Does it excite you to build something from the ground up, and do you have deep expertise in peptide process chemistry and leading high-performing teams? If this sounds like you, and you are ready to shape the future of peptide drug substance development at a fast-growing biotech, then you could be our new colleague.
Your new position Zealand Pharma is looking for a
Global Head of Drug Substance - Senior Director, based in Boston. This is a rare opportunity to establish and lead a Peptide Process Development function from the ground up - building a Boston-based lab and team while providing global leadership across Drug Substance. The role owns the full arc from synthetic route scouting through Phase 1 and 2, laying the foundation for Phase 3-ready processes, and is central to enabling Zealand's growing pipeline of peptide therapeutics to reach patients.
We offer exciting responsibilities:
- Establish and lead the Peptide Process Development lab in Boston, including hiring and developing a high-performing local team
- Provide global leadership and strategic direction for the Drug Substance function from early discovery to Phase 2
- Lead synthetic route scouting and salt selection, evaluating alternative processes with yield, COGS, manufacturability, and scalability as key decision criteria
- Develop and optimize upstream and downstream process design to establish scalable, cost-effective synthetic routes fit for initial clinical trials and as the foundation for Phase 3
- Partner closely with Analytical Development and Manufacturing to ensure processes are scalable, robust, and sustainable
- Drive technology transfer in collab with DK drug substance team to external CMOs, ensuring seamless transition from development to production
Your profile The ideal candidate brings a track record of scientific excellence in peptide process chemistry combined with the leadership presence to inspire and grow a team. A pragmatic problem-solver and strategic thinker, this person thrives in a dynamic, build-phase environment and can balance hands-on technical depth with cross-functional influence. Comfort with ambiguity and a bias for action are essential.
- Advanced degree (PhD preferred) in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field, with extensive experience in peptide process development
- Demonstrated leadership experience managing and developing cross-functional or global technical teams
- Deep expertise in solid-phase and/or liquid-phase peptide synthesis, purification, and process optimization across Phase 1, 2 and 3 clinical stages
- Broad experience across the full process development cycle, including synthetic route scouting, salt selection, upstream and downstream process optimization, and evaluation of process alternatives with a focus on yield, COGS, manufacturability, and scalability
- Knowledge of process development and technology transfer to GMP manufacturing, including CMO management
- Experience defining manufacturing strategies from early discovery to Phase 2, with an eye toward building a robust foundation for Phase 3 and commercial
- Strong cross-functional collaboration skills, particularly with Analytical Development and Manufacturing
Your new team This role leads a globally distributed Drug Substance organization spanning two sites. In Boston, the role will establish a process wet lab staffed with process scientists focused on hands-on peptide process development and optimization. In Copenhagen, a DS team serves as the primary connection point to CMOs, ensuring alignment on manufacturing strategies, technology transfer, and day-to-day CMO oversight. Together, the two teams form a cohesive global function with complementary responsibilities, working in close partnership with colleagues across Research, Analytical Development, and Manufacturing.
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 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.
We are committed to an inclusive recruitment process and welcome applications from all job applicants.
The anticipated Salary Range is $251,400 - 307,300/Year
#LI-onsite
