Scientific expert in Data Science and Computational Science

Are you passionate about data science, computational science, and AI? Would you like to be a part of our cutting-edge programmes within these areas, and pave the way for future research breakthroughs? Then join our Nat-Tech department at the Novo Nordisk Foundation which is responsible for the Foundation’s activities within the natural and technical sciences.  

We are looking for a dedicated and enthusiastic colleague with a strong scientific background and knowledge about the national and international frontline of data science, computational science, AI, and potentially also the interface to quantum.   

You will join a dedicated and ambitious team of colleagues who manage scientific activities related to grant awarding, both strategic and in open competition. We work in a project-centric fashion with strong and synergistic collaboration across all NNF programme areas, and with key external partners such as universities, research centres, and companies.  

Your colleagues at NNF work across the entire value chain in the core areas, from STEM teaching to university research, innovation, and to industrial uptake of the core areas. In multi-disciplinary teams you will create impact by developing, implementing, and executing existing as well as and new grants and standalone initiatives. Also, you will participate in defining novel research directions within the core areas and in crossing over to other disciplines.  

The Job 

For this position, the relevant core areas are data science, computational science, AI, as well as the interface to quantum. Also, NNF has an ambition to increase application of these areas within health and sustainability, with the overarching purpose to overcome societal and planetary challenges. Today, the Foundation has a portfolio that consists of a dedicated open-competition programme, as well as several significant strategic grants supporting, e.g., the Danish Data Science Academy, the Pioneer Centre for AI, as well as Gefion, the novel national AI-dedicated supercomputer established in collaboration with NVIDIA.  

A part of the job will be to support the current portfolio, another part of the job will be to expand the portfolio in a relevant direction, for instance in the development in applications toward biomedicine, or at the interface to quantum. 

You will be responsible for the daily management and handling of scientific reporting, and for development of strategic grants related to research initiatives within data science. In addition, you will be involved in open competition programmes, including managing the implementation, day-to-day operations, and follow-ups. 

Your tasks will include: 

• Participate in, or be responsible for designing, implementing, and running new funding programmes in open competition and establishing new strategic initiatives within the Nat-Tech department as well as in cross-organisational project teams. 

• Being at the forefront of the field, which includes staying on top of relevant scientific literature, analysing and evaluating received applications, and participating in scientific conferences. 

• Formulating the content of reports, recommendations, and other written documents clearly and professionally. 

• Maintaining communication with evaluation committees and providing guidance to applicants and stakeholders. 

• Engage - and build trusted relations - with stakeholders in the ecosystem of the core areas and help NNF develop the ecosystem further. 

• Running committee meetings and identifying peer-reviewers for calls with external reviewers. 

• Supporting the Nat-Tech programme area in handling unsolicited applications within your areas of expertise. 

Professional and personal qualifications  

We are looking for a scientific expert with: 

• A PhD degree in computational science, data science or related area, for instance math or physics, involving handling of big data 

• Demonstrated track record within fundamental research in the core areas, ideally with +3 years of postdoctoral experience, preferably from international research environments and/or relevant private industry  

• Preferably proficiency in data science algorithms and models, such as machine learning, large language models etc.  

• A well-established network and comprehensive understanding of the relevant scientific and innovation community/ecosystem  

• Experience in research management may be an advantage 

• Experience with funding applications and budget handling may be an advantage 

• Project management skills will be an advantage 

As a person you are intellectual quick and curious also outside your own professional domain. You thrive in collaborative environments and are adept at working with various stakeholders across the organisation.  

Your colleagues describe you as helpful and easy to work with and are known being an excellent and engaging communicator of research results.  

Working at the Novo Nordisk Foundation 

We offer a committed and professional workplace in which we value that our colleagues thrive, are challenged, and have opportunities to develop their potential. A career at the Novo Nordisk Foundation gives you the opportunity to work: 

• on important projects that benefit society 

• with key actors within research and industry 

• as part of a dedicated team that is passionate about creating value for society. 

Application and Information 

For more information, please contact Scientific Director Morten Bache (email: [email protected]) or Senior Vice President Lene Oddershede (email: [email protected]). We encourage you to send your application as soon as possible, and no later than 20 October 2024. 

To apply, please send your CV, cover letter and university transcripts by clicking on the “Apply now” button. 

About the Novo Nordisk Foundation  

Established in Denmark in 1924, the Novo Nordisk Foundation is an enterprise foundation with philanthropic objectives. The vision of the Foundation is to improve people’s health and the sustainability of society and the planet. The Foundation’s mission is to progress research and innovation in the prevention and treatment of cardiometabolic and infectious diseases as well as to advance knowledge and solutions to support a green transformation of society.