Lead or Principal Scientist, Research Automation

Zealand Pharma

Cambridge, MA, US Onsite Research

About this role

Does it excite you to work with global laboratory automation that accelerates early discovery research, and do you have experience with robotic platforms and integrated automation solutions? 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 Lead or Principal Scientist – Research Automation in Molecular Platform Development, this role will define and drive Zealand Pharma’s global research automation strategy across Discovery Research. The position combines scientific leadership with hands-on workflow engineering—connecting automation hardware, software, and data traceability. Working closely with scientific leaders and project teams in Cambridge and Copenhagen, the role will deliver fit-for-purpose automation for early discovery while anticipating future scalability and downstream needs.

We offer exciting responsibilities:

Define and drive a global research automation strategy aligned with the discovery portfolio, Molecular Platform Development objectives, and long-term business goals
Design, implement, and maintain automated laboratory workflows supporting early discovery research across chemistry- and biology-driven programs
Lead integration of laboratory automation technologies, including robotic systems and integrated automation platforms, high-throughput liquid handling, automated sample handling/storage/retrieval, and barcoding/sample tracking solutions
Partner closely with experimental scientists to translate scientific workflows into reliable, usable automated processes and ensure robust adoption in the lab
Lead evaluation, selection, and recommendation of automation solutions, equipment, and external services; define business needs, assess vendors, and support procurement through technical due diligence and implementation planning
Establish and evolve enabling software and data infrastructure for automated data ingestion and traceability, ensuring robust sample tracking, data provenance, and auditability across sites

Your profile
The ideal candidate combines a strong scientific foundation with pragmatic engineering and systems thinking. Success in the role requires collaborative partnering across disciplines and sites, a focus on measurable value (throughput, reliability, and data quality), and a commitment to scientific integrity and clear documentation.

PhD or Master’s degree in Engineering, Automation, Robotics, Computer Science, Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Systems Engineering, Chemistry, Biology, or a related field (or equivalent industry experience with demonstrated expertise in research automation)
4+ years of relevant post-degree experience for Lead Scientist roles; 6+ years for Principal Scientist roles
Hands-on experience working in a research laboratory environment supporting chemistry, biology, or integrated discovery workflows
Demonstrated experience delivering laboratory automation systems, including robotic platforms and integrated automation solutions
Experience integrating end-to-end workflows across instrumentation, automation hardware, and supporting software, with a focus on simplicity, usability, and fit-for-purpose design
Nice to have: experience with Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and/or LIMS-adjacent solutions supporting metadata capture, traceability, and auditability

Your new team
You will join Molecular Platform Development and act as a global subject-matter expert for laboratory automation, workflow integration, and enabling data infrastructure across Discovery Research. The role partners closely with scientific leaders and project teams in Cambridge and Copenhagen and collaborates across Discovery Chemistry, Discovery Biologics, Computational Research, Biology, Translational Research, Pharmacology, Bioanalysis, CMC, and Process Development.

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 April 26, 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.

We are committed to an inclusive recruitment process and welcome applications from all job applicants.

The anticipated base pay range for this position is : $173,000 - $211,000

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.

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