Manager for CMC Internal Chemical Development

Are you motivated by joining an expanding pharmaceutical area and take part in shaping the future of Novo Nordisk’s chemical manufacturing? Are you an authentic people leader, eager to manage the process development of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) through strong team collaboration and a broad stakeholder interaction? And are you passionate about leading and focusing on the development and well-being of your team members?

If yes, then you might be our new Manager for Internal Chemical Development, where you will have the opportunity to lead a team of dedicated organic synthesis chemists, engineers, and laboratory technicians. This is a leadership position, where you will grow personally and professionally by further developing your scientific and business insights. Take the next step in your life-changing career and apply today!

Get introduced to our area CMC Chemical Development and meet some of our employees by visiting our career site.

The position

In Chemistry, Manufacturing & Control (CMC) Chemical Development, we are responsible for developing the synthetic processes required to produce the APIs for Novo Nordisk's new and innovative product portfolio. Our work spans various stages of development, from early non-clinical projects to commercial manufacturing.

The aim is to develop robust, technically feasible and economical processes with minimal environmental impact. This is among other things enabled by new technologies being pursued internally and via external collaborations. As we expand into more synthetic API production platforms, Chemical Development is becoming an increasingly significant growth area for Novo Nordisk.

As our new Manager for our newly formed Internal Chemical Development department, you will lead a laboratory-based team (10-15 employees) that is responsible for developing and maturing processes from Lead Candidate Selection to Phase I/II manufacturing, with a particular focus on either one of the following chemical modalities/platforms: Synthetic Peptides, Small Molecules or Chemical Protein Modification (Semi-recombinant processes).

Daily, you will have a significant interface with a broad number of internal and external stakeholders including close collaboration with managers and project leaders within Novo Nordisk, as well as CMOs globally.

Your primary tasks will be:

• Keep yourself updated with the team’s projects, know when to get involved and take action, when needed
• Place the well-being of your team at the centre of your attention, be present, approachable and supportive, and build a trustful working environment
• Empower, motivate, and develop employees by acknowledging their differences and utilising diversity, as well as helping to balance high ambitions and tight deadlines
• Communicate clearly and effectively within the team and collaboration partners
• Lead as a role model embracing an open, honest, respectful approach according to Novo Nordisk values

You will become part of a growing leadership team in Internal Chemical Development, consisting of a department head and several managers that meet weekly, support each other, and routinely use each other as sparring partners.

Qualifications

You hold a PhD or MSc within synthetic organic chemistry, chemical engineering, life-science or a related field. Furthermore, the ideal qualifications are as follows:

• Leadership experience in managing laboratory-based personnel
• Professional experience with drug development and process chemistry from the pharmaceutical industry
• Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively across disciplines in drug development and with external partners
• Previous work with Contract Research Organisations or Contract Manufacturing Organisations will be considered an advantage
• Fluency in written and spoken English

As a person you act as a team-player and possess strong interpersonal skills and can set direction when challenges arise. You work with an innovative and flexible mind-set and like to engage, empower and develop your team members, which leads to a high level of progression and trust within your team. You thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic environment where sharp priorities are part of everyday life.

About the area

As part of the Novo Nordisk PSQIT organisation, CMC Product and Process Development makes a real difference for patients with chronic diseases across the world. We develop, manufacture and distribute drug candidates for clinical trials and have a strong culture with a “can do” mind-set.

The CMC Chemical Development area currently consists of 80+ chemists and laboratory technicians, and we have access to state-of-the-art chemistry laboratory facilities in Bagsværd (DK) and offices in Boston (USA). Our facilities enable us to support various types of work, including isotope chemistry, scale-up productions, and standard process development.

Working at Novo Nordisk

Novo Nordisk is its people. We know that life is anything but linear and balancing what is important at different stages of our career is never easy. That’s why we make room for diverse life situations, always putting people first. We value our employees for the unique skills they bring to the table, and we work continuously to bring out the best in them. Working at Novo Nordisk is working toward something bigger than ourselves and is a collective effort. From research and development through to manufacturing, marketing and sales – we’re all working together to move the needle on patient care.

Contact

For further information, please contact Department Manager Sebastian Thordal Le Quement +45 3075 1059.

Deadline

April 2nd, 2025.

Applications will be screened on an ongoing basis, so we encourage you to apply as fast as possible.

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 resume or CV. To facilitate an unbiased recruitment process, please refrain from adding a photo in your CV.

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

At Novo Nordisk we recognize that it is no longer good enough to aspire to be the best company in the world. We need to aspire to be the best company for the world and we know that this is only possible with talented employees with diverse perspectives, backgrounds and cultures. We are therefore committed to creating an inclusive culture that celebrates the diversity of our employees, the patients we serve and communities we operate in. Together, we’re life changing.