Department Manager in Peptide Research

Are you passionate about leading people and teams, and developing outstanding talents for future challenges? Would you like to shape the future of protein and peptide chemistry while driving innovation and process excellence across an exciting project portfolio?

If you are driven by making a meaningful impact, you could be the candidate we are looking for to head up one of three departments in Peptide Research at Novo Nordisk in Måløv, DK. Apply today and become part of Novo Nordisk's mission to improve lives through innovative pharmaceutical solutions!

The position
As a Department Manager, you will lead and develop a team of experts in protein and peptide chemistry. The core activities of the department include solid-phase peptide synthesis and the chemical modification of recombinant proteins and peptides.

The team is responsible for preparing innovative compounds and scouting early process routes for project lead candidates across all therapy areas of Novo Nordisk. This work relies on state-of-the-art discovery capabilities, intellectual property insights, and world-leading expertise in protein and peptide drug discovery.

The department is engaged in numerous exciting projects within the Novo Nordisk pipeline, where cross-functional collaboration is essential. As a leader, you will proactively build partnerships, identify synergies, and foster successful collaborations both within and outside the organization, especially in the transfer of early chemistry processes to CMC.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading a team of scientists and laboratory technicians, fostering an open and inclusive culture where everyone thrives and feels valued.
• Overseeing and prioritizing resources to research projects in accordance with corporate strategic priorities.
• Promoting a curiosity-driven innovation culture, while actively supporting personal development and setting your team up for long-term success.
• Fostering and maintaining cross-functional collaboration across the organization.
• Setting direction and driving change in a dynamic research environment.

As part of a dedicated leadership team, you will participate in setting the strategic direction for the Peptide Research area. 

Qualifications
To thrive and succeed in the role, we expect you to have:

• A Ph.D. in organic chemistry, chemical biology, or a relevant biopharmaceutical science (alternatively a master’s degree with strong industrial research experience) 
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or chemical manufacturing industry.
• Proven track record within research chemistry, as evidenced by publications/patents and an international network within the field.
• Proactive and visible leadership style and ability to set meaningful and clear directions in a complex environment with many stakeholders.
• Strong commitment to people development, guiding teams and fostering a continuous learning and growth mindset.
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills across all organizational levels, functions, and cultures.

We see people as our most important asset to achieve success and therefore expect you to have a genuine interest in people leadership. While people leadership experience is not a prerequisite for the position, it would be considered an advantage. 
 
As a person, you possess a high level of personal engagement, drive, independence, and integrity. You recognize the value of diverse perspectives and know how to engage and empower your employees to deliver independently. You are a cultural role model, who leads by example to ensure a sustainable and engaging working environment.

About the department
The Peptide Research area is part of the SVP area Therapeutics Discovery and Accelerated Execution within Research and Early Development. The Peptide Research area consists of three departments working closely together and we are responsible for the generation of synthetic peptides and modified proteins to sustain a portfolio of oral and injectable biologics across the entire Novo Nordisk research portfolio. 

The department consists of 15 scientists and lab technicians. We aspire to drive innovation by applying a curiosity-driven mindset and openness to new technologies and deep chemistry expertise. 

Research & Early Development is vital to Novo Nordisk’s continuous growth. We combine world-class scientific, pharmaceutical, and clinical expertise with the highest ethical standards to continue to improve the quality of life of millions of patients across the world. 

Working at Novo Nordisk
At Novo Nordisk, we don’t wait for change. We drive it. We’re a dynamic company in an even more dynamic industry, and we know that what got us to where we are today is not necessarily what will make us successful in the future. We embrace the spirit of experimentation, striving for excellence without fixating on perfection. We never shy away from opportunities to develop, we seize them. From research and development, through to manufacturing, marketing and sales – we’re all working to move the needle on patient care.   

Contact 
For further information, please contact Director Lars Linderoth at +45 3075 4140.

Deadline 
20 May 2025.

Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. 

You do not need to attach a cover letter to your application, but please include a few sentences about why you are applying in your CV. To ensure an efficient and fair recruitment process, please refrain from adding a photo to your CV.

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

At Novo Nordisk we recognize that it is no longer good enough to aspire to be the best company in the world. We need to aspire to be the best company for the world and we know that this is only possible with talented employees with diverse perspectives, backgrounds and cultures. We are therefore committed to creating an inclusive culture that celebrates the diversity of our employees, the patients we serve and communities we operate in. Together, we’re life changing.