Senior Principal Scientist, In Vivo Pharmacology - MASH & Liver Fibrosis

Obesity Comorbidities Pharmacology  

Måløv, Denmark 

Are you ready to shape the future of therapies for obesity-related liver disease and redefine treatment possibilities for patients living with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH)? 

We are seeking a Senior Principal Scientist with deep expertise in MASH, liver fibrosis, inflammation, and translational pharmacology to drive scientific innovation and advance transformative therapies within obesity and cardiometabolic diseases. In this role, you will help unlock the next generation of medicines targeting obesity-related liver disease, addressing a major unmet medical need and improving the lives of millions of patients worldwide. 

Your new role 

As Senior Principal Scientist, you will serve as the in vivo pharmacology subject matter expert in MASH and liver fibrosis biology. You will provide scientific leadership and guidance across drug discovery programs, shaping target selection, translational strategies, study design, evaluation of novel targets, and key portfolio decisions. Leading in vivo pharmacology activities from early target validation through candidate selection, you will ensure strong translational relevance and scientific rigor throughout the discovery process. 

Working within a highly collaborative matrix environment, you will partner with world-class scientists, experienced technicians, CROs, external scientific advisors, and leading academic collaborators to advance innovative therapies for patients. As a recognised scientific leader in MASH and liver fibrosis biology, you will drive innovation, represent Novo Nordisk in external scientific forums, and strengthen Novo Nordisk’s leadership in MASH and obesity comorbidities research. 

Your responsibilities will include: 

• Providing scientific leadership in MASH and liver fibrosis biology to drive target discovery, innovation, and project progression. 

• Designing and overseeing complex in vivo pharmacology studies with strong translational focus. 

• Leading development and implementation of novel disease models, methodologies, and technologies for evaluating biological activity and therapeutic potential. 

• Driving mechanistic understanding, pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic relationships, and mode-of-action investigations. 

• Strong scientific judgment, with the ability to drive MASH programs, formulate clear go/no-go recommendations, and influence portfolio decisions. 

• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the ability to independently drive scientific initiatives and build alignment across multidisciplinary teams and functions. 

• Interpreting, integrating, and communicating complex multidisciplinary datasets to project teams, senior leadership, and governance bodies. 

• Mentoring and developing junior scientists and technical staff while fostering a culture of scientific excellence and collaboration. 

• Building and maintaining strong external scientific networks and collaborations. 

Your new department 

Obesity Comorbidities Pharmacology is part of Obesity and Cardiometabolic Research at Novo Nordisk. We are dedicated to discovering and developing innovative biological medicines for obesity and related chronic diseases, including MASH, Heart Failure and Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease. The department provides in vivo pharmacology leadership across obesity-related cardiometabolic comorbidities. We translate cutting-edge biology into differentiated therapeutic strategies through robust disease models, integrated PK/PD and mechanism-of-action studies, and close collaboration with internal experts and external partners. By combining deep scientific expertise with high-quality CRO execution, we deliver rigorous, decision-ready data that accelerates drug discovery and development. 

Our organisation combines deep scientific expertise with a collaborative and ambitious culture where innovation, creativity, and continuous learning are highly valued. We work at the forefront of translational research to deliver next-generation therapies that improve patients’ lives worldwide. 

 Your skills & qualifications 

• A PhD in pharmacology, MASH, metabolism, hepatology, or another relevant cardiometabolic discipline with significant experience; preferably 6-10 years of pharma/biotech R&D experience. 

• Deep expertise in rodent MASH pharmacology, including study design, scientific oversight, and interpretation of in vivo pharmacology studies; familiarity with translational endpoints and model limitations is a strong plus. 

• Experience advancing drug candidates in MASH, NASH, ALD, or related cardiometabolic indications into development; evidence of scientific impact through publications, presentations, or external scientific engagement is advantageous. 

• Strong understanding of obesity and related cardiometabolic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and chronic kidney disease will be an advantage. 

• Experience of working with different therapeutic modalities and with combination strategies targeting complementary pathways will be a clear advantage.  

• Experience with leveraging data to guide decisions, working with digital tools, bioinformatics and AI will be a clear advantage. 

• Strong collaboration, communication, and influencing skills, with the ability to navigate a complex matrix organisation, build stakeholder alignment, and work effectively across multidisciplinary teams; fluent in written and spoken English. 

• Scientifically curious and innovative, combining strategic thinking with pragmatic decision-making to advance transformative science and deliver meaningful patient impact. 

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. In Research & Development, you'll be part of pioneering work that pushes the boundaries of science. Here, your expertise will shape breakthrough therapies, your contribution will inspire brilliant colleagues, and your vision will help millions of patients live healthier lives. 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 847,000.00 to 1,245,100.00 DKK, 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. 

More information 

For further information, please contact: Shashank Gupta, Director, Obesity Comorbidities Pharmacology, Obesity and Cardiometabolic Research, Novo Nordisk. Contact email: [email protected]  

We are reviewing applications on an ongoing basis and encourage candidates to apply early, as the recruitment process may progress before the closing date. 

Deadline 

25 June 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.