PKPD Principal Scientist

Novo Nordisk A/S; Måløv; On-site; DKK 743,000 - 1,092,000; Full time

Job summary

Novo Nordisk A/S in Denmark is seeking a PKPD Principal Scientist to drive translational PK/PD modelling across preclinical to first‑in‑human projects. You will build mechanistic models, design studies, and interact with regulatory affairs to inform dose decisions and study designs.

The role requires a PhD or equivalent with strong PKPD experience, expertise in PBPK/QSP, and proficiency in modelling tools such as Phoenix WinNonlin, NONMEM, R, Python.

Qualifications

• A Ph.D. within Pharmaceuticals, Medical, Physics, Math or Engineering sciences, with PKPD industry experience.
• Strong PKPD and PBPK/QSP understanding, modelling theory, data interpretation and translational science.
• Experience modelling biological/natural processes with mechanistic and empirical approaches.
• Ability to translate challenges into actionable work packages.
• Solid PKPD modelling software experience (Phoenix WinNonlin/NLME, NONMEM) and data tools (R, Python, Matlab).
• AI literacy across generative platforms is preferred.
• Experience with external service providers is an advantage.
• PBPK/PKPD due diligence experience is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Set direction and drive translational PK/PKPD strategy across formats with key stakeholders.
• Design preclinical PK/PKPD studies, interpret and report data.
• Build mathematical models and simulate human PK/PD from internal and literature data.
• Guide projects on preclinical design, toxicity dose-setting, and first-in-human decisions.
• Interact with regulatory authorities and contribute to regulatory documents (IND/IMPD/NDA).
• Drive state-of-the-art modelling competencies and innovate within R&D value chain.
• Independently solve complex problems with broad business impact.

Skills

PK/PD modelling

Mechanistic modelling

Translational science

Stakeholder management

Data interpretation

Regulatory input

AI literacy

External vendor management

Education

PhD in Pharmaceuticals/Math/Engineering/Physics

Master’s + PKPD industry experience

Tools

Phoenix WinNonlin

NLME

NONMEM

R

Python

MATLAB

Job description

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Are you a scientist with a flair for mathematical modelling and knowledge of pharmacology, biology or physiology? Are you passionate about Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics (PKPD) in drug discovery and using model-informed drug development for linking preclinical data to human safety and efficacy? If you're ready to drive innovation and make a meaningful impact in the field of PKPD as well as in progressing Novo Nordisk’s innovative portfolio, we have an exciting opportunity waiting for you! Come and join our DMPK and Modelling Sciences area!

Your new role

As a PKPD Principal Scientist, you will be involved in a great variety of tasks related to PK and PKPD assessment, mechanistic modelling and animal to human translation. You will be supporting interdisciplinary project teams within different therapeutic areas and across the value chain from early research through clinical development and final submission. Your key stakeholders will include scientists across various scientific areas, e.g. in vivo pharmacologists, in vitro biologists, clinical modelling scientists, toxicologists, clinicians and regulatory affairs specialists.

Some of your main responsibilities will include:

• Setting the direction and drive the execution of the translational PK and PKPD screening and mechanistic modelling strategy across different molecular formats and in alignment with key research, non-clinical and clinical stakeholders to ensure efficient project progression
• Designing preclinical PK and PK/PD studies, interpreting and reporting data
• Building mathematical models and performing simulations of human PK and PD based on in-house in vitro and animal data as well as literature data on relevant compounds to inform project decisions from early research and until first in human studies
• Guiding projects within topics related to e.g. preclinical study design, toxicity studies dose setting as well as first in human clinical dose setting and trial design
• Interacting with regulatory authorities, including providing written input to regulatory documents (e.g. IND, IMPD, NDA)
• Demonstrating ability to drive and maintain state-of-the-art competencies and know-how within mechanistic modelling and PKPD, as well as being an innovator impacting the R&D value chain
• Independently solving unique and complex problems that have a broad impact on the business

Your new department

You will join one of the two PKPD teams in the area of DMPK and Modelling Sciences in Global Research within Research & Development. The two teams work closely together and are composed of dedicated and highly motivated modelling scientists collectively driving the implementation of Quantitative Systems Pharmacology (QSP), Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetics (PBPK) and PKPD. Here you will have a great opportunity to develop personal and scientific skills. We foster knowledge-sharing, collaboration and a supportive environment where individuals contribute with their expertise and collectively drive the implementation of translational mathematical modelling across the value chain.

In DMPK and Modelling Sciences we support projects from early research to submission. Our evaluation is essential to secure project progress. We are responsible for screening and predicting human PK and PKPD, setting doses for preclinical studies and for first in human trials, and reporting toxicokinetics to GLP, as well as providing input to regulatory documents (e.g. IND, IMPD, NDA). During clinical development, we collaborate with clinical pharmacologists and clinical pharmacometrics making sure that the nonclinical package will support clinical development as well as addressing PKPD related questions and issues as they may arise.

Your skills & qualifications

• A Ph.D. within Pharmaceuticals, Medical, Physics, Math or Engineering sciences, combined with pharmaceutical industry experience within PKPD or Master’s degree combined with several years of pharmaceutical industry experience within PKPD
• Strong understanding of PKPD and potentially also QSP and/ or PBPK theory, modelling methodology, data interpretation and translational science methodologies
• Experience in modelling biological and/or other natural processes using mechanistic and/or a combination of mechanistic & empirical models
• Outstanding ability to identify challenges, develop strategies, and translate them into actionable work packages
• Solid experience with and understanding of pharmacokinetics and modelling software (e.g. Phoenix WinNonlin/NLME, NONMEM or equivalent ), as well as software for data processing and analysis (e.g. R, Python, Matlab )
• General digital literacy across generative AI platforms such as ChatGPT and CoPilot is preferred
• Experience in managing external service providers is an advantage
• Experience with Due diligence evaluation within PBPK and PKPD is an advantage

On a personal level, you have excellent communication and stakeholder management skills and the ability to effectively interact with colleagues with a variety of backgrounds. You work independently and effectively within cross-functional teams and with external partners to drive research initiatives and achieve project goals.

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

At Novo Nordisk, you’ll join a global healthcare company with a unique culture and strong results. We offer continuous learning, career development, and benefits tailored to your life and career stage.

Salary:

For this role, the Annual Base Salary ranges from 742,600.00 to 1,091,600.00 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 her e .

More information

For further information, please contact Line Hollesen Schefe, Manager Non-clinical PKPD and PBPK, at [phone].

Deadline

20 September 2026.

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.