Pilot scientist within Fermentation (Maternity cover)

Work at the heart of fermentation-based manufacturing, where your expertise shapes the proteins that support life-changing therapies for patients worldwide.

Your new role

As a Pilot Scientist in our Cultivation Pilot Plants, you'll take ownership of production campaigns that bridge development and commercial manufacturing. Working across the entire process chain, you'll ensure our yeast and bacterial cell fermentation processes deliver the high-quality proteins needed for clinical and developmental trials.

Your day-to-day responsibilities will include:

• Planning and co-ordinating production campaigns in collaboration with a team of pilot scientists and technicians
• Managing the full process chain from raw materials planning through fermentation operations to final reporting and co-ordination
• Ensuring timely execution of cultivation processes involving yeast and bacterial cell fermentation in stainless steel production facilities at approximately 1000L scale
• Troubleshooting and solving production process problems with equipment and processes already in operation
• Conducting measurements throughout production stages to monitor and control critical variables such as temperature, density, pressure, and viscosity
• Collaborating with API Development teams and colleagues across API Pilot facilities to advance our pharmaceutical production processes

Your new department

In Global Manufacturing & Supply, we cover the full value chain from drug and device development to marketed Novo Nordisk products. We are more than 30,000 colleagues across the globe with the shared responsibility of scaling molecules, processes, devices, and products, dedicated to supplying life-saving medicines to the patients who need them most.

Cultivation Pilot Plants (CPP) is home to pilot-scale facilities for cultivation and recovery of proteins supporting clinical and developmental trials. Our pharmaceutical production processes utilise yeast and E. coli, with purified proteins directly supporting patient access to new therapies. The department consists of around 65 employees divided into four teams: Cultivation, two Recovery teams, and Support. As part of CMC Development, CPP fosters close collaboration with API Development teams across our facilities, creating a dynamic environment where innovation meets practical application.

Your skills & qualifications

We're looking for a Pilot Scientist who is passionate about fermentation-based manufacturing and thrives in a collaborative, hands-on production environment.

You'll bring with you:

• Master's degree in biochemical engineering, fermentation-based manufacturing, chemistry, or a related field
• Experience working in a production environment (new or soon-to-be graduates are also encouraged to apply)
• Knowledge and/or experience with GMP production processes
• Familiarity with compliance requirements and pharmaceutical, biological, biochemical, or medical manufacturing factors
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot complex production challenges
• · Collaborative mindset and excellent communication skills to work effectively across teams

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.

More information

For further information, please contact Senior Manager Jeanette Vörts (JTVR@Novonordisk.com) or get to know us better by visiting www.novonordisk.com/careers.

Deadline

15 May 2026. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis.

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.