Senior Research Scientist (1-year temporary position)

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Do you want to be part of our pioneering journey to change the way we use mathematical modelling to guide drug discovery and development? Are you an experienced scientist with advanced mathematical modelling skills and a strong understanding of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic (PKPD) principles? Then apply today and join our modelling department in a position within the Research and Development organization at Novo Nordisk!   
 
Your new role 
In this role, you will combine your proficiency in cutting-edge modelling and simulation within pharmacology in critical medical areas, which requires efficient collaboration and communication with subject matter experts. You will be part of a growing team that collectively drives the implementation of PKPD and engage with scientists across the Research & Development organization. Furthermore, you will contribute to a variety of projects and therapeutic areas.

Some of your main responsibilities will include:

• Define objectives, select species/models, dosing regimens, sampling schemes, and biomarkers for in vivo and in vitro PK/PD work. Coordinate study requirements with internal teams and CROs
• PKPD modelling on research compounds tested in different/selected animals and/or in vitro data
• Simulation of human PKPD based on animal and in vitro data; extract literature/competitor data on similar compounds to include in modelling
• Translate preclinical PK/PD findings to human predictions using allometric and mechanistic approaches; provide quantitative rationale for candidate progression and clinical dosing strategies
• Assess exposure margins relative to toxicology findings and support integrated risk/benefit evaluations
• Prepare study protocols, technical reports, model documentation, and contribute to IND/IMPD/CTA submissions and responses to regulatory questions
• Anticipating internal and/or external business challenges and recommending process, product or service improvements.
    

Your new department  
The Discovery PKPD and Quantitative Systems Pharmacology (QSP) department supports a wide range of diseases from diabetes and obesity over hemophilia to growth disorders and a range of rare diseases. The models we develop and apply help to understand resistance mechanisms, support drug discovery, optimize dose & schedule selection and combination therapy and much more. We work in interdisciplinary teams, with a focus to support and integrate in vitro and in vivo pharmacology data into current or new PKPD and/or QSP models to describe the dynamic interactions between drug(s) and biological systems. The models inform and support drug discovery, development and regulatory interactions.

You will have highly skilled and dedicated colleagues supporting projects from early discovery, through non-clinical development, as well as early clinical development. In our daily work, we have close collaboration with all parts of the global Research and Development organization, research project teams as well as external collaborators.  

Your skills and qualifications  

You hold a Ph.D. in physics, math, engineering, or other disciplines related to quantitative biology or pharmacology and ideally have 5+ years relevant experience (post PhD) in the pharmaceutical/biotech industry in pharmacometrics or mathematical modelling and simulation.

To succeed in the role, you have:  

• Excellent understanding of pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (PKPD) theory and modelling, statistical methodology and data interpretation
• Outstanding ability to identify challenges, develop strategies and translate it into actionable work packages
• Experience in modelling biological and/or other natural processes using mechanistic and/or a combination of mechanistic & empirical models
• Extensive expertise and programming skills with PK/PD modelling software (Phoenix WinNonlin/NLME, NONMEM, and/or Monolix), as well as software for data manipulation and analysis (e.g. R, Python)  
• Experience managing external service providers
• Due diligence evaluation within PKPD
• Disease area expertise, preferably within diabetes and/or obesity

As a person, you have exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills and the ability to effectively interact with colleagues with a variety of backgrounds. Furthermore, you have demonstrated experience and a keen interest in mentoring and sharing knowledge with junior scientists and colleagues. In addition, you have excellent written and oral communication skills in English. 
   
Working at Novo Nordisk  
Every day we seek the solutions that defeat serious chronic diseases. To do this, we approach our work with an unconventional spirit, a rare determination and a constant curiosity. For over 100 years, this unordinary mindset has seen us build a company unlike any other. One where a collective passion for our purpose, mutual respect and a willingness to go beyond what we know delivers extraordinary results.

Deadline

17th of December 2025.

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Novo Nordisk is currently in the process of adjusting job titles globally. Please note that the job title listed in this advertisement may be subject to change. More detailed information will be provided during the recruitment process.