Scientific Manager / Senior Scientific Manager - Cardiovascular Diseases

Are you motivated by the opportunity to contribute to the development of major new research initiatives within cardiometabolic and cardiovascular disease? The Novo Nordisk Foundation is seeking a Scientific Manager with experience in cardiovascular research and clinical practice. As part of the Foundation’s 2030 Strategy, we support excellent research in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease on a global scale, and you will play a key role in co-developing future large-scale initiatives in this area. Job title and salary will be determined based on prior qualifications.

About the Department

The Cardiovascular Diseases Department currently consists of six colleagues with scientific and project management competencies. We work closely as a team on a day-to-day basis and engage extensively with external experts and stakeholders, as well as collaborate across teams within the Foundation. Our portfolio spans smaller projects and large-scale international initiatives with durations of up to seven years. The working environment is informal and primarily office-based, with the possibility to work from home one day per week.

 In the Health Area at the Novo Nordisk Foundation, we are dedicated to creating positive impact through collaboration in support of a healthier future for all. The area is led by Chief Scientific Officer, Professor Flemming Konradsen, and comprises approximately 60 colleagues across six departments. Together, we advance research and innovation in the prevention and treatment of cardiometabolic and infectious diseases, support breakthroughs in regenerative medicine to treat or cure chronic disease, and promote greater equity in health.

The Role

As Scientific Manager, you will be responsible for coordinating and contributing to the definition of the scope and strategic direction of our activities within clinical cardiovascular disease. You will map national and international activities and centres of excellence, identify opportunities for impact, and support the development of future funding initiatives by:

• Conducting targeted reviews of the scientific literature to assess progress, identify evidence gaps, and inform strategic priorities in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease.
• Engaging with national and international partners, collaborators, and other key stakeholders.
• Planning, designing, and facilitating collaborative workshops with internal and external participants.
• Scoping and developing strategic proposals and concept notes to inform cardiovascular research funding.

In addition, you will support other departments in their handling of applications and ongoing strategic projects within your relevant area(s) of expertise.

Professional Qualifications

We are looking for a Scientific Manager (or Senior Scientific Manager) with an MD and a PhD, preferably within cardiovascular disease. Ideally, you have clinical experience as a physician in a relevant specialty; alternatively, you have experience from the pharmaceutical industry within a cardiometabolic or cardiovascular therapy area.

Furthermore, we expect that you have:

• Understanding of cardiometabolic disease research, including the broader stakeholder ecosystem within the life sciences.
• Excellent ability to understand, analyse, and communicate research results, projects, and evaluations.
• Understanding of concepts, practices, policies, and procedures related to cardiometabolic disease research in the public and private sectors.
• Ability to manage multiple complex tasks simultaneously and deliver high-quality outputs.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

On a personal level, we expect that you:

• Demonstrate professionalism, attention to quality, and an impact-oriented mindset.
• Work independently and provide sound judgement and strategic input.
• Take a proactive and structured approach to problem-solving.
• Build strong relationships and collaborate effectively across disciplines and organisational levels.
• Contribute positively to the team and support a collaborative working culture.

Working at the Novo Nordisk Foundation

We offer a committed and professional workplace where we emphasise employee well-being, continuous development, and opportunities to realise potential. A career at the Novo Nordisk Foundation provides the opportunity to work:

• on important projects that benefit society
• with key actors within research and development in Denmark and internationally
• as part of a dedicated team that is passionate about creating value for society

Application and Information For further information, please contact PA Susanne Louise Pedersen (phone +45 20 69 59 48) or Director of the Department, Dr Rasmus Borgquist (phone +45 24 78 31 65).

We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible, and no later than 10 June 2026.
To apply, please submit your CV, motivation letter, and university transcripts by clicking the “Apply now” button.

About the Novo Nordisk Foundation

Established in Denmark in 1924, the Novo Nordisk Foundation is an enterprise foundation with philanthropic objectives. The vision of the Foundation is to improve people’s health and the sustainability of society and the planet. The Foundation’s mission is to progress research and innovation in the prevention and treatment of cardiometabolic and infectious diseases, to apply and advance regenerative medicine, and to advance knowledge and solutions that support a green transformation of society.