Specialist, Target Biology

Your new role

As Specialist, Target Biology you will be an independent individual contributor delivering end-to-end target‑specific analyses and driving methodological innovation. Reporting to the Head of Target Biology, you will lead high-impact projects to reduce translational risk and inform portfolio decisions through clear, evidence-based recommendations.

• Lead, design and deliver end-to-end reproducible analyses of genetic (GWAS, WES/WGS), transcriptomic, proteomic and other omics datasets from internal and external sources using in‑house tools and pipelines.
• Apply advanced statistical genetics approaches (e.g. GWAS, rare variant association, Mendelian Randomisation, colocalization, variant-to-gene mapping) to elucidate target biology, generate mechanistic hypotheses, nominate biomarkers and enable patient stratification.
• Integrate multi-omics, single-cell and proteomic data to infer mechanism and evaluate causal evidence for therapeutic hypotheses.
• Assess data quality, apply FAIR data principles and deliver well‑documented, version‑controlled analysis workflows suitable for reuse.
• Translate complex results into concise, actionable recommendations for scientists and senior decision‑makers via written reports, visualisations and verbal briefings; influence go/no‑go and strategic portfolio decisions.
• Represent Target Biology in cross‑functional and external forums (e.g. Translational teams, Therapeutic Disease Areas, academic and industry collaborators) to advocate for human genetics‑driven strategies.
• Identify and evaluate external scientific opportunities (academia, biotech, pharma) and internal innovations; synthesise findings into strategic recommendations and incorporate relevant advances into team practice.
• Mentor and support junior colleagues and contribute to team standards, best practices and training.

Your new department

You will join the Target Biology team within Digital Biology - the expert function for genetics, computational and experimental omics in Data Science. We sit within the AI & Digital Innovation area, which aims to speed development, improve precision and strengthen R&D by putting AI, digital science and data at the heart of drug discovery. The Target Biology team blends genetics, computational biology and cross‑disciplinary expertise to deliver subject‑matter input and high‑quality data assets to translate human data into actionable biological insight for the Novo Nordisk pipeline. We foster a thriving, collaborative workplace where people can grow, innovate and contribute meaningfully to work that benefits patients.

Your skills & qualifications

To succeed in this role, you should:

• Hold a PhD in Genetics, Genetic Epidemiology, Statistical Genetics or a closely related discipline.
• Have a minimum of 5 years of experience in data analysis (including at least 2 years in a pharmaceutical environment working with human genetics and omics data).
• Demonstrate domain expertise in genetics and omics of cardiometabolic disease (peer‑reviewed publications advantageous).
• Practical experience with GWAS/WES/WGS analyses, MR, colocalization, variant-to-gene mapping and QTL integration.
• Be proficient in R and/or Python in a high‑performance computing environment, produce reproducible analyses and use version control (e.g., Git).
• Show strong interpersonal, presentation and written communication skills in English to explain complex concepts to diverse stakeholders.
• Be proactive, innovative, well‑organised, and able to lead projects independently while collaborating effectively in multidisciplinary teams.

Working at Novo Nordisk

Every day we seek the solutions that defeat serious chronic diseases. We combine scientific curiosity, warmth and determination to create lasting improvements in patient health. At Novo Nordisk you will join a collaborative team that values development, integrity and cross functional teamwork and offers opportunities to make a direct impact on patients.

Deadline 8th March 2026 (Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis)

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