Principal Scientist, Quantitative Systems Pharmacology
Måløv, Capital Region of Denmark, DK
Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamic & Quantitative Systems Pharmacology (PKPD & QSP)
Måløv, Copenhagen (Onsite)
Do you want to be part of our pioneering journey to change the way we use mathematical modelling to guide drug discovery and development? Are you an experienced scientist with advanced mathematical modelling skills and a strong understanding of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic (PKPD) principles? Then apply today and join our modelling department in a permanent position within the Research and Development organization at Novo Nordisk!
Your new role
In this role, you will combine your deep expertise in modelling and simulation within pharmacology in critical medical areas, which requires efficient collaboration and communication with subject matter experts. You will be part of a growing team that collectively drives the implementation of Quantitative Systems Pharmacology (QSP) and PKPD and engage with scientists across the Research & Development (R&D) organization. Furthermore, you will contribute to a variety of projects in different therapeutic areas and to cross project and cross organizational initiatives.
Some of your main responsibilities will include:
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Setting the scientific strategy for Quantitative Systems Pharmacology (QSP) and PKPD within projects in alignment with key stakeholders
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Translate preclinical PK/PD findings to human predictions using allometric scaling and mechanistic approaches; provide quantitative rationale for candidate progression and clinical dosing strategies
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Prepare study protocols, technical reports, model documentation, and contribute to IND/IMPD/CTA submissions and responses to regulatory questions
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PKPD modelling on research compounds tested in different/selected animals and/or in vitro data
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Simulation of human PKPD based on animal and in vitro data; extract literature/competitor data on similar compounds to include in modelling
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Demonstrated ability to maintain state of the art competences and know-how within QSP and PKPD, as well as being an innovator and driver and create impact on the R&D value chain
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Anticipating internal and/or external business challenges and recommending process, product or service improvements
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Independently solving unique and complex problems that have a broad impact on the business
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Mentoring of students and junior colleagues
Your new Department
The PKPD and QSP department is growing to support a wide range of diseases from diabetes and obesity over haemophilia to growth disorders and a range of rare diseases. The models we develop and apply help to understand resistance mechanisms, support drug discovery, optimize dose & schedule selection and combination therapy and much more. We work in interdisciplinary teams, with a focus to support and integrate in vitro and in vivo pharmacology data into current or new PKPD and/or QSP models to describe the dynamic interactions between drug(s) and biological systems. The models inform and support drug discovery, development and regulatory interactions.
The department is anchored within Global Research. The area supports the discovery and development portfolio with pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) evaluations using a variety of modelling and simulation tools, as well as mechanistic modelling (QSP).
You will have highly skilled and dedicated colleagues supporting projects from early discovery, through non-clinical development, as well as early clinical development. In our daily work, we have close collaboration with all parts of the global Research and Development organization, research project teams as well as external collaborators.
Your skills & qualifications
You hold a Ph.D. in physics, math, engineering, or other disciplines related to quantitative biology or pharmacology and have 6+ years relevant experience (post PhD) of which at least 3 years in the pharmaceutical/biotech industry in pharmacometrics or mathematical modelling and simulation. You have an excellent understanding of theory, principles, and statistical aspects of advanced mathematical modelling and simulation and your ability to translate these tools into actionable insights is exceptional.
To succeed in the role, you have:
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Excellent understanding of pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (PKPD) theory and modelling, statistical methodology and data interpretation
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Outstanding ability to identify challenges, develop strategies and translate it into actionable work packages
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Strong experience in modelling biological and/or other natural processes using mechanistic and/or a combination of mechanistic & empirical models
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Strong expertise with ODEs, PDEs, ABMs, optimization, empirical approaches (statistics, ML) and ability to maintain state of the art know-how within QSP
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Extensive expertise and programming skills with PK/PD modelling software (Phoenix WinNonlin/NLME, NONMEM, and/or Monolix), as well as software for data manipulation and analysis (e.g. R, Python, Julia, Matlab)
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Experience managing external service providers
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Due diligence evaluation within PKPD
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Disease area expertise, preferably within obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular and rare diseases
As a person, you are keen to learn new skills and able to communicate with experts of other areas. You have exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills and the ability to effectively interact with colleagues with a variety of backgrounds. Furthermore, you have demonstrated experience and a keen interest in mentoring and sharing knowledge with junior scientists and colleagues. In addition, you have excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
Working 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. The video below features colleagues worldwide speaking about why they’re proud to work at Novo Nordisk and highlights the culture, collaboration and long-term impact. Together, for the long-term!
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 to 1,091,600 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.
Deadline
28 May 2026.
To ensure an efficient and fair recruitment process, please refrain from adding a photo in 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.