For over 100 years we have been driving change to defeat diabetes, but we know that what got us here today is not necessarily what will make us successful in the future. We are now transforming our business and taking our expertise into new territories including obesity and rare blood and endocrine diseases. 

 

Our story is one of incredible growth and success, which has culminated in receiving many prestigious awards, such as Best Places to Work and Vitality – Britain’s Healthiest Workplace.

 

The Position

 

The Senior Director of In Silico Target Discovery will consistently work with complex issues that require accurate broad-based solutions involving other functions across Novo Nordisk. You will develop long- and short-term strategies for in silico approaches and oversee their implementation, focusing on identification, validation, and maturation of novel drug targets, in collaboration with key stakeholders in Therapy Areas.

 

In this role, you will be responsible for leading the In Silico Target Discovery efforts within the Target Discovery organisation, devising, and executing innovative strategies, managing organizational change and ensuring the quality and timeliness of deliverables, and at the same time, foster a strong culture of knowledge sharing and collaboration across VP areas.

 

The Senior Director will represent Novo Nordisk at large international conferences and contribute to the scientific community through publication in high-impact peer-reviewed journals, driving greater exposure of Novo Nordisk at these forums to aid in our recruitment and staff retention agenda.

 

Your key responsibilities are as follows:

Drive the integration of cross-functional strategies through effective leadership and collaboration. Ensure scientific excellence and consistency in delivering high-quality analyses within In Silico Target Discovery. Define and implement growth strategies, ensuring strategic investment in computational biology data and platforms. Lead change management efforts, including talent recruitment, training, and development to maximize the use of in silico methodologies. Identify and manage external collaborations with leading institutions and businesses to create a robust network in genetics, computational biology, and AI.

 

For this role office presence in Oxford would be expected twice a week as well as international travel around 4 to 6 times per year.

 

Qualifications

 

We encourage candidates who meet the following criteria to apply:

Several years of experience in relevant fields (genetics, genomics, computational biology, systems biology, AI/ML), including experience in pharma or biotech industry. Established experience as a line manager in pharma or biotech industry. MS degree required; PhD preferred (in genetics, genomics, computational biology, systems biology, AI/ML). Demonstrated experience in applying in silico approaches in drug discovery and an understanding of disease biology. Demonstrated experience building and leading high-performing data science teams, including direct people management and developing other leaders. A proven track record of leadership in high-impact international research projects. Strong project management knowledge and experience. Extensive experience in external collaborations, having served on steering committees and participating in successful international partnerships. Proven track record of delivering business results with impact at the VP/SVP level.

 

About the Department

 

Target Discovery (TD) in Digital Biology, AI & Digital Innovation, R&ED, is a global, multidisciplinary team that puts computational approaches to understanding biology at the centre of drug target discovery. The department takes a human biology-centric approach, utilizing cutting-edge analytical approaches and advances in genetics, functional genomics, RWD and AI/ML to identify novel targets. By doing so, they aim to accelerate the drug discovery process and unlock a deeper understanding of disease and treatment outcomes. Through close collaboration with other departments and teams across the organization, the Target Discovery department works to bring innovative therapies to patients more quickly and improve the lives of those living with chronic conditions. With a focus on putting advanced in silico analysis of biological data at the forefront of drug discovery, the department is dedicated to transforming the pharmaceutical industry and bringing life-changing treatments to those who need them most.

 

This role reports to the VP & Head of Target Discovery. This role currently has approximately 10 direct reports across Denmark and UK. Key stakeholders include Research & Early Development (R&ED) management teams and R&ED Senior Vice President area line of business (LoB) Scientists, as well as academic institutions, biotech companies, and pharmaceutical collaborators. This role is accountable for ensuring global scalability of in silico solutions while considering the impact of decisions and initiatives on the broader organization. In this role, you will collaborate with all R&ED sites to enhance internal value through innovative co-creation frameworks.

 

Working at Novo Nordisk

 

Novo Nordisk is its people. We know that life is anything but linear and balancing what is important at different stages of our career is never easy. That’s why we make room for diverse life situations, always putting people first. We value our employees for the unique skills they bring to the table, and we work continuously to bring out the best in them. Working at Novo Nordisk is working toward something bigger than ourselves, and it’s a collective effort. Together, we go further. Together, we’re life changing.

Contact

 

What We Offer

 

Bonus: We do our best work to succeed together. When goals are reached, you’ll be rewarded through our bonus scheme. Your workplace: Our offices will be your primary workplace but with flexibility to work 2-3 days at home during your working week. Pension: a market leading pension scheme with generous employer contributions Wellness: We want you to be your best self, so you’ll have access to an award-winning Wellness programme, including Private Medical Insurance. Insurances: All colleagues are covered by our private medical, life and disability insurance which provides protection and peace of mind. Inclusive culture: our culture is one of care, support and respect for our people.  We are committed to making your workplace safe and believe that a transparent, inclusive culture and leadership is the way to empower every individual to do their very best.

 

Application Support

We are an equal opportunities employer, and we commit to an inclusive recruitment process and equality of opportunity for all our job applicants.  If you're a person with a disability, if you're neurodivergent, and need any adjustments to be made during the application and selection process, please send an email to akrw@novonordisk.com. Please include your name, the role you are interested in and the type of adjustment you need. 

 

Contact

 

Please apply to the role via our careers site, as unfortunately we do not accept directly sent resumes.

 

Deadline

 

Please apply before 15th August.

 

We commit to an inclusive recruitment process and equality of opportunity for all our job applicants. 

 

We’re not your typical healthcare company. In a modern world of quick fixes, we focus on solutions to defeat serious chronic diseases and promote long-term health. Our unordinary mindset is at the heart of everything we do. We seek out new ideas and put people first as we push the boundaries of science, make healthcare more accessible, and treat, prevent, and even cure diseases that affect millions of lives. Because it takes an unordinary approach to drive real, lasting change in health.