Senior Scientific Director for Mini Protein Discovery

Do you have a passion for advancing mini‑protein–based therapeutics and shaping the future of protein drug discovery? Are you motivated by scientific excellence, strategic influence, and making a real difference for patients?

If so, we may have the perfect role for you as Senior Scientific Director for Mini‑Protein Discovery within Protein Research at Novo Nordisk, based in Måløv, Denmark. Join us in driving breakthrough science and strengthening Novo Nordisk’s leadership in next‑generation protein modalities.

The position

As Senior Scientific Director, you will report to the Sr. Director of Protein Research and act as the Strategic API Expert and scientific authority for mini‑protein formats such as single domain antibodies (VHHs) and other small protein scaffolds. You will operate as a recognised innovative Scientific Director across Novo Nordisk and in the external scientific community. Reporting to senior leadership, you will define and drive the long‑term mini‑protein strategy, advise executive stakeholders, and enable innovation across the discovery value chain.

You will serve as a scientific lighthouse shaping direction at VP/SVP level, mentoring scientists, and building strong international collaborations with academia, biotech, and industry partners. With deep insight into drug discovery and development, you will help translate cutting‑edge science into robust, differentiated therapeutic opportunities.

You will be part of the Protein and Peptide Research area anchored within Therapeutics Discovery, which is a central area to Novo Nordisk’s early research portfolio with state-of-the-art drug discovery and early development capabilities.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing scientific leadership, proactively promoting innovation and excellence in mini‑protein research across the organisation.
• Acting as scientific advisor to senior leadership and project teams on complex mini‑protein challenges and opportunities
• Driving the development and execution of the mini‑protein research strategy, ensuring alignment with Novo Nordisk’s long‑term therapeutic ambitions
• Applying your knowledge within drugability of targets and processes for mini-proteins in a discovery setting
• Establishing Novo Nordisk as a global front‑runner in mini‑protein innovation, including generation of novel intellectual property
• Leading and shaping external collaborations with key opinion leaders, academic institutions, and industry partners
• Mentoring and coaching senior and emerging scientific talents, fostering a culture of curiosity and continuous learning
• Fostering and maintaining cross-functional collaboration in a dynamic research environment

As part of the broader scientific leadership community, you will contribute to setting strategic direction and ensuring scientific excellence across Therapeutics Discovery.

Qualifications

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

• 15+ years post PhD experience in mini-protein (VHH and other small protein scaffolds) drug discovery
• International and industrial experience
• A proven track record of scientific leadership, innovation, and impact at senior (VP/SVP) levels
• Strong publication history and demonstrated success in intellectual property generation
• Deep understanding of the drug discovery and development value chain
• Extensive international network within academia, biotech, and pharma
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to influence without formal authority
• A strong commitment to talent development, diversity, and collaborative ways of working

As a person, you are intellectually curious, ethically grounded, resilient, and motivated by shared success. You lead with credibility, integrity, and a genuine passion for science that improves patients’ lives.

About the area

Protein Research is a key part of Therapeutics Discovery within Research & Development at Novo Nordisk. We focus on advancing innovative protein modalities to deliver transformative medicines across multiple therapy areas. Our work builds on world‑class scientific expertise, state‑of‑the‑art technologies, and strong cross‑functional collaboration.

In Protein Research, based in Måløv (Greater Copenhagen area) we are organised in three departments, of which some are sharing office and lab space. You will work alongside highly skilled, diverse, and internationally minded colleagues who value teamwork, scientific rigor, and a fun and inclusive work environment. We believe that people thrive when they are empowered, supported, and able to balance life and work.

Working at Novo Nordisk

At Novo Nordisk, we don’t wait for change—we drive it. We believe in experimentation, courage, and continuous development, always guided by the highest ethical standards. Across research, development, manufacturing, and commercial functions, we are united by one purpose: to improve the lives of people living with serious chronic diseases.

Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Please include a short motivation in your CV; a cover letter is not required. 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.