Department Manager in Cultivation Research

Category:

Research

Are you passionate about leading people and teams, and thrive in developing and inspiring top talent? Do you want to help shape the next generation of protein and peptide production while driving cell cultivation process excellence and innovation?

If you are motivated to make a significant difference and drive impactful results, you might be the leader we are looking for to head our newly established Cultivation Research 2 department at Novo Nordisk in Måløv, Denmark. Apply today!

The position

As a Department Manager, you will lead and develop a team of experts specializing in cultivation technology. The core activities of the department involve mammalian cell cultivation in controlled bioreactors for the production of recombinant proteins and early process development.

The team ensures the supply of recombinant drug variants for purification, qualifies the Initial Cell Clone (ICC), and develops scalable processes for producing lead candidate molecules across all therapy areas of Novo Nordisk. This work relies on state-of-the-art cultivation and recovery technology, a profound understanding of cell physiology, and a long legacy within recombinant protein production.

The department is engaged in numerous exciting projects within the Novo Nordisk pipeline, where cross-functional collaboration is essential. As a leader, you will proactively build partnerships, identify synergies, and foster successful collaborations both within and outside the organization, especially towards our molecular biology, purification departments and the Chemistry, Manufacturing & Control (CMC) organization.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading a team of scientists and laboratory technicians, fostering an open and inclusive culture with a focus on well-being and personal development
• Overseeing and prioritizing resources for research projects aligned with corporate strategic goals and in close collaboration with the leader for our other cultivation research department
• Promoting a curiosity-driven innovation culture and cross-functional collaborations
• Setting clear direction and driving changes in a dynamic research environment
• Spearheading digitalization, automation, and optimization initiatives in the department while overseeing budgeting and resource planning

As part of a dedicated leadership team, you will participate in setting the strategic direction for the Bioprocess Research area.

Qualifications

To thrive and succeed in the role, we expect you to have:

• A Ph.D. in biotechnology, chemical engineering, cell physiology, protein chemistry, molecular biology, or related biopharmaceutical science OR, alternatively
• A master’s degree with significant industry research and development experience
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry
• Proven expertise in mammalian cell cultivation and process development, demonstrated by publications, patents and an international network
• Experience with yeast and other microbial cell cultivation processes is a plus
• Proactive and visible leadership with the ability to set clear and meaningful directions in a complex environment with many stakeholders

Although leadership experience is not required for the position, it is advantageous. We value people as our greatest asset, and as a leader, you should be committed to developing your team, guiding them, and fostering a continuous learning and growth mindset.

As a cultural role model, you lead by example, fostering a sustainable and engaging work environment.

About the department

The Cultivation Research 2 department is part of the Bioprocess Research area, integrated within the SVP area of Therapeutics Discovery and Accelerated Execution in Research and Early Development (R&ED).

Bioprocess Research comprises four departments that collaborate closely to provide our research pipeline with quality materials and fit-for-purpose processes, supporting a range of oral and injectable biologics across Novo Nordisk's research portfolio.

Our department includes ten scientists and lab technicians. We drive innovation through a curiosity-driven mindset and openness to new technologies and profound cell cultivation process expertise.

R&ED is crucial to Novo Nordisk’s continuous growth. We combine world-class scientific, pharmaceutical, and clinical expertise with the highest ethical standards to improve the quality of life for millions of patients worldwide.

Working at Novo Nordisk

We never shy away from opportunities to develop, we seize them. From research and development, through to manufacturing, marketing and sales – we’re all working to move the needle on patient care.

For further information, please contact Senior Director Michael Sandrini at +45 3079 0527.

1 June 2025.

Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

You do not need to attach a cover letter to your application, but please include a few sentences about why you are applying in your CV. To ensure an efficient and fair recruitment process, please refrain from adding a photo to your CV.

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

We are therefore committed to creating an inclusive culture that celebrates the diversity of our employees, the patients we serve and communities we operate in. Together, we’re life changing.