Senior Director Research Competitive Intelligence

About the role

Shape Zealand Pharma’s research direction by integrating external landscapes to influence the research portfolio. Stay on top of the rapidly evolving landscape (peer-reviewed publications, press releases, patents, and congress readouts) and develop independent, data-driven insights in close collaboration with internal or external subject matter experts. The role reports to the Chief Scientific Officer & EVP, Dr. Utpal Singh, and partners closely with Research, Medical, Development, IR, and Commercial stakeholders.

This is a hands-on scientific leadership role requiring deep understanding of discovery chemistry, pharmacology, advanced quantitative methods, data visualization, and executive-ready communication.

Responsibilities

• Track and synthesize competitive intelligence across metabolic health and adjacencies, including competitor readouts, publications, and patent literature in areas aligned to or adjacent to Zealand’s strategy and portfolio
• Rapidly internalize breaking external data and independently develop analyses, narratives, and implications for Zealand’s research strategy and portfolio choices
• Apply quantitative methods to capture, analyze, and visualize complex datasets (e.g., preclinical and clinical data), translating findings into actionable recommendations
• Develop high-impact communications (briefings, presentations, written summaries) as a primary research competitive intelligence point of contact
• Partner cross-functionally with Research, Medical, Development, IR, and Commercial teams to align on key questions, decision points, and strategic options
• Build repeatable competitive intelligence “products” and operating rhythms (e.g., landscape monitoring, event coverage, thematic deep-dives) to support leadership decision making
• Partner with Research Data & Tech as well as IT to develop automated workflows and incorporate agentic AI systems to accelerate internalization of external insights

Requirements

• PhD (or equivalent advanced degree) in a relevant life sciences or quantitative discipline, with demonstrated understanding of discovery chemistry, pharmacology, and development
• 10–15+ years of biopharma experience, including significant experience in R&D strategy and/or competitive intelligence
• Deep knowledge of obesity and metabolic disease biology and therapeutic landscape; ability to evaluate emerging science critically
• High learning agility and familiarity with multiple modalities (e.g., peptides, antibodies, oligonucleotides) and their discovery and development considerations
• Strong quantitative and data visualization capabilities to independently analyze complex datasets and build coherent narratives (e.g., clinical trial data, preclinical results, Bayesian/statistical approaches)
• Proven ability to influence in a matrix and deliver clear, high-impact presentations and written recommendations to senior executives

This role suits a scientifically rigorous, externally oriented leader who operates with urgency, curiosity, and sound judgment. Success requires comfort working independently on ambiguous problems while collaborating effectively in a matrixed environment.

About the team

The position sits within the Research organization and reports to the Chief Scientific Officer & EVP. The role will work closely with senior scientific leaders and subject matter experts across research disciplines (including chemistry/computational sciences and biology) and collaborate broadly with Medical, Development, IR, and Commercial colleagues to ensure external insights are rapidly translated into strategic and portfolio implications.

While the role involves a high degree of independent thinking, regular onsite collaboration is valued and encouraged to support open dialogue, shared learning, and strong connections across teams.

Benefits

The salary expectations for this role are $226,000–276,000 USD.

About the company

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.