Director, Disease & Target Biology

Novo Nordisk; Oxford; On-site; GBP 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Novo Nordisk in Oxford seeks an Associate Director, Disease and Target Biology to lead a cross‑site team delivering genetics‑driven target discovery across metabolic diseases. You will translate complex evidence into strategic decisions and guide campaigns with Therapy Areas in T2D, obesity, CV and renal disease.

Reporting to the ADI Data Science leader, you will recruit and develop scientists across the UK and Denmark, shaping scientific strategy while remaining hands‑on technically and driving

Qualifications

• PhD in human genetics, computational biology, genetic epidemiology, or related discipline with substantial post-PhD experience.
• Experience combining genetics and omics with cohort or patient data to identify subgroups and actionable disease insights.
• At least 5 years of leadership experience in drug/target discovery, preferably in pharma/biotech.
• Experience leading scientific teams across locations and remaining hands-on technically.
• Strong communication and stakeholder-management skills with senior partners.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of ~seven scientists across UK and Denmark, including recruitment and performance management.
• Use human genetics, multi-omics and patient data to identify subgroups and testable hypotheses for target discovery.
• Co-lead scientific campaigns with therapeutic area teams and define biological evidence for program decisions.
• Set scientific and operational direction in partnership with Data Science and AI-Digital colleagues.
• Guide AI/ML applications in disease biology and collaborate with academic and biotech partners.

Skills

Leadership experience

Strategic decision-making

Communication & stakeholder management

AI/ML familiarity

Education

PhD in human genetics or related field

Job description

Novo Nordisk in Oxford seeks an Associate Director, Disease and Target Biology to lead a cross‑site team delivering genetics‑driven target discovery across metabolic diseases. You will translate complex evidence into strategic decisions and guide campaigns with Therapy Areas in T2D, obesity, CV and renal disease.

Reporting to the ADI Data Science leader, you will recruit and develop scientists across the UK and Denmark, shaping scientific strategy while remaining hands‑on technically and driving