Downstream Development Scientist

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

Job summary

Novo Nordisk in Denmark is seeking a Downstream Development Scientist to bridge development and cGMP manufacturing, optimizing downstream processes and transferring new methods into commercial scale. You will apply protein chemistry and purification expertise, drive yield improvements, support ongoing production, and author regulatory documentation for current and upcoming products.

The role involves collaborating with cross‑functional teams in Bagsværd and Gentofte, with a focus on process

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Life Science or Engineering.
• 2+ years of experience working with downstream processes, preferably in pharmaceutical production, a pilot plant or a laboratory environment.
• Strong knowledge of protein chemistry and purification.
• Professional proficiency in English.
• The ability to work independently, prioritise across a complex workday and take ownership of your assignments from start to finish.
• Strong communication skills — you will work closely with scientists, technicians, production employees, project managers and analytical laboratories.

Responsibilities

• Drive yield and process optimisations, including designing and running down‑scaled experiments in the department's in‑house laboratory.
• Provide specialised technical support to ongoing commercial production, including troubleshooting process deviations and ensuring consistent output.
• Lead the transfer of new downstream processes from development into production facilities.
• Own the development package and write regulatory documentation for current and upcoming products.
• Create and maintain central documents such as Master Formulas and In‑process Controls.

Skills

Protein chemistry

Purification

English proficiency

Independent work

Communication skills

Education

Master's degree in Life Science or Engineering

Job description

Your impact begins here

As a Downstream Development Scientist, you will work where development meets manufacturing — optimising downstream processes, solving production challenges and transferring new processes into commercial scale. Your expertise in protein chemistry and purification will directly strengthen how Novo Nordisk produces medicines for millions of people living with serious chronic diseases. You will join a technically strong team that acts as a bridge between development and cGMP manufacturing, helping ensure consistent, high-quality production today and into the future.

What You'll Bring

• A Master's degree in Life Science or Engineering.


• 2+ years of experience working with downstream processes, preferably in pharmaceutical production, a pilot plant or a laboratory environment.


• Strong knowledge of protein chemistry and purification.


• Professional proficiency in English.


• The ability to work independently, prioritise across a complex workday and take ownership of your assignments from start to finish.


• Strong communication skills — you will work closely with scientists, technicians, production employees, project managers and analytical laboratories.

Useful, But Not Essential

• Experience in microbiology and an understanding of by-products that different microorganisms can produce — including how microbial growth and unwanted metabolites can be monitored, controlled and reduced through downstream processes.

What You'll Do

• Drive yield and process optimisations, including designing and running down‑scaled experiments in the department's in‑house laboratory.


• Provide specialised technical support to ongoing commercial production, including troubleshooting process deviations and ensuring consistent output.


• Lead the transfer of new downstream processes from development into production facilities.


• Own the development package and write regulatory documentation for current and upcoming products.


• Create and maintain central documents such as Master Formulas and In‑process Controls.

Who You'll Work With

You will join a team of 19 scientists, specialists and laboratory technicians within API MSAT Process Support — a department of around 120 colleagues based in Bagsværd and Gentofte. The team operates its own laboratories, giving you direct access to the equipment and environment needed for your experiments.

In Global Manufacturing & Supply, colleagues work across the value chain from drug and device development to marketed products, scaling molecules, processes, devices and products for the people who need them. Your closest collaborators will include production teams, analytical laboratories, project managers and fellow scientists across MSAT and development. The department aims to be a technical lighthouse — bringing new technologies and innovation into Novo Nordisk's manufacturing operations.

What You Can Expect Here

You will work in a self‑directed environment where curiosity, ownership and collaboration go hand in hand. The team values a positive, supportive atmosphere — even when things move fast — and you will be encouraged to engage in new assignments, build technical depth and contribute with your perspective.

You will gain cross‑functional experience at the intersection of development and commercial manufacturing, broadening your skills across process optimisation, regulatory documentation and technology transfer. Your growth will be supported through practical, hands‑on work and close collaboration with experienced colleagues across disciplines.

Salary: For this role, the Annual Base Salary ranges from 570,200 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

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