Director, Research Workflow Operations

Therapeutics Discovery, Research & Development
Måløv, Denmark

Are you passionate about building organisations, leading people, and optimising operations that accelerate scientific discovery? Do you combine strategic leadership with strong execution and the ability to create impact across organisational boundaries? If so, you could be the new Director in Research Workflow Operations.

Your new role

As Director, you will lead one of two departments within Research Workflow Operations (ResWO), called ResWO Module Delivery. Your department consists of 13 highly skilled scientists and technicians with broad scientific expertise (e.g. molecular biology, protein engineering, in vitro assays, analytical methods) and deep knowledge and experience of applying automation technologies and digital solutions to research workflows.

You will report to the Head of ResWO and work in a close co-leadership with the leader of Compound Management & Process Automation.

Moreover, you are accountable for implementation and execution of relevant research activities that are used repeatably and at scale across protein and peptide projects. Research activities operated by the area today are e.g. IVTT (in vitro transcription/translation), binding assays (BLI, ELISA), various biophysical assays, analytical methods (UPLC, LC-MS) and solid-phase peptide synthesis.
    

Key responsibilities include:

• Co-lead and build a high-performing ResWO organisation characterised by high-level of psychological safety, accountability and empowerment
• Build strong partnerships across the protein and peptide research organisation, create alignment on shared goals and drive operational excellence of scalable workflows
• Drive implementation and strong execution of high-throughput, automated and digitalised lab workflows supporting protein and peptide projects
• Translate strategic priorities into clear plans, decisions, and outcomes
• Drive continuous improvement, operational excellence, and organisational effectiveness

Your new department/area

You will join Research Workflow Operations (ResWO). The area was recently established to enable faster delivery at scale by strengthening execution of research activities within the protein and peptide pipeline across Therapeutics Discovery in R&D. ResWO will play a key role in supporting competitive research timelines for early research projects until lead candidate selection, by designing, deploying, and optimising high-throughput workflow-based research operations. Success is built on close collaboration with stakeholders across Therapeutics Discovery and a shared ambition to continuously improve how we work. We provide an inspiring and ambitious work environment where you can feel empowered to challenge the status quo, experiment with new ways of working, build a thriving culture and shape the future of the area.

Your skills & qualifications

We see people as our most important asset to achieve success and therefore expect you to have a genuine interest in people leadership, and we are looking for an experienced people leader who thrives in a collaborative and dynamic environment.

To succeed in this role, you should have:

• Significant leadership experience from pharmaceutical or biotech industry
• As a minimum a M.Sc. in life sciences, with a relevant scientific background in drug discovery or development
• A track record of building and leading high-performing, empowered teams
• Experience with leading organisational transformation and change
• Demonstrated ability to build trust and strong partnerships across organisational boundaries
• Strong strategic and organisational capabilities with a proven ability to translate strategy into execution
• An enterprise mindset focused on enabling success across the broader research organisation

As a person, you:

• Are passionate about people leadership and talent development
• Foster psychological safety and create an environment where people can thrive
• Lead with integrity, ownership, and a collaborative and curious mindset
• Navigate complexity and ambiguity with confidence
• Enjoy working in co-leadership and believe in shared accountability for great results

In Therapeutics Discovery, we lead with intent—ensuring everyone feels valued, motivated, and proud of their work. Inclusive and empowering leadership is therefore a key capability for this role.

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

At Novo Nordisk, you’ll join a global healthcare company with a unique culture and strong results. We offer continuous learning, career development, and benefits tailored to your life and career stage.

Salary: For this role, the Annual Base Salary ranges from 940,800 to 1,448,700 DKK, corresponding to the level of the position. The placement within the salary range will be assessed during the recruitment process based on the candidate’s skills, competencies, knowledge, and relevant experience.

Incentives and Benefits: The salary package may include short-term and/or long-term incentives as well as other employee benefits based on position level, location, functional area and relevant market benchmarks.

Learn more about our Reward Philosophy here.

More information

For further information, please contact Madeleine Dahlbäck, Head of Research Workflow Operations: mddc@novonordisk.com.

Deadline

28 June 2026.

Applications are continuously assessed throughout the recruitment process, 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 resume or 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'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.