Senior Scientist in type 2 diabetes biology

Skeletal Muscle Biology & Insulin Sensitivity

Måløv, Denmark

Scientific curiosity is where innovation begins, and in this role you will drive early-stage drug discovery and help transform novel metabolic concepts into future therapies.

It’s only through breakthrough therapies that we can achieve extraordinary results for our patients.

Your new role

As a Senior Scientist, in the Skeletal Muscle Biology Insulin Sensitivity, you will play a key role in shaping early-stage pharmaceutical innovation and progressing novel therapeutic concepts through the drug discovery pipeline.

This is a unique opportunity to apply your deep understanding of metabolism, skeletal muscle biology, and insulin sensitivity to bring forward new treatments for type 2 diabetes and obesity.

As a Senior Scientist, you will:

• Identify and mature novel drug targets in type 2 diabetes and obesity, building on deep insights into skeletal muscle biology, metabolism and human pathophysiology
• Shape early drug‑discovery strategies by integrating translational evidence, mechanistic understanding and human‑relevant data to support pipeline progression
• Evaluate internal innovations and external scientific opportunities from academia, biotech and pharma, and recommend their strategic and therapeutic potential
• Design studies that clarify target mechanisms of action and human relevance, using advanced in vitro and translational tools together with other subject‑matter experts
• Contribute to establishing and implementing state‑of‑the‑art human in vitro disease models to support early assessment of drug candidates
• Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams to align scientific direction, integrate data and drive projects effectively through the discovery value chain
• Stay current with scientific and technological developments and translate new knowledge into innovative approaches strengthening the early research portfolio

Your new department

The Skeletal Muscle Biology Insulin Sensitivity department is part of the Diabetes Discovery area, focusing on skeletal muscle biology and insulin sensitivity to identify, validate, and characterise new targets for type 2 diabetes and obesity treatments.

We work in a cross-organ and disease-agnostic manner, with a strong emphasis on skeletal muscle and liver, to develop and utilise in vitro tools for understanding mechanisms of action and profiling novel molecules. Our team of five scientists, four technicians, two associate scientists, and one postdoc collaborates closely with colleagues across Global Research, the broader value chain, as well as with external partners.

Located in a dynamic and innovative environment, our department is characterised by an open, cheerful, and informal atmosphere. With a diverse team of multiple nationalities, English is our working and social language. While we work in a busy and demanding environment our values in Diabetes Discovery are deeply rooted in collaboration, empowerment and well-being.

Your skills & qualifications

We are looking for a collaborative, innovative, and quality‑minded scientist with a structured approach. You thrive in a dynamic environment, navigate multiple tasks with sound judgement, and bring a proactive, solution‑oriented mindset while taking ownership of advancing your scientific area. You’ll also bring with you:

• A PhD in biomedical sciences, human biology, or a related field, backed by several years of relevant experience in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry

• A strong scientific track record and deep understanding of type 2 diabetes pathophysiology, especially skeletal muscle biology and metabolism, and how these insights translate to pharma impact
• Extensive experience within drug discovery—from target identification to understanding what is required to progress targets through the pipeline, including familiarity with translational datasets and in silico tools

• Excellent communication skills in both spoken and written English
• Experience with advanced in vitro systems (co‑culture, organoids, organs‑on‑chip, micro‑physiological models) and/or bioinformatics and data analysis would be considered a strong advantage
• International experience or a well‑established scientific network would be an additional plus

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

There is, of course, more on offer here than the uniqueness of our culture and the extraordinary results we produce. Being part of a global healthcare company means opportunities to learn and develop are all around us, while our benefits are designed with your career and life stage in mind.

More information

If you have additional questions about the position before applying, please contact Birgitte Ursø on bur@novonordisk.com. Please be advised Birgitte will not support queries about your recruitment status. 

Deadline

19 February 2026.

Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. 

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.