Senior Scientific Specialist within Data Science and AI

Do you wish to enable the development of cutting-edge data science including AI and accelerate the digital transformation within health and sustainability?

We are looking for a new colleague with a strong scientific background in data science, who is motivated to contribute to the realization of the Novo Nordisk Foundation’s mission to benefit society and the planet.  

The Job  

You will join the Technical Science Department and contribute to our activities within data science and AI across the strategic focus areas of the Novo Nordisk Foundation (NNF), which include health, sustainability (including agriculture and food systems) and the life science ecosystem. You will provide expert knowledge both on fundamental and emerging data science methods anchored in the department as well as the deployment of data science and AI in our interdisciplinary initiatives. We work team centric and increasingly in collaboration with external partners such as universities, funding agencies and other stakeholders both in Denmark and internationally. 

We are six scientific employees including two bioinformaticians, a team coordinator and office trainee in the department with a diverse background. Our other scientific activities include research infrastructure, technology development and deployment.

Your tasks will include:  

• Participate in the development and management of strategic initiatives within the Technical Sciences department and across NNF.

• Execute and further develop our Data Science open competition programmes and support related programmes across the Foundation. 

• Provide expert knowledge within data science across NNF’s programme areas. 

• Maintain expertise within the field and acquire new knowledge, for instance by reading relevant scientific literature and reports, by analysis and evaluation of applications, as well as participate in scientific conferences. 

• Formulate the content of reports, recommendations, and other written documents in a concise and professional manner. 

Professional and personal qualifications  

We are looking for a scientific team-member who has: 

• A Ph.D. in natural science or engineering with a major data science component, e.g. in computer science, mathematics, physical sciences or similar competences obtained through other degree programmes.
• At least 3 years of postgraduate experience, that should include research and development activities obtained from working in academia (e.g., postdoctoral research, data scientist, or staff scientist) and/or industry. It may include relevant experience from research funding agencies or non-profit organisations.
• Research experience that includes method development, modelling, expert use of advanced data science tools (HPC, AI, automation) or similar. Deployment of these in interdisciplinary projects is considered an advantage, but not a requirement.
• At least 1 year of experience of working or studying in the Nordic region. Mobility within institutions or internationally will be considered an advantage.  
• Experience with research project management will be considered an advantage. 
• Experience with grant writing and/or assessment will be considered an advantage. 

As a person you are curious, open-minded and thrive in an interdisciplinary environment with a focus on teamwork and stakeholders. Therefore, the ability to coordinate and work in a structured manner with attention to detail is important. Moreover, it is essential that you can communicate in English at a professional level to both peers and non-experts. Knowledge of the Danish language is considered an advantage, but not a requirement. 

The title of the position and exact work responsibilities will be based on your relevant experience.

Working at the Novo Nordisk Foundation 

We offer a committed and professional workplace where it is valued that colleagues thrive, are challenged, and have opportunities to develop their potential. A career at the Novo Nordisk Foundation gives you the opportunity to work on important projects that benefit society, with key actors within research and industry, and as part of a dedicated team that is passionate about creating impact. 

Application and Information 

We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible, and no later than 18 May 2026. The expected start date is 1 August 2026 or shortly thereafter. The first round of interviews is planned for weeks 22 and 23. The second round of interviews is scheduled for week 24. 

To apply, please submit a cover letter outlining your motivation for the position as well as your CV including scientific production (publications, patents, tools, and/or grants etc.) and university transcripts by clicking on the “Apply now” button. Only applications and information submitted by the official NNF job portal will be considered. Incomplete applications will not be considered. 

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 as well as to advance knowledge and solutions to support a green transformation of society.  

In the coming years, the Foundation will broaden its scope and increase its grants for scientific, humanitarian, and social purposes, including solving the climate crisis and developing tomorrow’s food production.