PhD Student - Biophysical Characterization

Novo Nordisk A/S; Måløv; On-site; DKK 408,000 - 488,000; Full time

Job summary

Novo Nordisk A/S in Denmark is seeking a PhD Student in Biophysical Characterization to tackle manufacturing-scale challenges. You will lead an interdisciplinary project to predict particle formation in peptide products and develop predictive analytical methods over a three-year industrial PhD.

The role involves applying diverse biophysical techniques, collaborating with university partners, and translating lab findings to manufacturing insight, with state-of-the-art facilities and strong

Qualifications

• MSc degree in biophysics, pharmaceutical sciences, nanoscience, biochemistry or a related field.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Data analysis experience, e.g. including Python.
• Ability to plan and work independently, alongside strong teamwork and communication skills.
• Fluency in English.
• Genuine interest in peptide and protein stability.

Responsibilities

• Plan and run systematic experimental studies on how formulation and process parameters affect particle formation.
• Apply biophysical techniques to characterise drug substance and drug product.
• Provide quantitative analysis and clear visualisation of complex data sets.
• Establish a methodological platform to analyse and predict protein particle formation.
• Explore Computational Fluid Dynamics to translate large-scale processing conditions into lab-scale stress fields.
• Share findings through scientific dissemination within the biopharmaceutical field.

Skills

Analytical skills

Python

Independent researcher

Teamwork

English fluency

Education

MSc in biophysics / pharmaceutical sciences / nanoscience / biochemistry

Tools

SAXS

DLS

Microscopy

Flow imaging

Rheology

FTIR

CG-MALS

UV-Vis

CFD

Job description

Category: Education

Location: Måløv, Capital Region of Denmark, DK

PhD Student, Biophysical Characterization

Location

Job category

Global Manufacturing & Supply

Department

CMC Development, Global Manufacturing & Supply

Your impact begins here

As a PhD Student in Biophysical Characterization, you will help solve a real manufacturing challenge: predicting when peptide and protein drug substances form particles, fibrils or gels during large-scale production. Over three years, you will develop faster, more predictive analytical methods and connect analytical understanding with manufacturing insight. Your work will strengthen the physical stability of medicines in our pipeline and support progress towards lasting health for people living with serious chronic diseases.

What you'll bring

We are looking for a curious, independent researcher ready to commit to a three-year industrial PhD. You will bring:

• A relevant MSc degree in biophysics, pharmaceutical sciences, nanoscience, biochemistry or a related field.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Data analysis experience, e.g. including Python.
• The ability to plan and work independently, alongside strong teamwork and communication skills.
• Fluency in English.
• A genuine interest in peptide and protein stability.

Useful, but not essential:

• Wet lab skills in protein sample preparation.
• Experience with biophysical techniques such as SAXS, DLS, microscopy, flow imaging (MFI or FlowCam), rheology, FTIR, CG-MALS or UV-VIS.
• Knowledge of CFD or other predictive modelling.
• Understanding of physical stability in peptides and proteins, such as fibrillation and gelation.

What you'll do

You will lead an interdisciplinary research project that explores why proteinaceous particles form in peptide products, and how to predict them early. Your work will focus on:

• Planning and running systematic experimental studies on how formulation (pH, salt, peptide/protein, surfactant) and process parameters (surfaces, shear stress, flow) affect particle formation.
• Applying a broad range of biophysical techniques to characterise drug substance and drug product.
• Providing quantitative analysis and clear visualisation of complex data sets.
• Establishing a methodological platform to analyse and predict protein particle formation.
• Exploring Computational Fluid Dynamics to translate large-scale processing conditions into lab-scale stress fields.
• Sharing your findings through scientific dissemination within the biopharmaceutical field.

Who you'll work with

In Global Manufacturing & Supply, colleagues work across the value chain to bring molecules, processes and products to the people who need them. You will join the Biophysical Characterization team within CMC Development, a group of around 13 scientists, a specialist and laboratory technicians, including one existing PhD student, focused on physical stability, particle formation and drug substance and drug product characterisation.

You will collaborate closely with colleagues in Downstream Development and at the University of Copenhagen, Dept. of Pharmacy in the group of Prof. Vito Foderà. As an industrial PhD, you will conduct your research across both Novo and university environments, bringing perspectives together to move the science forward.

What you can expect here

You will work at the forefront of biopharmaceutical research, with access to state-of-the-art laboratories and equipment at both Novo and the University of Copenhagen. You will be trained in advanced characterisation techniques, supported by experienced supervisors, and trusted to grow as an independent researcher in a collaborative, high-performing environment.

Salary: For this role, the Monthly Base Salary is 40.145,48 DKK.

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.

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.