Senior Scientific Manager - Infectious Diseases

We are seeking a passionate and experienced Senior Scientific Manager to join our Infectious Diseases Programme Area at the Novo Nordisk Foundation. You will be developing and managing a portfolio of projects within clinical infectious diseases research and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and using your expertise to support projects across the entire Novo Nordisk Foundation portfolio at both the national and global level.  

Since the Infectious Diseases Programme area was established by The Novo Nordisk Foundation (NNF) in 2022, several strategic initiatives have been built up in support of the aim to decrease the burden and threat of infectious diseases under the health theme of the NNF 2030 Strategy. This includes several established programs within vaccines and immunity (e.g., NIVI); viruses and epidemic preparedness (e.g., PAD initiative); as well as bacterial and fungal pathogens and AMR. 

Our Infectious Diseases team is made up of 8 dedicated colleagues from diverse backgrounds and nationalities. Joining our team and NNF means being part of a dynamic and diverse community where your expertise and individuality contribute to the collective pursuit of scientific excellence and global impact.  

In the team we act as close sparring partners, and we value creativity, integrity, and good collegial relationships. We have a strong collaborative focus in our ways of working both within our area and across the NNF as well as with external partners and stakeholders in infectious diseases and global health.    

The job 

As a Senior Scientific Manager, you will play a key role in building and managing our Infectious Diseases portfolio of projects. Your job will be to identify, co-develop and evaluate excellent research to be funded by the Foundation. You will also be responsible for the continued evaluation of funded projects and support for grant holders to ensure high quality output and impact.    

Your specific tasks will include (among others): 

• Managing and growing a portfolio of grants within your area of expertise including: 

• leading the execution and development of existing and new clinical research initiatives within Infectious Diseases 

• establishing projects on targeted national/international funding opportunities in AMR innovation 

• providing ad hoc technical support for other AMR and infectious diseases related activities in the programme area and across the Foundation. 

• Contributing to the daily operation and implementation of specific strategic initiatives within the Infectious Diseases Programme area in support of the NNF 2030 strategy including: 

• designing and hosting workshops  

• preparing project documents, reports and other presentation materials 

• participating and contributing with relevant technical expertise in NNF project teams for existing or new initiatives across the foundation. 

• Engaging with external stakeholders and representing the Foundation and the Infectious Diseases team both nationally and internationally and maintain a constructive dialogue with project partners. 

Professional and personal qualifications 

We welcome candidates with a strong scientific background in infectious diseases, whether from clinical specialties such as infectious diseases, clinical microbiology, or respiratory medicine, or from clinical development in industry or research environments.  

Furthermore, we expect you to have: 

• A research degree (PhD/DMSc) with a minimum of 10 years post PhD experience in clinical infectious diseases research (from academia/public institutions, or the private sector – ideally both) 

• Experience in developing clinical research (trial) protocols and managing major projects and/or other relevant leadership/management experience 

• Experience in coordinating and establishing multi-partner projects and consortia 

• Considerable international experience and established network within clinical infectious diseases research 

• Strong communication and presentation skills including fluency in English both oral and written 

• Experience in translational development of new medical interventions (such as drugs, vaccines/ biologics, and diagnostics) including experience with regulatory aspects is valued as a plus but is not a prerequisite 

We believe you will thrive in this role if you are 

• Professional, quality-conscious, and impact-oriented 

• Independent and able to make decisions and provide strategic input 

• Analytical, ambitious, proactive, and with a structured approach to problem-solving 

• Intellectually quick, curious, disciplined, resourceful, and resilient 

• Able to build strong relationships with good interpersonal skills and a team player 

The primary workplace is onsite  at the Novo Nordisk Foundation’s offices in Hellerup, Denmark. You should expect travel approximately four times/weeks per year as well as occasional meetings outside normal working hours, due to global partners in different time-zones. 
 

Working at the Novo Nordisk Foundation 

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

• on important projects that improves people’s health and the sustainability of society and the planet;   

• with key actors within research and development in Denmark and internationally; 

• and as part of a dedicated team that is passionate about creating impact. 

 
Next step  

To apply, please send your CV, cover letter and other relevant documents by clicking the “Apply now” button.  

For more information, please contact Susan Nielsen (PA and Team Coordinator) by email [email protected]. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible and no later than Monday 28 October. The first interviews are expected to take place mid-November and the second interviews in December.   

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. As a consequence, we are a growing organization, which means new job openings and exciting opportunities for employees to be part of forming the future of the Foundation.