Senior Scientific Specialist within Technology and Research Infrastructure

Do you recognize the importance of new technology and advanced research infrastructure as enablers of scientific breakthroughs?  Do you have relevant experience, which will facilitate the collaborative development and deployment of tomorrow’s technologies?  We are looking for a new colleague, who values being a part of a team and has a strong scientific background within engineering or natural science preferably with (potential) health or sustainability applications.  

You will join the newly established Technical Science Department (Tech), whose focus areas include research infrastructure, technology, data science and quantum technologies, and work across the strategic focus areas of the Novo Nordisk Foundation (NNF).  We are currently six scientific employees with diverse scientific expertise and background, a team coordinator and an office trainee. We develop initiatives and collaborate across the two NNF scientific areas, Planetary Science & Technology and Health, as well as with key external partners such as universities, research centres, and NGOs.  

The Job  

The core areas for the position are technology development and research infrastructure. You will work on projects spanning from fundamental research and development within natural and technical science to the enabling of research within health and sustainability, focusing on facilitating the development and deployment of new technologies. Thus, you will use your hands-on experience from working with technology development or advanced scientific instrumentation. Moreover, it is an advantage if you have participated in collaborative research projects in academia and/or industry in Denmark or abroad. 

You will contribute with expert knowledge on technology and research infrastructure initiatives across the Foundation. Moreover, you will participate in the creation and implementation of new strategic and open competition initiatives using your experience. Your tasks will include:  

• Participate in the development and management of strategic initiatives within the Technical Sciences department and across NNF especially in relation to the portfolio of large NNF research infrastructures 

• Assist with the development, assessment and monitoring of relevant open competition programmes, e.g. the Research Infrastructure Programme 

• Provide expert knowledge within technology development and/or research infrastructure 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 engineering or natural science  

• At least 2 years of relevant postgraduate experience from, e.g., an academic position at a university or staff scientist in academia and/or industry. 

• Research experience with emphasis on experimental activities, e.g. technology, method, or instrument development alternatively an expert user of advanced scientific equipment.  

• Experience of working in different or interdisciplinary scientific environments  

• Experience with international research collaboration and research management will be considered an advantage 

• Experience with grant writing as well as knowledge of the Nordic life science ecosystem will also be considered an advantage. 

As a person you are curious, open-minded and thrive in an interdisciplinary environment with a focus on teamwork. The job bridges initiatives across several NNF departments and therefore the ability to coordinate and work in 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. 

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 

For more information, please contact Director Ulla Gro Nielsen (email: [email protected] and phone: +45 2224 5230). We encourage you to send your application as soon as possible, and no later than 9 September 2025. The expected start date is 1. December 2025 or shortly thereafter. The first round of interviews is planned for weeks 40 and 41. The second round of interviews are scheduled for week 43. 

To apply, please submit a cover letter outlining your motivation for the position as well as your CV, 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. As a consequence, we are a growing organisation, which means new job openings and exciting opportunities for employees to be part of forming the future of the Foundation.