Scientist/Senior Scientist for Peptide Research

Peptide Research 

Måløv, Denmark

We are expanding the Peptide Research area, both within our core focus on project execution and through an increased emphasis on technology driven peptide innovation. We are therefore recruiting talented scientists to support our drug discovery pipeline in peptide chemistry and peptide technology.

Are you a technology driven scientist with a strong interest in peptides as therapeutics, eager to work with state-of-the-art peptide innovation? Whether you are a newly graduated PhD or bring relevant experience, we encourage you to apply for this role.

The position

The primary focus of this position is the execution of research projects with a laboratory-based focus. The role also offers a wide range of opportunities to contribute to and learn about chemical design, as well as to drive technological ideas forward—ultimately making a difference for patients with unmet medical needs. The focus will be on peptides as therapeutics, while also bridging the gap between peptide and protein chemistry.

In this role, you will work closely with stakeholders in our VP area for Protein and Peptide Research and across the broader internal research organization to ensure alignment and identify the best paths forward for projects.

Some of your key responsibilities will include:

• Laboratory focused execution of peptide drug discovery projects.
• The opportunity to influence and learn about the design and synthesis of peptides and modified proteins, including planning syntheses and evaluating outcomes to build an understanding of structure–activity relationships (SAR).
• Identifying and participating in the practical implementation of new technologies and technological innovations within peptide chemistry.
• Proactively preparing, presenting, discussing, and prioritizing scientific tasks, challenges, and results within the project team.
• Ensuring excellent scientific quality across studies and standard procedures.
• Inspiring, motivating, and supporting technicians and associate colleagues, while helping to secure a well-balanced workload.
• Maintaining and expanding an international scientific network and staying up to date within your field of expertise.

Your new department

In Research & Development, you'll 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.

Peptide Research is a well-established part of Therapeutics Discovery within R&D, focused on discovering and developing peptides and proteins to support Novo Nordisk’s portfolio of oral and injectable biologics. Our work spans design, synthesis, and technology driven innovation to continually strengthen the discovery pipeline.

This position is based in Måløv (Greater Copenhagen) where three closely connected departments share office and lab facilities and collaborate dynamically across teams. Furthermore, we share offices and laboratories with our colleagues from Protein and Peptide Discovery, who focus on early project ideation.

In Peptide Research, you will be surrounded by skilled and open‑minded colleagues with diverse backgrounds and nationalities, who enjoy each other’s company and have fun together while working on complex science.

You can expect an inclusive workplace with a strong focus on the continuous development of each individual employee, enabling everyone to realise their full potential. We believe that thriving people are the key to success, which is why we maintain a strong emphasis on work–life balance and make room for diverse life situations—always putting people first.

Your skills & qualifications

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

• A PhD or equivalent in chemistry or a closely related scientific discipline.
• Experience from the pharmaceutical industry or from an academic setting, working with chemical research.
• Exposure to or interest in peptides or other pharmaceutical relevant formats is considered an advantage.
• A desire to make an impact on our projects from the laboratory.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills.
• A high level of personal engagement, positive drive, independence, and integrity.
• Fluency in both spoken and written English.

The position requires inherent curiosity, a detail-oriented mindset, and the ability to take ownership of early-stage research chemistry activities.

As a person, you are open‑minded and adaptable, with a genuine interest in exploring new ideas and approaches. You build effective relationships across the organisation and communicate clearly with colleagues at all levels. You thrive in a dynamic research environment and enjoy contributing directly to the laboratory as well as collaborating within project teams to move scientific work forward. Your passion for science and your ability to drive progress create a positive impact on the people and projects around you.

The job title will be determined based on the selected candidate’s qualifications and seniority level.

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

We know that life is anything but linear and balancing what is important at different stages of our career is never easy. You can expect an inclusive workplace with a focus on continuously developing each individual employee so that everybody can realize their full potential. We believe that people thriving is the key to success, and we maintain an intense focus on work-life balance, making room for diverse life situations and always putting people first.

Contact

For further information, please contact Pernille Tofteng Shelton, Associate Director at +45 34442212.

Deadline

19 April 2026

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 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.