LEAD Biology

Måløv, Greater Copenhagen area, Denmark

Are you a recognised specialist in amylin (Islet amyloid polypeptide) biology with a strong understanding of receptor pharmacology? Do you want to help shape the next generation of differentiated medicines for obesity and type 2 diabetes by translating deep biology understanding into better treatment options? Then join LEAD Biology in Novo Nordisk R&D and help us turn mechanistic insight into patient impact.

Your new role

As Senior Principal Scientist, you will become a scientific anchor for amylin biology and receptor pharmacology in the LEAD Biology department. You will help us understand how amylin and related drug candidates for metabolic disease engage their receptors, how this translates into signaling, trafficking, selectivity, efficacy and tolerability, and how these insights should guide molecular design and project decisions.

You will ask the important scientific questions, design high-impact experiments, interpret complex pharmacological data and shape the mechanism-of-action narratives for our prioritised obesity and type 2 diabetes portfolio. A central part of the role is to strengthen our in vitro and ex vivo experimental platforms for amylin receptor biology and relevant incretin/metabolic receptors, with a strong translational focus from receptor mechanism to clinical differentiation.

Your key responsibilities include:

• Act as subject matter expert and for amylin biology and receptor pharmacology across various obesity projects.
• Serve as a biology/scientific coordinator in fast moving obesity research projects towards first human dose and beyond, present project progression and key challenges for progression to Novo Nordisk governance.
• Define and execute receptor pharmacology strategies to characterise compounds with emphasis on affinity, selectivity, potency, efficacy, biased and/or partial agonism, receptor occupancy, desensitisation and kinetic behaviour.
• Develop, implement and qualify fit-for-purpose in vitro and ex vivo assays to investigate the mode of action of amylin analogues and related drug candidates.
• Drive the establishment and use of human-centric assays, including primary human cell systems and relevant endogenous or engineered cellular models, to bridge in vitro pharmacology to in vivo preclinical and clinical efficacy and tolerability hypotheses.
• Translate mechanistic data into clear recommendations for key molecular features, candidate selection, IND-enabling packages and to guide project decision-making.
• Collaborate closely with cross portfolio research projects, assay and screening groups, peptide/protein research, data science, external innovation partners and key opinion leaders.
• Contribute to external scientific presence through publications, conference presentations and collaborations as Novo Nordisk assets advance.

Your new department

LEAD Biology is a focused, project-facing R&D department working with high-priority obesity and type 2 diabetes projects. We characterise and explore the biology of our drug candidates and competitor compounds, develop mechanism-of-action-relevant in vitro and ex vivo assays for core biologies, and generate mechanistic data that enable faster and better portfolio decisions.

The department works in a matrix organisation across prioritised projects and collaborates closely with assay/screening groups, discovery, translational research and external scientific partners. We are a diverse, fast-paced and collaborative team of scientists and laboratory technicians with a clear project and patient-centered mindset.

Your skills & qualifications

To thrive in this position, we imagine that you have:

• A PhD in pharmacology, receptor biology, molecular or cellular biology, biochemistry, physiology or a related discipline.
• Deep scientific expertise in amylin biology, preferably including direct experience with amylin receptor/CTR/RAMP systems in obesity, type 2 diabetes or broader cardiometabolic drug discovery.
• Strong understanding of receptor pharmacology, ideally GPCR pharmacology.
• At least 8 years of relevant research experience, preferably including drug discovery and development in a pharmaceutical, biotech or translational academic setting.
• Experience developing or applying advanced assay platforms such as radioligand or fluorescent ligand binding, binding kinetics, HTRF/FRET/BRET/NanoBiT, cAMP kinetics, beta-arrestin recruitment, GPCR internalisation/trafficking assays, confocal microscopy or high-content imaging.
• A strong record of scientific productivity, for example publications, patents, conference presentations or internal drug discovery contributions.
• The ability to lead scientifically across disciplines, communicate complex biology clearly and collaborate effectively with scientists, technicians, project teams and senior stakeholders.

On a personal level, you are curious, evidence-driven and comfortable challenging scientific assumptions. You combine scientific depth with a pragmatic approach to decision-making and you thrive in a fast-moving, collaborative environment where high-quality data and clear recommendations matter.

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 847,000.00 to 1,245,100.00 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

For further information, please contact Johan Paulsson, Director, LEAD Biology, at jfpl@novonordisk.com.

Deadline

21 July 2026. Please note that applications are reviewed continuously.

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.