule and potentially peptide-based candidates. You will design robust formulations, define testing and characterization strategies, and ensure phase-appropriate control strategies that enable tox and clinical supplies through Phase 1 and Phase 2. As the driving force for oral formulation in the department, you will also lead process and scale-up strategies, in close collaboration with our internal manufacturing department and contract manufacturing organizations, ensuring strong alignment and timely delivery across activities.
We Offer Exciting Responsibilities
- Lead oral formulation development across both small-molecule and potentially peptide-based candidates from early research into Phase 1 and Phase 2, including design of experiments (DoE), excipient compatibility assessments, and stability strategies
- Design drug product manufacturing processes and define scale-up strategies aligned with phase-appropriate controls
- Define and execute test strategies — including dissolution, physicochemical characterization, and stability testing — to support formulation and process decisions, running lab-scale experiments and troubleshooting as needed
- Provide input to drug product manufacturing plans covering purpose, timing, and batch size to secure tox and clinical supply readiness across Phase 1 and Phase 2
- Lead product and process risk assessments in collaboration with contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs)
- Act as the driving force for oral formulation development in the department, sharing knowledge and guiding best practice across projects
Your profile
A structured, collaborative specialist who brings scientific rigor to oral formulation challenges and balances speed with quality in early development. You take ownership of driving the oral formulation area forward, communicate clearly across functions, and maintain focus on patient needs, compliance, and timelines.
- MSc/PhD in chemistry, biochemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, or a related field
- Minimum 8 years of experience in oral formulation development of small molecules, through Phase 2
- Experience defining and executing test strategies (e.g., dissolution, physicochemical characterization, and stability testing) for oral dosage forms
- Experience with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and regulatory aspects of Chemistry, Manufacturing and Controls (CMC) work
- Practical experience with drug product manufacturing and tech transfer, including outsourcing to contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs)
- Experience supporting toxicology studies and Phase 1/Phase 2 clinical development, with motivation to work hands-on in the laboratory when needed
- Knowledge of animal models for oral bioavailability testing and of permeation/absorption enhancers for oral drug delivery
Your new team
You will join Pharmaceutical Development within Research, where you will drive and shape the department's oral formulation area, working closely with colleagues across Development, Quality, Clinical Supply, and external partners. The team is characterized by collaboration, accountability, and a shared commitment to bringing high-quality medicines to patients.
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
August 7th, 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. Please note that due to vacation period, delayed responses may occur.
For further information, please contact
VP Head of Pharmaceutical Development,
Lise Giehm, at
LGiehm@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.
