Research Scientist (in vitro biological assays)

Novo Nordisk A/S; Måløv; Remote; DKK 570,000 - 838,000; Full time

Job summary

Novo Nordisk A/S in Denmark seeks a Research Scientist (in vitro biological assays) to build engineered mammalian cell lines and develop robust cellular assays for drug discovery. You will turn complex biology questions into reliable in vitro data to guide project decisions.

The role requires hands-on expertise in cell line engineering, mammalian culture, and advanced assays such as flow cytometry and high-content imaging, with collaboration across therapeutic discovery teams.

Qualifications

• PhD in cell biology or related discipline.
• Proven expertise in mammalian cell culture and cellular assays.
• Knowledge of assay optimisation and validation.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop and characterise engineered mammalian cell lines for drug discovery and screening.
• Apply molecular and cellular biology techniques including transfection and CRISPR editing.
• Establish robust, reproducible cellular assays to support candidate identification.
• Coordinate with screening and project teams to advance models and strategies.

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

Cell line engineering

Functional cell line characterisation

Flow cytometry

CRISPR/Cas9 editing

Clonal isolation

High-content imaging

Assay validation

Education

PhD in cell biology or related discipline

Tools

Automated liquid handling

High-throughput screening

Reporter gene assays

Job description

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Research Scientist (in vitro biological assays)

Category: Research

Location: Måløv, Capital Region of Denmark, DK

Department: Centre for Functional Assays & Screening, Therapeutics Discovery

Your impact begins here

As Research Scientist, you will build the engineered mammalian cell lines and cellular assays that help our project teams identify and select drug candidates. You will turn biological questions into robust, reproducible in vitro data that teams can act on with confidence. Working across multiple projects in Therapeutics Discovery, you will help move research forward today, supporting the search for new treatment options for people living with diabetes, obesity and other serious chronic diseases.

What you’ll bring

You combine hands-on expertise in cell line engineering with a strong understanding of what makes a cellular assay reliable and fit for purpose.

• A PhD in cell biology, molecular biology, biotechnology, pharmacology or a related discipline.

Proven expertise in mammalian cell culture, stable cell line generation, clonal isolation and functional cell line characterisation.

• Experience with engineered cell lines and cellular assays, such as reporter gene, receptor binding, target engagement, flow cytometry and/or high-content imaging assays.
• Knowledge of assay optimisation and validation.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to build and maintain relationships, both internally and externally.
• Curiosity, a proactive mindset and openness to new ideas, people and challenges – and a habit of sharing knowledge and giving and receiving feedback.

Expertise in advanced single-cell cloning, clonal-selection technologies and genetic characterisation of KO/KI cell lines (a strong advantage).

• Experience with automated liquid handling systems and high-throughput screening.

What you’ll do

Your work will give project teams the cell-based models and assay data they need to make clear decisions about which drug candidates to take forward.

• Design, develop and characterise engineered mammalian cell lines for drug discovery and screening.

Apply molecular and cellular biology techniques, including transfection, viral transduction, CRISPR/Cas9 editing, and clonal selection.

• Establish robust, reproducible and fit-for-purpose cellular assays that support drug candidate identification and selection.
• Plan, prioritise and coordinate with screening, automation, in vivo pharmacology and project teams to advance cell-based models and screening strategies.
• Represent the department across a range of projects and help drive research project progression.

Who you’ll work with

You will join the Centre for Functional Assays & Screening (CFAS), part of Therapeutics Discovery in Måløv, Denmark. CFAS designs and runs a range of biologically relevant medium- and high-throughput screening assays, with a strong focus on automation and digitalisation. The team delivers high-quality in vitro data to support the identification, optimisation and characterisation of drug candidates across multiple projects.

CFAS consists of three sub‑departments with 20 scientists at different levels of seniority, 15 laboratory technicians and two PhD students. Day to day, you will work closely with department scientists, laboratory technicians and cross‑functional project teams. Because CFAS operates in a matrix organisation, you will also partner with screening, automation and in vivo pharmacology colleagues, and connect with colleagues across our global research sites – combining different expertise to keep projects moving.

Your manager will be Assoc. Director Simon Erlendsson.

What you can expect here

You will be part of a high-performing, multidisciplinary team where knowledge‑sharing and feedback are part of how the work gets done. Your expertise will be heard across projects, and you will be trusted to shape the cell‑based models and screening strategies teams rely on.

The environment is dynamic and evolving, with close links to automation and digitalisation. Working with colleagues across global research sites gives you the opportunity to build a strong scientific network and grow your skills through practical, cross‑project experience.

Salary: For this role, the Annual Base Salary ranges from DKK 570,200 to 838,100, 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.