Principal Scientist, Quantitative Systems Pharmacology

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

Job summary

Novo Nordisk A/S is seeking a Principal Scientist for Quantitative Systems Pharmacology (QSP) and PKPD. The role focuses on mathematical modelling to guide drug discovery and development, with collaboration across R&D and external partners.

The candidate should hold a PhD in a quantitative field and have 6+ years of relevant experience in pharmacometrics or modelling, including software like NONMEM, Monolix, and PhoenixWinNonlin. This is a 12-month temporary position in Denmark.

Qualifications

• PhD with 6+ years postdoc/industry experience in PKPD or QSP modelling.
• Strong understanding of PK/PD theory and statistical methods.
• Experience with PKPD software and external collaborators.

Responsibilities

• Set scientific strategy for QSP and PKPD within projects, aligned with stakeholders.
• Translate preclinical PK/PD findings to human predictions using allometric scaling and mechanistic approaches.
• Prepare study protocols, technical reports, model documentation, and contribute to regulatory submissions.
• PKPD modelling on research compounds in various animals and in vitro data.
• Simulate human PKPD based on animal and in vitro data; include literature data in modelling.
• Maintain state-of-the-art competences in QSP/PKPD and drive R&D impact.
• Anticipate challenges and recommend process or product improvements.
• Mentor students and junior colleagues.

Skills

PK/PD modelling

QSP modelling

Mathematical modelling

Statistical analysis

R / Python programming

External vendor management

Education

PhD in physics, math, engineering or quantitative biology/pharmacology

Tools

PhoenixWinNonlin/NLME

NONMEM

Monolix

R

Python

Julia

Matlab

Job description

Principal Scientist, Quantitative Systems Pharmacology (12-Month Temporary Position)

Category: Research

Location: Måløv, Capital Region of Denmark, DK

Pharmacokineticsand Pharmacodynamic &QuantitativeSystemsPharmacology

Do you want to be part of our pioneering journey to change the way we use mathematical modelling to guide drug discovery and development? Are you an experienced scientist with advanced mathematical modelling skills and a strong understanding of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic (PKPD) principles? our modelling department in a12-month temporary position within Research & Development at Novo Nordisk, where your expertise will help shape the future of innovative therapies.

Your new role

In this role, you will combine your deep expertise in modelling and simulation within pharmacology in critical medical areas, which requires efficient collaboration and communication with subject matter experts. You will be part of a growing team that collectively drives the implementation of Quantitative Systems Pharmacology (QSP) and PKPD and engage with scientists across the Research & Development (R&D) organization. Furthermore, you will contribute to a variety of projects in different therapeutic areas and to cross project and cross organizational initiatives.

Some of your main responsibilities will include:

• Setting the scientific strategy for Quantitative Systems Pharmacology (QSP) and PKPD within projects in alignment with key stakeholders
• Translate preclinical PK/PD findings to human predictions using allometric scaling and mechanistic approaches; provide quantitative rationale for candidate progression and clinical dosing strategies
• Prepare study protocols, technical reports, model documentation, and contribute to IND/IMPD/CTA submissions and responses to regulatory questions
• PKPD modelling on research compounds tested in different/selected animals and/or in vitro data
• Simulation of human PKPD based on animal and in vitro data; extract literature/competitor data on similar compounds to include in modelling
• Demonstrated ability to maintain state of the art competences and know-how within QSP and PKPD, as well as being an innovator and driver and create impact on the R&D value chain
• Anticipating internal and/or external business challenges and recommending process, product or service improvements
• Independently solving unique and complex problems that have a broad impact on the business
• Mentoring of students and junior colleagues

Your new department

The PKPD and QSP department is growing to support a wide range of diseases from diabetes and obesity over haemophilia to growth disorders and a range of rare diseases. The models we develop and apply help to understand resistance mechanisms, support drug discovery,optimizedose & schedule selection and combination therapy and much more.We work in interdisciplinary teams, with a focus to support and integrate in vitro and in vivo pharmacology data into current or new PKPD and/or QSP models to describe the dynamic interactions between drug(s) and biological systems. The models inform and support drug discovery,developmentand regulatory interactions.

The department is anchored within Global Research. The area supports the discovery and development portfolio with pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) evaluations using a variety of modelling and simulation tools, as well as mechanistic modelling (QSP).

You will have highly skilled and dedicated colleagues supporting projects from early discovery, through non-clinical development, as well as early clinical development. In our daily work, we have close collaboration with all parts of the global Research and Development organization, research project teams as well as external collaborators.

Your skills & qualifications

You hold a Ph.D. in physics, math, engineering, or other disciplines related to quantitative biology or pharmacology and have 6+ years relevant experience (post PhD) of which at least 3 years in the pharmaceutical/biotech industry in pharmacometrics or mathematical modelling and simulation. You have an excellent understanding of theory, principles, and statistical aspects of advanced mathematical modelling and simulation and your ability to translate these tools into actionable insights is exceptional.

To succeed in the role, you have:

• Excellent understanding of pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (PKPD) theory and modelling, statistical methodology and data interpretation
• Outstanding ability to identify challenges, develop strategies and translate it into actionable work packages
• Strong experience in modelling biological and/or other natural processes using mechanistic and/or a combination of mechanistic & empirical models
• Strong expertise with ODEs, PDEs, ABMs, optimization, empirical approaches (statistics, ML) & ability to maintain state of the art know-how within QSP
• Extensive expertise and programming skills with PK/PD modelling software (PhoenixWinNonlin/NLME, NONMEM, and/or Monolix), as well as software for data manipulation and analysis (e.g. R, Python, Julia, Matlab)
• Experience managing external service providers
• Due diligence evaluation within PKPD
• Disease area expertise, preferably within obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular and rare diseases

As a person, you are keen to learn new skills and able to communicate with experts of other areas. You have exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills and the ability to effectively interact with colleagues with a variety of backgrounds. Furthermore, you have demonstrated experience and a keen interest in mentoring and sharing knowledge with junior scientists and colleagues. In addition, you have excellent written and oral communication skills in English.

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 742,600.00DKK to 1,091,600.00DKK 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.

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.