Department of Diabetes & Complications Research
Måløv, Denmark

Scientific curiosity is where innovation begins. In this role, you will help transform complex biology into actionable insights that shape early-stage drug discovery and enable the development of next-generation therapies for diabetes and its complications.

Your new role

As a Principal Scientist, you will play a central role in orchestrating translational studies on cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying insulin resistance, beta-cell dysfunction and type 2 diabetes and its complications.

You will join a small, high-impact team operating as a portfolio-facing expert function, supporting early research, including target discovery, mechanism understanding, and target progression through experimental in-vitro and in-vivo, and computational biology approaches.

Key responsibilities include:

• Design studies aimed at elucidating type-2 diabetes disease- and target mechanisms of action using advanced in vitro and translational tools in cross-functional teams
• Lead experimental and in-silico work to bridge disease understanding in human diabetes patients to relevant preclinical models and in-vitro systems
• Orchestrate application and integration of multi‑omics datasets for early research, including transcriptomics, proteomics and genetics from preclinical experiments and clinical studies, with the goal of supporting decisions on mechanism selection, target entry and progression
• Stay abreast with developments in metabolic disease experimental and clinical science, including emerging phenotyping technologies and AI tools
• Evaluate internal innovations and external scientific opportunities from academia, biotech and pharma, and recommend their strategic and therapeutic potential

Your new team

Diabetes Insights is a central expert team facilitating the translation of complex data into decision‑ready insights. The team operates at the interface of biology, data science, and strategy, and supports portfolio decisions, focusing on Diabetes & Complications research. The team is characterised by strong ownership, scientific rigour, and close collaboration with multiple units across the company.

In Research & Development, you will be part of a unit that explores bold scientific ideas and advances them into clinical testing. We combine curiosity, AI tools, and human data to develop transformative therapies. Through collaboration and operational excellence, we shape and deliver an innovative pipeline to meet future patient needs.

Your skills & qualifications

• PhD in biomedical sciences or related field
• At least 2-3 years of experience in Biopharmaceutical research in an industry setting
• Evidence of excellent interpersonal skills and leadership, with the ability to communicate research ideas and results in a clear and logical way
• Experience in working with in-vitro and in-vivo experimental systems in the diabetes field, as evidenced by a strong publication record
• Evidence of performing biostatistical and bioinformatic data analysis
• Deep understanding of human metabolism, including type 2 diabetes and its core biology and pathophysiology, and how these insights translate to pharma impact

Moreover, it is an advantage is you have experience with multi‑modal high-dimensional data such as transcriptomics, single-cell methods, high-density imaging or proteomics and experience with AI / machine learning tools in a biological discipline.

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 742,600.00 to 1,091,600.00 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

If you have additional questions about the position before applying, please contact Anders Malarstig GDMT@novonordisk.com. 

Deadline

28 June 2026. Applications will be reviewed on ongoing basis.

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.