Principal PKPD Scientist

Do you want to be part of our pioneering journey to change the way we use mathematical modelling to guide drug discovery and development? Are you an experienced scientist with advanced mathematical modelling skills and a strong understanding of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic (PKPD) principles? Then apply today and join our modelling department in a permanent position within the Research and Early Development organization at Novo Nordisk!   
 
The position  
In this role, you will combine your proficiency in cutting-edge modelling and simulation within pharmacology in critical medical areas, which requires efficient collaboration and communication with subject matter experts. You will be part of a growing team that collectively drives the implementation of PKPD and engage with scientists across the Research & Early Development organization. Furthermore, you will contribute to a variety of projects and therapeutic areas.

Some of your main responsibilities will include:

• Setting the strategic direction for PKPD within projects in alignment with key stakeholders
• PKPD modelling on research compounds tested in different/selected animals and/or in vitro data
• Simulation of human PKPD based on animal and in vitro data; extract literature/competitor data on similar compounds to include in modelling
• Demonstrated ability to maintain state of the art competences and know-how within PKPD, as well as being an innovator and driver and create impact on the R&D value chain 
• Anticipating internal and/or external business challenges and recommending process, product or service improvements
• Independently solving unique and complex problems that have a broad impact on the business

  
Qualifications  

You hold a Ph.D. in physics, math, engineering, or other disciplines related to quantitative biology or pharmacology and ideally have 10+ years relevant experience (post PhD) of which at least 5 years in the pharmaceutical/biotech industry in pharmacometrics or mathematical modelling and simulation. You have an excellent understanding of theory, principles, and statistical aspects of advanced mathematical modelling and simulation and your ability to translate these tools into actionable insights is exceptional. 
To succeed in the role, you have:  

• Excellent understanding of pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (PKPD) theory and modelling, statistical methodology and data interpretation
• Outstanding ability to identify challenges, develop strategies and translate it into actionable work packages
• Experience in modelling biological and/or other natural processes using mechanistic and/or a combination of mechanistic & empirical models
• Extensive expertise and programming skills with PK/PD modelling software (Phoenix WinNonlin/NLME, NONMEM, and/or Monolix), as well as software for data manipulation and analysis (e.g. R, Python)  
• Experience managing external service providers
• Due diligence evaluation within PKPD
• Disease area expertise, preferably within diabetes and/or obesity

As a person, you are keen to learn new skills and able to communicate with experts of other areas. You have exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills and the ability to effectively interact with colleagues with a variety of backgrounds. Furthermore, you have demonstrated experience and a keen interest in mentoring and sharing knowledge with junior scientists and colleagues. In addition, you have excellent written and oral communication skills in English. 
 
About the department  
The Discovery PKPD and Quantitative Systems Pharmacology (QSP) department is growing to support a wide range of diseases from diabetes and obesity over hemophilia to growth disorders and a range of rare diseases. The models we develop and apply help to understand resistance mechanisms, support drug discovery, optimize dose & schedule selection and combination therapy and much more. We work in interdisciplinary teams, with a focus to support and integrate in vitro and in vivo pharmacology data into current or new PKPD and/or QSP models to describe the dynamic interactions between drug(s) and biological systems. The models inform and support drug discovery, development and regulatory interactions.
The department is anchored within Global Drug Discovery (GDD) in Research & Early Development (R&ED). The area supports the discovery and development portfolio with pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) evaluations using a variety of modelling and simulation tools, as well as mechanistic modelling (QSP).  
You will have highly skilled and dedicated colleagues supporting projects from early discovery, through non-clinical development, as well as early clinical development. In our daily work, we have close collaboration with all parts of the global Discovery and Development organization, research project teams as well as external collaborators.  
   
Working at Novo Nordisk  
At Novo Nordisk, we don’t wait for change. We drive it. We’re a dynamic company in an even more dynamic industry, and we know that what got us to where we are today is not necessarily what will make us successful in the future. We embrace the spirit of experimentation, striving for excellence without fixating on perfection. We never shy away from opportunities to develop, we seize them. From research and development to manufacturing, marketing and sales – we’re all working to move the needle on patient care.  
  
Contact
For further information about the position please contact Elisabeth Haun, Talent Acquisition Partner at [email protected]. 
 
Deadline 
22 April 2024.

To ensure an efficient and fair recruitment process, please refrain from adding a photo in your CV. 

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

At Novo Nordisk we recognize that it is no longer good enough to aspire to be the best company in the world. We need to aspire to be the best company for the world and we know that this is only possible with talented employees with diverse perspectives, backgrounds and cultures. 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.