Principal Data Scientist

Novo Nordisk A/S; Ballerup; Remote; DKK 847,000 - 1,245,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Incentives and Benefits

Inclusive recruitment

Global healthcare company

Job summary

Novo Nordisk A/S is seeking a Senior Data Scientist to define the data science strategy, lead AI initiatives, and act as a technical authority for model development. You will mentor teams and collaborate across functions to drive data-driven business decisions.

The role requires deep expertise in advanced analytics within a pharmaceutical context, with a focus on responsible AI and enterprise-scale roadmaps.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, or a related field. Ph.D. is preferred.
• Proven track record of innovation and thought leadership.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in data science, machine learning, or AI, with a focus on developing and applying advanced algorithms.
• Deep expertise in cutting-edge data science methodologies and technologies.
• Strong research capabilities translating research into business value.
• Experience developing enterprise-scale data strategies and AI roadmaps.
• Ability to provide visionary leadership for the data science function.
• Broad understanding of pharma industry and Commercial business processes.
• Strong awareness of ethical and responsible AI practices.
• Experience influencing strategic decisions through data science and analytics.
• In-depth knowledge of ML concepts, data modeling techniques and AI solution design.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams (data engineering, ML engineering, analytics, product, operations).
• Familiarity with MLOps tools (e.g., MLflow, model registries, CI/CD for models) and cloud-agnostic deployment patterns.

Responsibilities

• Define and lead the organization's data science strategy and roadmap.
• Collaborate with senior leaders to align AI/ML initiatives with business priorities.
• Serve as the technical authority for data science and establish best practices for model development and deployment.
• Translate business opportunities into data-driven strategies and communicate insights to executives.
• Mentor and develop senior data scientists and establish communities of practice.
• Drive cross-functional collaboration across business, technology, analytics, product, compliance, and external partners.
• Represent the IT organization in stakeholder communities and build external networks.

Skills

Data science leadership

AI/ML strategy

Stakeholder communication

Enterprise analytics

Mentoring data scientists

Cross-functional teamwork

Education

Master’s degree in Data Science or related

PhD preferred

Tools

MLflow

Model registries

CI/CD for models

Cloud deployment patterns

Job description

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Your key responsibilities include:

1. Define Data Science Strategy

• Develop and influence the organization's data science vision and roadmap.
• Collaborate with senior leaders and executives to align AI/ML initiatives with business priorities.
• Helpdeterminewhere data science can create the greatest strategic value.

2. Lead Innovation and Advanced Analytics

• Design and champion innovative AI, machine learning, and advanced analytics solutions.
• Solvehighly complexbusiness problems through advanced statistical and computational methods.
• Evaluate and introduce emerging technologies and methodologies.

3. Serve as a Technical Authority

• Act as the organization’s subject matter expert for data science.
• Establish best practices, standards, and frameworks for model development and deployment.
• Provideexpert guidance on methodologies, tools, and architectural decisions.

4. Shape Business Decisions

• Translate business opportunities and challenges into data-driven strategies.
• Communicate insights, risks, and recommendations to executive leadership.
• Influence investment decisions and enterprise-wide initiatives using evidence-based approaches.

5. Mentor and Develop Talent

• Coach senior data scientists and technical leaders.
• Build organizational capability through mentoring, knowledge sharing, and establishing communities of practice.

6. Drive Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work across business functions, technology, engineering, analytics, product, compliance, and external partners.
• Lead large-scale initiatives that span multiple teams and organizational boundaries.

7. Represent the IT Organization across the Stakeholders’ communities

• Bring stakeholders together on the DS strategy and vision
• Build external networks and stay at the forefront of AI and data science advancements.
• Position theEnterprise AI org.as a leader in data-driven innovation.

Your new department:

The Data Scientist in the Commercial AI & Data departmentis responsible fordesigning, developing, and implementing advanced AI and machine learning algorithms to process andanalysestructured and unstructured data from diverse sources.You will be entrusted with making independent decisions on the selection of suitable methodologies, and techniques for data analysis and model development.

Skills & Qualifications.

• Master’s degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, ora related field.Ph.D. is preferred.
• A proventrack recordof innovation and thought leadership.
• Minimum10years of experience in data science, machine learning, or AI, with a focus on developing and applying advanced algorithms.
• Deepexpertiseincutting-edgedata science methodologies and technologies
• Strong research capabilities and the ability to translate research into business value
• Experience developing enterprise-scale data strategies and AI roadmaps.
• Ability to provide visionary leadership for the data science function
• Broad understanding ofpharmaindustry andCommercialbusiness processes
• Strong awareness of ethical and responsible AI practices
• Experience influencing strategic decisions through data science and analytics.
• In-depth knowledge of machine learning concepts, data modelingtechniquesand AI solution design.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams (data engineering, ML engineering, analytics, product, operations).
• Familiarity withMLOpstools and practices (e.g.,MLflow, model registries, CI/CD for models) and cloud‑agnostic deployment patterns.
• In‑depth understanding and practical experience with architecture, implementation,DevOpsand support for AI solutions.
• Experience working with cross‑functional teams (data engineering, ML engineering, analytics, product, operations) and external vendors.
• Experience in pharmaceutical or regulated industries is beneficial but not mandatory.

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.

For this role, the Annual B ase S alary ranges from 847,000.00 to 1,245,100.00 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.

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.