Principal Scientist, Protein & Peptide Discovery, Måløv, Denmark

Are you passionate about drug discovery and early innovation at the interface between technology and biology? Are you motivated to drive and facilitate early innovation activities within peptides and proteins? If so, you could be our newest colleague!

Join us today and contribute to Novo Nordisk’s mission of improving lives through innovative pharmaceutical solutions!

Your new role

You will become part of a dedicated team focusing on early molecular technology innovation and drug discovery project initiation. The department works with peptides and proteins across all Novo Nordisk therapeutic areas. We provide an inspiring and ambitious work environment, where you are empowered to challenge the status quo

Your responsibilities include:

• Driving and facilitating new drug discovery project ideas within protein modalities such as minibinders, antibodies, single domain antibodies including variable heavy domain of heavy chain (VHH) antibodies, or peptide-protein conjugates.
• Integrating successful activities into the Novo Nordisk research pipeline and ensuring research project execution within the protein expertise area.
• Driving early internal and external innovation activities with strong molecular understanding, biological insight, and a value-chain overview.
• Maintaining an overview of the intellectual property (IP) landscape, protein literature, and internal Novo Nordisk activities.
• Collaborating closely with the wet-lab protein team, planning experiments, and providing hands-on support where applicable.

Your new department

Protein & Peptide Discovery is a highly experienced team of innovation ambassadors with extensive knowledge in both technology and biology, as well as a strong understanding of the value chain and the intellectual property (IP) landscape.

The department comprises 14 highly skilled employees: 11 scientists at various levels and three experienced laboratory technicians. It was established in early 2025 with the ambition to further strengthen the technological impact on the early project portfolio.

Protein & Peptide Discovery scientists actively collaborate across all areas of Research & Development (R&D) and, at times, beyond, through dedicated innovative groups to accelerate and deliver new, high value research projects. Most team members have a strong track record in molecular drug discovery within Novo Nordisk and a scientific background in peptide chemistry or protein science.

Protein & Peptide Discovery is anchored within the VP area Protein & Peptide Research, which is responsible for the protein and peptide modality across all therapy areas from idea to FHD. Protein and Peptide Research is part of the SVP area Therapeutics Discovery in R&D.

Your skills & qualifications

You have a passion for science and drug discovery while naturally aligning activities with strategic priorities and business objectives. To thrive and succeed in this role, we expect you to have:

• A Ph.D. in life sciences (such as protein science, medicinal chemistry, chemical biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, or structural biology).
• A talent for driving and fostering innovation closely aligned with business strategies.
• Strong molecular understanding and expertise in protein modalities (such as miniprotein scaffolds, VHHs, antibodies, and other pharmaceutically relevant protein modalities) as active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in a drug discovery setting.
• Deep experience with protein design and/or expression technologies.
• A strong background in molecular drug discovery, drug design, and an understanding of the pharmaceutical value chain.
• The ability to thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, demonstrating resilience in the face of challenges, setbacks, and ambiguity, and the ability to turn these into new learning, perspective, and opportunities.
• A high level of personal engagement, drive, independence, and integrity, combined with a collaborative mindset.
• 6+ years of research experience post-Ph.D. and preferably 3+ years of relevant pharmaceutical or biotech experience within early drug discovery, with a proven track record in research project ideation and initiation.
• Experience in research project management within multidisciplinary teams and a complex stakeholder environment is an advantage.

Working at Novo Nordisk

At Novo Nordisk, we do not wait for change. We drive it. We are 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.

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.

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.

Please note that we are reviewing applications on ongoing basis, therefore the position will be filled as soon as the successful candidate has been found.

Deadline 19th July 2026

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..