Development Scientist

Novo Nordisk; Taastrup; On-site; DKK 570,000 - 838,000; Full time

Job summary

Novo Nordisk is seeking a Development Scientist for peptide chemistry at Høje-Taastrup, Denmark. You will support process development, technology transfer, validation, and lifecycle management of SPPS-based peptide manufacturing across internal sites and CMOs.

The role requires a PhD or MSc in a relevant field, GMP knowledge, and strong English communication. International collaboration and travel are expected as part of cross-functional projects.

Qualifications

• PhD or MSc in Peptide Chemistry, Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, or another relevant field.
• Experience in chemical/pharmaceutical manufacturing, preferably related to synthetic peptides or API production.
• Knowledge of GMP requirements and quality expectations for API development, manufacturing, and control.
• Familiarity with process chemistry, scale-up, technology transfer, validation, and ICH guidelines.
• Strong stakeholder management and professional English communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Act as SME for synthetic peptide manufacturing processes and support technology transfer, validation, and lifecycle management.
• Provide scientific and technical support to CMOs and manufacturing sites, including troubleshooting and process improvements.
• Serve as process and product owner for SPPS-based peptide manufacturing processes.
• Prepare and review technical and GMP documentation for validation, regulatory submissions, and lifecycle management.

Skills

Peptide chemistry knowledge

SPPS knowledge

GMP understanding

English proficiency

Process transfer

Education

PhD in Peptide Chemistry

MSc in relevant field

Tools

SPPS equipment

Process validation equipment

Job description

Development Scientist, Peptide Chemistry

API MSAT | Høje-Taastrup, Denmark

Are you passionate about peptide chemistry and eager to see your scientific expertise translated into robust large-scale manufacturing processes? If so, this is a unique opportunity to join a highly specialised team where your knowledge of solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) can directly impact the delivery of life-changing medicines to patients worldwide.

Your new role

As a Development Scientist within API MSAT, you will play a key role in supporting process development, technology transfer, process implementation, validation and process optimisation activities of synthetic peptide throughout the product life cycle at our Contract Manufacturing Organisations (CMOs) and internal production sites.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Acting as a subject matter expert for synthetic peptide manufacturing processes, supporting technology transfer, validation activities, and lifecycle management initiatives.
• Providing scientific and technical support to CMOs and manufacturing sites, including troubleshooting, deviation handling, process optimisation, and implementation of process improvements.
• Serving as process and product owner for peptide manufacturing processes based on SPPS, ensuring a strong understanding of process performance and product quality.
• Preparing and reviewing technical and GMP documentation required for validation, regulatory submissions, process changes, and life cycle management activities.

• Supporting the assessment, onboarding, and implementation of new CMOs

This role offers significant exposure to cross-functional collaboration, allowing you to work closely with stakeholders from Late-Stage Development, Analytical Functions, Quality Assurance, Regulatory Affairs, Global Contract Manufacturing, Sourcing, pilot facilities, production sites, and external partners. International collaboration is an integral part of the position, and you can expect approximately 10-20 travel days annually.

Your new department

Synthetic API MSAT is part of Synthetic API and operates at the interface between CMC development and full-scale manufacturing. We are responsible for implementing, transferring, validating, and continuously improving manufacturing processes across internal sites and external manufacturing partners in Europe, North America, and East Asia. Our team consists of ten experienced specialists with diverse backgrounds in pharmaceutical manufacturing, process development, and quality systems. Together, we foster a collaborative environment where scientific expertise, knowledge sharing, and problem-solving are highly valued.

Your skills and qualifications

We are looking for a scientist with a strong foundation in peptide chemistry who enjoys combining scientific understanding with practical process execution. You are curious, collaborative, and motivated by solving complex technical challenges in a highly regulated environment.

To succeed in this role, you will ideally bring:

• A PhD or MSc in Peptide Chemistry, Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, or another relevant scientific discipline.
• Experience within chemical or pharmaceutical manufacturing, preferably related to synthetic peptides, SPPS, or synthetic API production.
• Knowledge of GMP requirements and a solid understanding of quality expectations for API development, manufacturing, and control.
• Familiarity with process chemistry principles, scale-up activities, technology transfer, validation, and relevant ICH guidelines.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, combined with professional proficiency in written and spoken English.

Experience from late-stage CMC development, regulatory submissions, process transfer activities, or external manufacturing networks will be considered a significant advantage.

As a person, you combine scientific curiosity with a pragmatic mindset. You can translate complex scientific concepts into practical solutions and work effectively across multiple functions and cultures. Your ability to build strong relationships, drive progress, and maintain a positive outlook enables you to succeed in a dynamic and evolving environment.

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.

Salary

For this role, the Annual Base Salary ranges from 570,200 DKK to 838.100 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.

Contact

For further information about the position, please contact Kirsten Bisgaard-Frantzen at [phone].

Deadline

September 30th, 2026.

We commit to an inclusive recruitment process and equality of opportunity for all our job applicants.