Sr. Development Scientist

Do you want to help develop robust and scalable manufacturing processes for novel synthetic APIs? At Novo Nordisk, your work will directly support the development of life‑changing medicines used by millions of patients worldwide. Join us and take on a senior scientific role at the interface between internal development and external manufacturing partners.

Your new role

In this position you will have significant contribution to the downstream development activities in connection to synthetic APIs. Your primary focus will be to support and monitor outsourced synthetic API pipeline programs by means of our worldwide Contract Development and Manufacturing Organisations (CDMO’s) but also set the direction for process development in our internal labs.

Your main responsibilities will include:

• Ensure a seamless flow of technical and scientific knowledge between Novo Nordisk and our external partners, whose laboratory, pilot plant, and production activities you will be supporting
• Take ownership and deeply involvement in the details of process development, reviewing documentation, and troubleshooting on manufacturing issues, to develop robust and scalable manufacturing processes
• Actively participate in interpretation of data, support and monitor late-stage activities for synthetic API projects in internal process development labs and set the direction
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including manufacturing, quality assurance, and regulatory affairs, to facilitate technology transfers and support commercial production
• Innovate and drive downstream technology developments with impact on future API purification processes in terms of sustainability and manufacturing cost

In this role, you will balance immersion in scientific detail with maintaining a clear overview of project progress and stakeholder communication.

Your new department

You will join Downstream Development in CMC API Development, located in Bagsværd. The department is responsible for developing downstream manufacturing processes for new APIs used in clinical trials and for preparing processes for market production.

We work closely with research units, manufacturing sites, pilot facilities and external Contract Manufacturing Organisations (CMOs). The department consists of more than 110 colleagues across six teams who collaborate closely in an open, informal and highly skilled scientific environment.

Your skills and qualifications

We are looking for a collaborative and curious scientist who takes ownership and pride in delivering high‑quality development work and thrives in complex project environments.

Ideally, you bring:

• An MSc or PhD in chemistry, chemical engineering, biotechnology or a related discipline
• Experience with late‑stage process development and technology transfer to commercial manufacturing sites
• Solid understanding of working with CDMOs and external development partners
• Minimum 3–5 years of relevant experience within downstream process development in the pharmaceutical industry
• Experience with peptide purification technologies such as chromatography, membrane filtration, in‑process controls and process control strategies

Strong communication skills and the ability to combine scientific depth with project overview are essential for success in this role.

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.

Salary: For this role, the Annual Base Salary ranges from DKK 651,000 to 956,900, corresponding to the level of the position. The placement within the salary range will be assessed during the recruitment process based on the candidate’s skills, competencies, knowledge, and relevant experience.

Incentives and Benefits: The salary package may include short-term and/or long-term incentives as well as other employee benefits based on position level, location, functional area and relevant market benchmarks.

Learn more about our Reward Philosophy here.

Contact

For further information about the position, please contact Sr. Manager Markus Hederos at +45 3075 1010

Deadline
17 June 2026.

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.