Scientific Manager within natural science research

Are you driven by accelerating natural, materials, and energy science to shape a sustainable future?

We are looking for a Scientific Manager with a strong scientific background within a natural science or engineering discipline to join the Natural Sciences department at the Novo Nordisk Foundation (NNF). Our focus areas include fundamental research, interdisciplinary science, and non-fossil-based energy research, and we contribute to initiatives across all areas supported by the NNF. The department currently consists of four scientific employees with diverse scientific expertise.

Joining our team and NNF means being part of a dynamic and collaborative community where your expertise and contributes to the collective pursuit of scientific excellence and global impact.

The Job

As Scientific Manager, you will work on projects in support of fundamental natural science, materials science and/or energy-related research as enablers of advancements within health and sustainability.

You will contribute with your expert knowledge on scientific initiatives across the Foundation. Moreover, you will participate in and drive the design and implementation of new strategic and open competition initiatives.

Your specific tasks will include:

• Development and management of strategic initiatives within the Natural Sciences department and across NNF, particularly in relation to the portfolio of non-fossil-based energy and materials research and fundamental natural science research.
• Development, assessment, and monitoring of relevant open competition programmes, e.g., the NERD Programme and Project Grants in the Natural and Technical Sciences.
• Responsibility for expert committees, for instance the Natural and Technical Sciences Committee (NTS).
• Provide expert knowledge within natural science, materials, and/or energy research across NNF's programme areas.
• Maintain expertise within your scientific field and acquire new knowledge, for instance by reading relevant scientific literature, by analysis and evaluation of applications, and through participation 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 PhD degree in engineering within natural science (e.g., physics, chemistry, materials science, or similar)
• An academic level corresponding to assistant or associate professor, which means at least 7 years of relevant postgraduate experience from, e.g., an academic position at a university or as scientist in industry
• Experience from working in different scientific environments or in an interdisciplinary setting
• Strong communication and presentation skills including fluency in oral and written English
• Project management experience
• Experience with international research collaboration and research management will be considered an advantage
• Experience with grant writing as well as knowledge of the Nordic research 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 a disciplined and structured manner with attention to detail is important. 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 in which we emphasise ensuring that our 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 improve people’s health and the sustainability of society and the planet;
• with key actors within research and development in Denmark and internationally;
• and as part of a dedicated team that is passionate about creating impact.

Application and Information
For more information, please contact Director of Natural Sciences Kasper Nørgaard, [email protected]. We encourage you to send your application as soon as possible, and no later than 11 March 2026. Please note that we will be reviewing applications on an ongoing basis. The expected start date is 1 June 2026 or shortly thereafter.

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.