PhD Student - Compatibility through new analytical science

Are you passionate about combining analytical chemistry, polymer science and spectroscopy to solve real-world pharmaceutical manufacturing challenges? We are offering an exciting PhD position where you will develop next-generation analytical methods to improve the understanding of compatibility between injectable medicines and the materials used during sterile manufacturing.

Your new role

As a PhD student, you will work at the interface of analytical chemistry, polymer science and pharmaceutical manufacturing. Jointly enrolled at DTU and Novo Nordisk, you will become part of a highly cross-disciplinary research environment, collaborating with leading academic researchers and industry experts.

About the PhD project

Injectable medicines are manufactured under highly controlled aseptic conditions using a wide range of polymer-based process equipment such as tubing, bags, filters and seals.

This project aims to establish a stronger scientific foundation for predicting compatibility through advanced analytical methods, enabling a more science-based and efficient approach to process development and validation.

The overall ambition is to establish predictive analytical tools that improve compatibility assessments, reduce development timelines and support future Quality by Design strategies for injectable drug products.

In your role, you will:

• Conduct applied research on polymer degradation, extractables and leachables, and drug product compatibility
• Develop and validate novel Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) spectroscopy methods for studying radicals in polymer materials
• Combine ESR with complementary analytical techniques such as FTIR, GC-MS, LC-MS and other spectroscopic methods
• Investigate the relationship between polymer degradation, reactive species and drug product stability
• Develop mechanistic understanding and predictive frameworks that support compatibility assessments and manufacturing decisions
• Work with experimental data from both laboratory studies and industrial pharmaceutical manufacturing 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 within Analytical Manufacturing Science & Technology (AMSAT), working across the Product Compatibility and Process Analytical Technology (PAT) teams and will involve close collaboration with Process Development in CMC.

Academically, you will be enrolled at DTU and supervised by leading researchers from the Department of Chemistry and the Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering. The combination of industrial and academic supervision ensures a strong interdisciplinary research environment spanning analytical chemistry, spectroscopy, polymer science and pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Your skills and qualifications

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with a strong interest in applied research at the interface between chemistry, materials science and pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Ideally, you have:

• A master’s degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, polymer science, pharmaceutical sciences or a related discipline
• Strong knowledge of analytical chemistry, physical chemistry or spectroscopy
• Interest in polymer science, reaction mechanisms and material characterization
• Laboratory experience with analytical techniques; experience with spectroscopy or chromatographic methods is considered an advantage
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to work with complex experimental data
• Curiosity, scientific creativity and a structured approach to problem solving
• Good communication skills and motivation to work in a cross-disciplinary industry-academia environment
• Proficiency in English, both written and spoken

Experience with Electron Spin Resonance (ESR), polymer characterization, extractables and leachables, or pharmaceutical analytical development is considered an advantage but is not required.

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 Analytical Science Specialist Andreas Kunov-Ruse AJOK@novonordisk.com, or Specialist Mieu Le Quach MIEU@novonordisk.com or Specialist Joakim Lundqvist JKLQ@novonordisk.com or Prof. Susanne Mossin Dept Chemisty slmo@kemi.dtu.dk or Prof. Anders E Daugaard Dept of Chemical Engineering.

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.