Scientific Manager or Specialist within Research Infrastructure or Technology

Do you recognize the importance of cutting-edge research infrastructure and new technology as enablers of scientific breakthroughs?  Do you have experience in this field, and would you like to facilitate the development and deployment of tomorrow’s scientific infrastructure and technologies?  We are looking for a new colleague, who would like to push new technologies, values being a part of a team and has a scientific background within research infrastructure or technology development.

You will have 14 colleagues in the Natural and Technical Science department (Nat-Tech) with scientific expertise across the natural and technical sciences, which we are passionate about. You will be a part of the ‘Interdisciplinary, technology and infrastructure team’, which is a sub-team under Nat-Tech. The team focusses on interdisciplinary initiatives and collaborate across all NNF programme areas, and with key external partners such as universities, research centres, and companies.

The Job

The core areas for the position are research infrastructure and/or technology development. You will work on projects spanning from fundamental research and development within natural and technical science to the enabling of research within health and sustainability, in particular with focus on facilitating the development and deployment of new technologies. Your previous hands-on experience from working with advanced research infrastructure or development of scientific equipment will be valuable. Moreover, it is an advantage if you have participated in collaborative research projects in academia and/or industry in Denmark or abroad.

You will be responsible for the execution of the open competition calls within the NNF Research Infrastructure Programme. This programme facilitates the development, acquisition and operation of scientific infrastructure at Danish research institutions. This involves handling the application and evaluation processes as well as follow up on granted research infrastructures. Moreover, you will contribute with expert knowledge on research infrastructure and/or instrument development in initiatives across the Foundation. Also, you will participate in the development of new strategic and open competition initiatives within research infrastructure, technology and interdisciplinary research.

Your tasks will include:

• Execution on open competition funding programmes within research infrastructure. This includes guidance of applicants, grantees and committees, preparation of calls and management of the evaluation process, including peer review and project monitoring activities.
• Participation in the development, implementation, and execution of other open competition programmes and the establishment of new strategic initiatives within the Nat-Tech department as well as in cross-organisational projects.
• Providing expert knowledge within technology development or research infrastructure across NNF’s programme areas.
• Maintaining expertise within the field and acquiring new knowledge, for instance by reading relevant scientific literature and reports, by analysing and evaluating applications, as well as participating in scientific conferences.
• Formulating content of reports, recommendations, and other written documents clearly and professionally.
• 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 team-member who has:

• A Ph.D. in engineering or natural science as well as at least 2 years of relevant postgraduate experience from, e.g., an academic position at a university or staff scientist in academia and/or industry.
• Research experience with emphasis on experimental activities involving the use of advanced instrumentation, experimental methods, instrument development, international large scale research infrastructures, or other multi-user facilities
• Experience of working in different or interdisciplinary scientific environments
• Experience with international research collaboration will be considered an advantage
• Experience in research management will be considered an advantage
• Experience with grant writing will be considered an advantage

As a person you are curious, open-minded and thrive in an interdisciplinary environment with a focus on teamwork. The job bridges initiatives across several NNF departments and therefore the ability to coordinate and work in structured manner with attention to detail is important. Moreover, it is essential to be able to communicate in English, at a professional level to both peers and non-experts. Knowledge of the Danish language may be an advantage but is not a requirement.

Working at the Novo Nordisk Foundation

We offer a committed and professional workplace where it is valued that 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, and as part of a dedicated team that is passionate about creating value for society.

Application and Information

For more information, please contact Scientific Director Ulla Gro Nielsen (email: [email protected] and phone: +45 2224 5230) or Senior Vice President Lene Oddershede (email: [email protected]). We encourage you to send your application as soon as possible, and no later than 27 February 2025. Interviews will be held on 6 and 7 March 2025. The expected start date is 1 May 2025.

To apply, please send your CV, cover letter and university transcripts by clicking on the “Apply now” button. Notice that only applications and material submitted by the official NNF job portal will be considered.

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.  

In the coming years, the Foundation will broaden its scope and increase its grants for scientific, humanitarian, and social purposes, including solving the climate crisis and developing tomorrow’s food production. As a consequence, we are a growing organisation, which means new job openings and exciting opportunities for employees to be part of forming the future of the Foundation.