Senior Scientist, Target Biology

Use human genetics and multi omics to accelerate target maturation and reduce translational risk - bring statistical genetics expertise to decisions that shape our pipeline.

Your new role

As Senior Scientist, Target Biology you will implement and run reproducible analyses of genetic, transcriptomic, proteomic and other omics datasets to produce robust outputs that inform project teams and senior stakeholders. Reporting to the Head of Target Biology, you will be an experienced individual contributor who ensures analysis quality, translates findings into actionable recommendations and collaborates across Digital Biology, Therapeutic Disease Area and Translational teams.

Day-to-day your tasks will include:

• Implement and run reproducible analyses of genetic (GWAS, WES/WGS) and multi-omics datasets using in-house tools and pipelines to deliver accurate, traceable results.
• Apply advanced statistical genetics and computational approaches (e.g. GWAS, rare variant association, Mendelian Randomisation, colocalization, variant-to-gene mapping, QTL integration) to elucidate target biology, nominate biomarkers and enable patient stratification.
• Assess data and analysis quality, apply FAIR data principles and ensure analyses are version-controlled, well-documented and reproducible.
• Summarise and communicate complex results clearly in written reports, visualisations and verbal briefings for project teams and decision-makers; provide actionable recommendations to inform target progression.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to co-design analyses, share best practice and accelerate target progression.
• Monitor relevant scientific and technical advances and propose practical improvements to analysis approaches and tools used by the team.
• Support junior colleagues through guidance and occasional supervision of short-term contributors as required.

Your new department

You will join the Target Biology team within Digital Biology - the expert function for genetics, computational and experimental omics in Data Science. We sit within the AI & Digital Innovation area, which aims to speed development, improve precision and strengthen R&D by putting AI, digital science and data at the heart of drug discovery. The Target Biology team blends genetics, computational biology and cross‑disciplinary expertise to deliver subject‑matter input and high‑quality data assets to translate human data into actionable biological insight for the Novo Nordisk pipeline. We foster a thriving, collaborative workplace where people can grow, innovate and contribute meaningfully to work that benefits patients.

Your skills & qualifications

To succeed in this role, you should:

• Hold a PhD in Genetics, Genetic Epidemiology, Statistical Genetics or a closely related discipline.
• Have a minimum of 5 years of experience in data analysis (including at least 2 years in a pharmaceutical environment working with human genetics and omics data).
• Demonstrate domain expertise in genomics and omics of relevant disease areas (e.g., cardiometabolic) - evidenced by peer-reviewed publications or clear analytical impact are advantageous.
• Practical experience with GWAS/WES/WGS analyses, MR, colocalization, variant-to-gene mapping and QTL integration.
• Be proficient in R and/or Python within a high-performance computing environment and have a track record of producing reproducible, version-controlled code (e.g., Git).
• Show excellent communication and presentation skills in English and the ability to explain complex concepts to both expert and non‑expert audiences.
• Be collaborative, well organised, proactive and able to lead analyses end-to-end while adapting to evolving scientific priorities.

Working at Novo Nordisk

Every day we seek the solutions that defeat serious chronic diseases. We combine scientific curiosity, warmth and determination to create lasting improvements in patient health. At Novo Nordisk you will join a collaborative team that values development, integrity and cross functional teamwork and offers opportunities to make a direct impact on patients.

Deadline

8th March 2026 (Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis)

Novo Nordisk is 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. 

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