PhD Student - Handling and Dissolution of Large API Volumes

Are you passionate about applying physical chemistry, fluid dynamics and modelling to real‑world pharmaceutical challenges? This PhD project offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of science, engineering and manufacturing, contributing directly to the development of future injectable medicines at Novo Nordisk.

Your new role

As a PhD student, you will work on an interdisciplinary research project focused on the efficient and robust dissolution of high‑volume active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) in aseptic manufacturing. The project combines fundamental science with physical testing and modelling. Your work will support improved manufacturability of injectable finished products across Novo Nordisk’s global manufacturing network.

About the PhD project

This PhD project focuses on developing a structured and robust approach to the dissolution of high‑volume active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) in aseptic manufacturing. As Novo Nordisk continues to introduce new injectable medicines across a wide concentration range, formulation manufacturability and dissolution efficiency have become increasingly critical.

The overall aim of the project is to define how API dissolution can be optimised across Novo Nordisk’s aseptic manufacturing network by combining fundamental scientific understanding with applied process knowledge.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Investigating how powder characteristics such as particle size, morphology and surface properties influence API dissolution behaviour
• Analysing the impact of liquid phase characteristics (e.g. temperature, pH, viscosity and excipients) on dissolution efficiency
• Developing structured approaches, ranking systems or predictive models to support optimal API dissolution conditions
• Exploring equipment and mixing requirements using experimental data and computational tools such as CFD
• Evaluating alternative API addition and handling strategies inspired by best practices across pharmaceutical and food industries

Insights from literature, internal Novo Nordisk experience and experimental work will be integrated into predictive models or tools that support future formulation and manufacturing decisions. The PhD will combine modelling, data analysis and experimental validation, with the ambition of improving both manufacturability and efficiency in injectable finished product production.

Your new department

You will be based at Novo Nordisk in the Process Analytics and Modelling area within Technology Development & innovation in Lyngby. You will be working closely with experts across formulation science, aseptic manufacturing and process engineering. The PhD project is anchored in a strong industrial context, giving you access to real manufacturing challenges, historical data and state‑of‑the‑art facilities, while collaborating with academic partners as part of your doctoral studies.

Academically, you will be enrolled at DTU and supervised by leading researchers from the Department of Chemistry and the Department of Chemical Engineering, ensuring a strong research foundation.

Your skills and qualifications

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with a strong scientific foundation and an interest in applied industrial research. Ideally, you bring:

• A relevant MSc degree in chemical engineering, pharmaceutical sciences, physical chemistry, process engineering or a related discipline
• A solid understanding of physical chemistry, fluid dynamics, thermodynamics or mathematical modelling
• Interest in experimental work combined with data analysis and modelling approaches
• Strong analytical skills and a structured, curious mindset
• Good communication skills and the ability to collaborate across disciplines and stakeholders

Previous exposure to formulation science, dissolution processes, mixing, or computational modelling is considered an advantage, but not a requirement.

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 Sr Specialist Tommy Sander TYSD@novonordisk.com, or Specialist Joakim Lundqvist JKLQ@novonordisk.com or Prof. Wei Yan weya@kemi.dtu.dk or Ass. Prof. Jens Abildskov ja@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.