Principal/Senior Scientist

Protein & Peptide Discovery

Måløv, Greater Copenhagen, Denmark

Are you passionate about drug discovery and early innovation at the interface between technology and biology? Are you motivated to drive and facilitate early innovation activities within peptides and proteins? If so, you could be our newest colleague!

Join us today and contribute to Novo Nordisk’s mission of improving lives through innovative pharmaceutical solutions!

Your new role

You’ll become part of a dedicated team focusing on early technology innovation and drug discovery project initiation. The department works with peptides and proteins across all Novo Nordisk therapeutic areas, with a focus on agonistic peptides within incretin and amylin biology. We provide an inspiring and ambitious work environment, where you are empowered to challenge the status quo

Your responsibilities include:

• Driving and facilitating new drug discovery project ideas with protein and peptide modalities
• Integrating successful activities into the Novo Nordisk research pipeline and guiding them towards proof of concept
• Supporting early internal (and external) innovation activities with strong molecular understanding, biological insights, and a value chain overview
• Maintaining an overview of the IP space, peptide and protein literature, and internal Novo Nordisk activities
• Coordinating wet lab activities within peptides and proteins and providing hands-on support
• Supporting the development of a future-ready setup for project ideation and protein & peptide technology innovation

Your new department

Protein & Peptide Discovery is a highly experienced team of innovation ambassadors with extensive knowledge in both technology and biology, as well as a strong understanding of the value chain and the intellectual property (IP) landscape. The department comprises nine highly skilled employees: six scientists at various levels and three experienced laboratory technicians. It was recently established with the ambition to further strengthen the technological impact on the early project portfolio.

Protein & Peptide Discovery scientists actively collaborate across all areas of Research & Development (R&D) and, at times, beyond, through dedicated innovative groups to accelerate and deliver high value project ideas. Most team members have a strong track record in molecular drug discovery within Novo Nordisk and a scientific background in peptide chemistry. 

Protein & Peptide Discovery is anchored within the CVP area Protein & Peptide Research, which is responsible for the protein and peptide modality across all therapy areas from idea to FHD. Protein and Peptide Research is part of the SVP area Therapeutics Discovery in R&D.

Your skills & qualifications

You have a passion for science and drug discovery while naturally aligning activities with strategic directions and business targets. To thrive and succeed in the role, we expect you to have:

• A Ph.D. in life sciences (such as protein sciences, medicinal chemistry, chemical biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, structural biology), or alternatively, a master’s degree with significant relevant industrial research experience
• A talent for driving and fostering innovation closely aligned with business strategies
• Strong background in drug discovery, drug design, molecular and pharmaceutical value chain understanding
• The ability to thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, with resilience in the face of challenges, setbacks, and ambiguity
• A high level of personal engagement, drive, independence, and integrity together with a collaborative mindset
• Experience in research project management in multidisciplinary teams in a complex stakeholder environment is an advantage
• Preferably, 3+ years of relevant industrial experience within early drug discovery and ideation

 Working at Novo Nordisk

At Novo Nordisk, we do not wait for change. We drive it. We are a dynamic company in an even more dynamic industry, and we know that what got us to where we are today is not necessarily what will make us successful in the future. We embrace the spirit of experimentation, striving for excellence, without fixating on perfection. We never shy away from opportunities to develop we seize them. From research and development, through to manufacturing, marketing, and sales –we’re all working to move the needle on patient care.

What We Offer

Beyond our unique culture and the extraordinary results we achieve, we provide a comprehensive range of opportunities. As part of a global healthcare organisation, you’ll have access to continuous learning and professional development. In addition, our benefits are thoughtfully designed to support both your career progression and your personal life stage.

Contact 

You do not need to attach a cover letter to your application, but please include a few sentences about why you are applying in your CV. To ensure an efficient and fair recruitment process, please refrain from adding a photo to your CV. For further information, please contact Felix Wojcik at +45 3079 3047 (please expect delay in response due to holiday period).

Deadline

6th of January 2026

Please note that we are reviewing applications on ongoing basis, therefore the position will be filled as soon as the successful candidate has been found. 

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.

We commit to an inclusive recruitment process and equality of opportunity for all our job applicants. 

We’re not your typical healthcare company. In a modern world of quick fixes, we focus on solutions to defeat serious chronic diseases and promote long-term health. Our unordinary mindset is at the heart of everything we do. We seek out new ideas and put people first as we push the boundaries of science, make healthcare more accessible, and treat, prevent, and even cure diseases that affect millions of lives. Because it takes an unordinary approach to drive real, lasting change in health.