About Regulatory Affairs
We are securing the approval of new multi-billion dollar products and we are securing drug indications that will pave the way to use existing products in new ways.
What you’ll be doing
In the Regulatory Affairs Graduate Programme we aim to develop outstanding Regulatory Professionals. This means that our focus is on making sure that you are exposed to all different aspects of Regulatory ...
Meet Programme Manager Jakob Wolter
Meet Maria
Maria is 27, Danish by origin and has a Master's degree in Biophysics ...
Meet Maria
Launch your Regulatory Affairs career at Novo Nordisk
We are securing the approval of new multi-billion dollar products and we are securing drug indications that will pave the way to use existing products in new ways. We stand at the centre of project planning and execution from the earliest stages of drug development all the way through life cycle management.
In Regulatory Affairs, we obtain the authority approvals that make it possible for Novo Nordisk to bring our products to patients and the RA Graduate Programme is a pathway to a key role in that process.
What will you be doing?
In the Regulatory Affairs Graduate Programme we aim to develop outstanding Regulatory Professionals. This means that our focus is on making sure that you are exposed to ...
all different aspects of Regulatory work, so that you can find the niche where your competencies and interests coincide. From day one you will be given responsibilities, and your work will be with one or more projects. Examples of assignments could be:
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Developing and submitting marketing applications for new products, doing product changes and clinical trials, etc.
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Working closely with other areas in Novo Nordisk, to ensure that regulatory angles are covered in their projects
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Improving the regulatory processes even further (LEAN projects)
Scope of the programme
The Regulatory Affairs (RA) function is closely integrated in the drug development and drug maintenance processes of Novo Nordisk.
Therefore, a large part of being an outstanding RA Professional is having the capacity to understand the business behind viewpoints of our partners in, i.e., the rest of Research & Development and Product Supply. For this reason, diversity is key in the three 8-month long rotations that comprise the RA Graduate Programme.
Two of the rotations will be in Denmark in different parts of Novo Nordisk A/S – always with a strong connection to the RA field but not necessarily in the RA organisation. One of the rotations will be in a Novo Nordisk affiliate or regional office. Some of the largest Regulatory functions outside Denmark are in USA, China, Australia, Canada, Brazil, United Kingdom, and Germany. Throughout the entire programme your development will be closely monitored to ensure progression in your abilities and performance.
Rotation details
Rotation 1
The first rotation will almost always be in a department in the Regulatory Affairs HQ in Denmark. The main purpose of this rotation is an introduction to the regulatory trade, and to gain hands-on experience.
Rotation 2
The second rotation most often is in an affiliate or regional office. This is the rotation where the graduates get insight into Regulatory Affairs work from a local perspective. This will give the graduates a unique international perspective that should prove invaluable as new markets continue to evolve for Novo Nordisk.
Rotation 3
This rotation will most likely take place in HQ. After one and a half year, the graduate should now be able to perform strongly in the role of a Regulatory Professional. In this rotation the Graduate will have to manage important and complex projects.
Requirements
You need a top master degree in one of the natural sciences. Examples could be pharmacy, chemical engineering, biology, biotechnology etc.
You also need a genuine interest in Regulatory Affairs and international experience helps. These requirements are, however, only the foundation. It is your drive, your intellect, your commitment and your ability to take control of your own development that will get you the position.
Maria Christiansen
Maria is 27, Danish by origin and has a Master's degree in Biophysics
“As a biophysicist I was used to being seen as a 'science brain'. But at Base Camp the focus is on the complete person and this appeals to me.”
More than an academic
I wanted to do something different to my friends who have gone on to study for PhDs or have stayed in academia. My goal was to join Novo Nordisk's graduate programme, Base Camp. A few years ago I knew two people who joined and it sounded so exciting to be involved in the fast-paced world of business – I knew that this was what I wanted to do.
One of the great things about being part of Base Camp is that I am seen as a complete person, not 'just' a scientist. The company focuses on both professional and personal skills. So as well as training courses directly linked to my role, I have also taken part in courses that have helped me get to know myself better. Learning about this has helped me focus on why I behave the way I do and how to improve myself.
Choosing your path
Being part of the Regulatory Affairs programme is very different to the other programmes, because no one comes to it with a degree in regulatory affairs! We all have different backgrounds and so bring different qualities to the department. It is hard starting from scratch and the expectations of you are high, but the speed at which we work and the responsibilities we have make it very worthwhile.
Many companies say that there are lots of opportunities for employees and at Novo Nordisk this is not a lie! I've found that if I have particular wishes for what I want to do I'm listened to. So, for example, I asked if my next rotation could be in the Canadian marketing department – and I'll be moving there soon. Now that is really, really cool!
I feel that Base Camp is like a climbing wall. It will always be challenging, but it is up to you just how challenging you make it for yourself. You can choose how difficult the path is that you follow and therefore how big the personal reward is. I like this freedom and the trust that the company has in you to make your own personal choice.
Decision making
Novo Nordisk's respect for the Triple Bottom Line means a lot to me – it is not just something that is said, it is true and is reflected in the company's business decisions. In many instances a decision could be based purely on financial gain, but the impact of the decision on patients and the environment is also taken into account. It is very reassuring to know that the company isn't just a money-making machine!
I also feel that my opinion counts, even though I am new compared with some of the people that have been working here for many years. It shows the trust that the company places in all its employees.
Last year a student called me to ask my advice about applying to Base Camp. I told her that if you want to work in a fast-paced business environment where you will get lots of responsibility and personal development then Base Camp meets those criteria. And if you share the company's values and are prepared to live up to them every single day, then this is definitely the place for you.
