Sr Downstream Scientist

Novo Nordisk; Taastrup; On-site; DKK 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Novo Nordisk in Denmark is seeking a Senior Downstream Scientist to drive downstream purification and drying process understanding, and to lead transfer, batch execution and validation at CMOs. You will develop robust processes, solve technical challenges and ensure compliance with GMP in a cross-functional setting.

You will collaborate across MSAT and external partners, mentor colleagues, author critical regulatory documents, and travel roughly 20% to site facilities to ensure successful

Qualifications

• MsC or PhD in chemical/biochemical sciences or chemical engineering.
• Experience with downstream purification of peptide- or protein-based therapeutics.
• Experience with scale-up and process transfer to manufacturing.
• Solid GMP experience in cGMP manufacturing areas.
• Knowledge of equipment, automation and at-scale unit operations.
• Ability to communicate and collaborate across teams, with problem-solving mindset.
• Willingness to travel about 20%.

Responsibilities

• Provide scientific and technical stewardship during process transfer, development and batch execution at CMOs.
• Lead characterisation work for downstream purification and drying steps.
• Own deliverables in cross-organisational groups for transfer, batch execution and process validation.
• Troubleshoot process execution at CMOs and assess changes/deviations.
• Act as SME in cross-functional projects and finalise documentation.
• Author, co-author and review regulatory registration documents.

Skills

Process transfer experience

Scale-up experience

GMP knowledge

Communication and collaboration

Problem-solving

Equipment and automation knowledge

Education

MsC or PhD in chemical or biochemical sciences, chemical engineering or an equivalent field

Job description

Sr Downstream Scientist (gn)

Your impact begins here

Your Responsibilities Will Include

• Provide scientific and technical stewardship during process transfer, process development and batch execution at CMOs, including evaluating proposed equipment trains, handling, unit operations and manufacturing plans.
• Get to know processes on site at CMOs and lead characterisation work for downstream purification and drying steps.
• Own assigned deliverables in cross-organisational groups for technical transfer, batch execution and evaluation, and process validation.
• Troubleshoot process execution at CMOs, assess process changes and deviations, and take part in systematic problem solving.
• Act as process and product subject matter expert in cross-functional projects, helping finalise scientific and technical documentation on time and at the right scientific level.
• Author, co-author and review regulatory registration documents.

Who You’ll Work With

You will join the Downstream & Engineering Team in Synthetic API Manufacturing Science and Technology (MSAT), part of API Manufacturing. The team works at the interface between CMC and full-scale manufacturing, focusing on process understanding, implementation, optimisation and life cycle management.

Your closest partners will be colleagues in Upstream & Downstream Development and analytical teams, Global Contract Manufacturing (GCM), Quality Assurance, Regulatory Affairs, Sourcing, and our pilot and production facilities – as well as the external partners at our CMOs. Bringing these perspectives together, and creating clarity when things stall, is how you will help processes move from plan to successful batch.

What You’ll Bring

• A MsC or PhD in chemical or biochemical sciences, chemical engineering or an equivalent field.
• Extensive experience with downstream purification of peptide- or protein-based therapeutics in commercial and/or late-phase drug substance manufacturing.
• Experience with scale-up and process transfer to large-scale manufacturing.
• Solid GMP experience from cGMP-regulated manufacturing areas, preferably for commercial processes, and a clear understanding of GMP requirements for drug substance manufacturing.
• Good technical and practical knowledge of equipment and automation, and a practical understanding of at-scale unit operations for chromatographic separation and filtration.
• A practical, solution-oriented approach that turns theory into workable answers to technical challenges.
• Clear communication and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders across development and production – working well in a team and independently on complex tasks to keep progress on time.
• Readiness to travel approximately 20% of the time.

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. Here, you'll find a culture where innovation isn't just encouraged – it's expected. Where diverse thinking and bold experimentation are valued because we know that's how breakthroughs happen. And where your analytical insights don't just sit in reports – they drive real decisions that impact millions of patients globally. 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.

Incentives und 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 to all our job applicants.