Lead Data Architect in London

Are you ready to define the data architecture that will transform how Novo Nordisk discovers, develops, and delivers life-changing medicines? We are looking for a visionary Lead Data Architect who can define the data foundation that powers AI-driven drug discovery for thousands of R&D professionals and a pipeline touching millions of patients.

Your new role

As a Lead Data Architect within Research & Development, you will design and implement the data infrastructure that enables our scientists to push the boundaries of drug discovery and development. In this role, communication and collaboration are central, as you work at the intersection of science, data and technology, translating complex requirements into scalable architectural solutions. This role architects the data foundation that enables Novo Nordisk R&D to compress drug development timelines from years to months and make all critical R&D datasets a reusable, AI-ready strategic asset. You'll design for humans and autonomous agents simultaneously, embedding governance as an accelerator, and compliant by design, not by afterthought. You will architect the semantic backbone that enables both human scientists and autonomous AI agents to discover, trust, and activate data at an industrial scale.

Novo Nordisk is consolidating a fragmented R&D data landscape into a single governed data foundation, while simultaneously scaling AI from pilot to production. The next era of pharmaceutical R&D will be built on data architecture decisions made in the next 18 months. This role makes those decisions.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Engineering the data backbone for AI-era pharma that supports advanced analytics, AI/ML models and scientific research across R&D.
• Representing the data architecture requirements of R&D in discussions with our enterprise IT system architects and technical leads.
• Partnering with stakeholders across R&D to influence decisions and identify opportunities where improved data architecture can accelerate scientific breakthroughs.
• Partnering with scientists, ML engineers, and product teams to align on data requirements, translating them into clear technical solutions.
• Designing and implementing data governance frameworks, standards and best practices, and advocating for their adoption across stakeholders to ensure data quality, security and compliance.
• Optimising data pipelines and integration processes to enable seamless access to diverse data sources, including human data, clinical trial data and experimental results.

Your new department

You will join the Data Ingestion team within the AI and Digital Innovation organisation, partnering closely with Data Science, AI & Analytics and data-producing departments across R&D. The team works across organisational boundaries, where clear communication and alignment are key to scaling data infrastructure and pipelines that underpin analytics, machine learning modelling and research.

Your skills and qualifications

We are looking for an individual who thrives in a fast-paced scientific environment and is confident engaging with multiple stakeholders. You combine strong technical expertise with the ability to explain, influence and build trust across disciplines. To succeed in this role, you should:

• Hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Data Science or a related technical field.
• Have 3+ years of experience in data architecture as well as 5+ total years in data modelling or related roles, ideally within complex or regulated environments.
• Have experience operating in enterprise environments where architecture is decentralized and requires representation from different parts of the business.
• Demonstrate proficiency in designing scalable data solutions and working with cloud platforms and modern data technologies.
• Have strong capabilities in explaining complex systems to non-technical stakeholders, including creating architectural diagrams tailored to different audiences.
• Excel at building strong relationships, facilitating discussions and balancing technical excellence with stakeholder needs.

Working at Novo Nordisk

Every day we seek the solutions that defeat serious chronic diseases. To do this, we approach our work with determination, constant curiosity and a commitment to finding better ways forward. For over 100 years, this dedication has driven us to build a company focused on lasting change for long-term health. One where diverse thinking, shared purpose and mutual respect come together to create extraordinary results. When you join us, you're not just starting a job – you're becoming part of a story that spans generations.

What we offer

There is, of course, more on offer here than the uniqueness of our culture and the extraordinary results we produce. Being part of a global healthcare company means opportunities to learn and develop are all around us, while our benefits are designed with your career and life stage in mind.

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 azzq@novonordisk.com. Please include your name, the role you are interested in and the type of adjustment your need.

Deadline 6 August 2026

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 resume or CV. 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're not chasing quick fixes – we're creating lasting change for long-term health. For over 100 years, we've been driven by a single purpose: to defeat serious chronic diseases and help millions of people live healthier lives. This dedication fuels our constant curiosity and inspires us to push the boundaries of what's possible in healthcare. We embrace diverse perspectives, seek out bold ideas, and build partnerships rooted in shared purpose. Together, we're making healthcare more accessible, treating and preventing diseases, and pioneering solutions that create change spanning generations. When you join us, you become part of something bigger – a legacy of impact that reaches far beyond today.