Open Rank Scientist - Cell Biology

Open Rank Scientist – Cell Biology

Bring your scientific curiosity to a research centre where cell biology discoveries translate directly into transformative therapies for people living with serious chronic diseases. This is your opportunity to shape the future of drug discovery from the ground up.

Your new role

We are seeking a highly motivated and scientifically driven Biologist to join the Target Discovery Department. The successful candidate will play a key role in advancing cell line engineering, assay development, and drive external research collaborations with CRO to support drug discovery projects across diabetes, obesity, and related cardiometabolic diseases.

This position requires deep expertise in cell engineering and in vitro assay development, combined with strong project management and CRO oversight capabilities. The candidate will work in a highly collaborative, cross-functional environment with colleagues from variant scientific backgrounds both in China and in global sites, and contribute to the identification, validation, and progression of novel therapeutic targets.

The candidate will be a key person in projects designing screening strategy using in vitro assays in the project; influencing project direction through generation of proof-of-concept data and innovative assay solutions.

The candidate will be referring directly to the department head at Department of Target Discovery, with main internal contacts being scientist colleagues, research associates, project members, and managers both in Beijing and global. Furthermore, developing and maintaining a strong external network is also going to be an important part of work.

Your new department

In Research & Development, you'll be part of a unit that explores bold scientific ideas and advances them into clinical testing. We combine curiosity, AI tools, and human data to develop transformative therapies. Through collaboration and operational excellence, we shape and deliver an innovative pipeline to meet future patient needs.

Novo Nordisk Research Center China is a growing hub of scientific excellence, focused on early-stage discovery across multiple therapeutic areas. You will join a team of talented researchers dedicated to advancing our understanding of disease biology and identifying novel drug targets. The center operates with a start-up mindset backed by the resources and ambition of a global leader in chronic disease treatment.

Your skills & qualifications

We're looking for a passionate cell biologist who thrives in a collaborative research environment and is driven by scientific impact. You'll bring:

• Ph.D. in biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or a relevant scientific discipline
• Extensive hands-on experience and deep understanding of cell-based assay development. Demonstrated expertise in cell engineering, including gene knock-in, gene knock-out, and reporter cell line construction, is required
• Extensive experience in CRO evaluation, collaboration, communication and effective project management is required.
• Knowledge of biology related to diabetes, obesity or other cardiometabolic disease areas is preferred.
• Hands-on experience with primary human cell culture, functional assay development, and the maintenance and differentiation of ES/iPSC-derived cells is a strong plus.
• Industry experience in drug discovery and high-throughput screening is a strong plus.
• Experience in bioinformatics, omics, functional genomics and / or automation is a strong plus
• Proven track record of innovation, scientific excellence, independent problem-solving, and delivery of high-impact research achievements.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively across disciplines and cultures.
• A strong collaborator and team player with a proactive and positive mindset.

• A fast learner

• Fluent in spoken and written English

Working at Novo Nordisk

Every day we seek the solutions that defeat serious chronic diseases. To do this, we approach our work with determination, constant curiosity and a commitment to finding better ways forward. For over 100 years, this dedication has driven us to build a company focused on lasting change for long-term health. One where diverse thinking, shared purpose and mutual respect come together to create extraordinary results. When you join us, you're not just starting a job – you're becoming part of a story that spans generations.

What we offer

There is, of course, more on offer here than the uniqueness of our culture and the extraordinary results we produce. Being part of a global healthcare company means opportunities to learn and develop are all around us, while our benefits are designed with your career and life stage in mind.

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

At Novo Nordisk, we're not chasing quick fixes – we're creating lasting change for long-term health. For over 100 years, we've been driven by a single purpose: to defeat serious chronic diseases and help millions of people live healthier lives. This dedication fuels our constant curiosity and inspires us to push the boundaries of what's possible in healthcare. We embrace diverse perspectives, seek out bold ideas, and build partnerships rooted in shared purpose. Together, we're making healthcare more accessible, treating and preventing diseases, and pioneering solutions that create change spanning generations. When you join us, you become part of something bigger – a legacy of impact that reaches far beyond today.