PhD Position in Physichs-Informed Simmulation Framework for Process Analytical Technology

PhD Position in Physics-Informed Simulation Framework for Synthetic Spectral Data Generation and Chemometric Modelling in Pharmaceutical Analysis

Are you passionate about combining chemistry, spectroscopy and data science to shape the future of pharmaceutical manufacturing? We are offering an exciting PhD position within Process Analytical Technology (PAT), where you will help develop next‑generation methodologies for real‑time process monitoring and quality control in drug product manufacturing.

Your new role

As a PhD student focusing on Physics-Informed Simulation Framework for Synthetic Spectral Data Generation and Chemometric Modelling in Pharmaceutical Analysis, you will be jointly enrolled at DTU and Novo Nordisk and be part of a highly cross‑disciplinary research environment. You will work closely with academic supervisors and industry experts to develop robust and scalable spectroscopic and chemometric solutions for pharmaceutical production.

About the PhD project
The project addresses key limitations in current PAT implementations, where spectroscopic methods rely on complex chemometric models that are costly to develop, validate and maintain. Your research will focus on integrating first‑principles understanding of chemistry and measurement systems with advanced data science and simulation‑based approaches.

The goal is to create more efficient, robust and generalisable chemometric model development workflows for Raman spectroscopy used in parenteral aqueous drug products. This includes systematic data augmentation using simulations, improved handling of experimental and process variability, and rigorous model validation under extreme production scenarios. The work is expected to contribute significantly to accelerating the industrial adoption of PAT at Novo Nordisk

In your role, you will:

• Conduct applied research on Raman spectroscopy, chemometrics and data‑driven modelling
• Develop and validate new methodologies for creating new augmented process data through simulations.
• Work with experimental and simulated data from real pharmaceutical production environments
• Publish scientific results and contribute to internal knowledge sharing across Novo Nordisk and DTU
• Be part of the DTU Novo Nordisk Manufacturing Innovation PhD Program

Your new department

You will be based at Novo Nordisk in the Process Analytics and Modelling area within Technology Development & Innovation. You will work closely with the team responsible for PAT method development and collaborate across functions through workshops and internal forums.

Academically, you will be enrolled at DTU and supervised by leading researchers from the Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering and the Department of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science, ensuring a strong cross‑disciplinary research foundation.

Your skills and qualifications

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with a strong interest in applied research at the interface between engineering, chemistry and data science. Ideally, you have:

• A Master’s degree in chemical engineering, biochemical engineering, applied mathematics, data science or a related field
• Solid understanding of spectroscopy, chemometrics, statistics or machine learning
• Laboratory experience and interest in pharmaceutical manufacturing and process analytics
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to work with complex data sets
• Good communication skills and motivation to work in a cross‑disciplinary, industry‑academia setting
• Proficiency in English, both written and spoken

About DTU

DTU is a leading technical university with around 14,000 students and 6,000 employees across campuses in Denmark and Greenland. DTU collaborates closely with top universities and companies worldwide. DTU develops and applies natural and technical sciences for the benefit of society. In its 2026–2031 strategy, DTU aims to be among Europe’s five leading technical elite universities, driving sustainable technological development, European leadership in critical technologies, and the education of highly competent engineers.

DTU is internationally recognized for excellence in research, education, innovation, and scientific advice. The university contributes to solving major global challenges and transforms knowledge into technologies and solutions that create value for society.

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.

Salary: The starting salary will be 40.145,48 DKK excluding pension and other benefits.

Contact:
For further information about the position, please contact Chemometric Science Specialist Pau Cabaneros PCOS@novonordisk.com, or Analytical Science specialist Andreas Kunov-Kruse AJOK@novonordisk.com, or Prof. Murat Kulahci Dept. of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science Statistics and Data Analytics muku@dtu.dk or Prof. Krist V. Gernaey Dept of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering kvg@kt.dtu.dk.

Deadline:
August 2nd 2026

Your application should include:

• Letter of motivation
• Curriculum Vitae (CV), including any publications or relevant research experience
• Documentation of a completed M.Sc. degree
• Academic transcripts for both B.Sc. and M.Sc. programmes, including weighted grade averages and English translations where applicable

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.