Principal Scientist

Principal Scientist

Category: Research Location: Måløv, Capital Region of Denmark, DK Biophysics & Formulation Måløv, Denmark We are expanding our expertise within biophysical characterisation and formulation of non-canonical amino acids (ncAA) and oral biophysical characterisation and are looking for talented and motivated scientists to join Biophysics and Injectable Formulation team. Do you thrive in an international scientific environment driven by innovation and scientific excellence? Then apply now.

In Biophysics and Injectable Formulation, we apply our technologies for biophysical characterisation and development of fit-for-purpose formulations as part of multi-disciplinary teams that discover new therapeutics. Our area covers a broad range of activities across the early drug development value chain, from biophysical characterisation and screening of early discovery hits to the development of Phase 1 formulations. We work across all therapeutical modalities, applying integrated biophysical and formulation strategies to support project progression.

In this role, you will take a leading role in advancing ncAA containing molecules or oral biophysical characterisation by developing and integrating innovative biophysical methods, formulations, and screening approaches.

Key responsibilities in this role will include:

• Lead scientific strategy across biophysics, formulation, and developability for complex peptides and proteins, including ncAA-containing molecules and candidates for oral delivery, acting as a scientific authority and counterpart across biology, chemistry, and formulation.
• Develop and implement innovative biophysical methods and screening approaches to characterise structure, stability, enzymatic degradation, proteolytic susceptibility, and formulation-relevant properties to improve candidate quality.
• Generate high-quality, decision-driving datasets to guide project direction, and enable effective collaborations across emerging modalities, and support data re-use for machine learning applications.
• Translate scientific insights into screening and platform strategies by converting complex biophysical and formulation data into practical approaches that strengthen candidate selection, assay design, and technology development across projects.

We do not offer relocation support for the role, so we are looking for candidates living in commuting distance to our site in Måløv, Denmark.

You will join Biophysics and Injectable Formulation in R&D. The area consists of three departments that share biophysics of biomolecules and formulation for research projects as core tasks. We house a wide range of state-of-the-art biophysical instruments such as SAXS, NMR, FIDA, DLS and nDSF to understand molecular behaviour and guide decision-making from early discovery through clinical formulation development. We aspire to drive innovation by applying cutting-edge technology and formulation expertise and we are currently transforming the way we work by implementing automated workflows and the use of data science and AI.

We work closely together with scientists within biology and technology internally at Novo Nordisk as well as with both industry and academic partners outside Novo Nordisk.

You hold a PhD or equivalent in biochemistry, biophysics, or a related field, with strong expertise in biomolecular science. To succeed in the role, you have:

• In-depth understanding of protein chemistry, structure, biophysical characterisation, formulation, and enzymology/proteolysis.
• Proven experience in innovative biophysical method development.
• Proven scientific leadership and ability to drive work in a cross-functional, multidisciplinary research environment and proven ability to contribute in matrix project teams.
• Experience in working with complex or modified biomolecules, ideally including peptides with non-canonical amino acids or other emerging modalities.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to apply new perspectives beyond your own area of expertise.
• Ability to translate complex datasets into clear scientific conclusions and actionable project recommendations to colleagues outside your area of expertise.
• As a person, you are scientifically curious and innovative, thrive in high-complexity and exploratory environments. You take ownership and help set scientific direction with a high level of independence.
• Furthermore, you are a strong collaborator who fosters knowledge sharing and teamwork across disciplines, having excellent communication skills and can engage and influence stakeholders across disciplines.

When you join us, 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.

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 incentives as well as other employee benefits based on position level, location, functional area and relevant market benchmarks.

Deadline 23 July 2026. 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.