Scientific Manager

Establish quantum technologies and enable applications in the life sciences

Do you want to enable the development of front-line quantum technologies and push for their applications in the life sciences? Do you want to use your research background to help build the Danish, Nordic and European quantum ecosystem through strategic investments? Then you may be our new colleague in the newly established Quantum Unit at the Novo Nordisk Foundation, where we work to enable the development of quantum technologies and accelerate their use in the life sciences with the purpose of creating real value for society.

You will join the Quantum Unit within Planetary Science & Technology as a scientific manager. Our remit is to advance quantum science, talent and technologies and drive their application in health and planetary science – working across all NNF programme areas and with universities, research centres, innovation ecosystems, public institutions and companies.

The Job
The realisation of quantum computing, quantum sensing and establishment of a resilient quantum supply chain are key strategic objectives of the Novo Nordisk Foundation’s quantum mission. You will help shape our funding activities in this mission, spanning fundamental research, technology development, education and research infrastructure – all in service of tomorrow’s research and innovation ecosystems. Experience from collaborative research projects in academia and/or industry, in Denmark or abroad, is an advantage.

You will help develop and manage initiatives in NNF’s growing quantum portfolio – which encompasses the NNF Quantum Computing Programme, Quantum Foundry Copenhagen P/S, Quantum Denmark, QuNorth A/S and the NNF Centre for Biomedical Quantum Sensing – together with colleagues in NNF’s Innovation team and Novo Holdings. You will also be a go-to quantum expert inside the Foundation, shaping new strategic and open competition initiatives.

Key responsibilities:

• Developing new strategic projects within the NNF quantum portfolio
• Being in charge of designing and managing open competition programmes
• Mapping the quantum landscape
• Building bridge between quantum, AI and the life sciences
• Managing existing NNF quantum initiatives
• Taking end-to-end responsibility for the internal operations of selected quantum investments
• Reviewing proposals and contributing to open competition committee work
• Scoping and running events, and driving partnerships across the Nordics, the EU and beyond
• Writing clear reports, analyses and recommendations, including for NNF leadership

Professional and Personal Qualifications
You have deep knowledge of the quantum field and hands-on quantum research experience. You are motivated by interdisciplinary challenges: how does quantum intersect with the life sciences – or with data science and AI. Alternatively, you may work in an interdisciplinary fashion interfacing with the biomedicine, biotechnology, biophysics, chemistry, data science or AI, being motivated by how these can be accelerated by quantum technologies.

We are looking for a scientific team member who has:

• A Ph.D. in engineering, physics or other relevant natural sciences, ideally with +7 years of postgraduate experience from academia and/or industry
• Experience with quantum science and technologies
• Experience with interdisciplinary research collaboration in the life- and planetary sciences and/or AI and data science
• Experience with research management, publication, grant proposals and international research collaborations
• Knowledge of the quantum ecosystem and strong stakeholder and project management skills

You are curious and open-minded, thrive in an interdisciplinary team, and can work independently when needed. You bring depth from your research background – and the ability to zoom out, be creative, spot new opportunities and communicate with peers and non-experts alike. Since the role connects initiatives across all NNF departments, a structured and collaborative approach matter. Professional English is essential; Danish is a plus, not a requirement.

Working at the Novo Nordisk Foundation
We offer a committed and professional workplace where colleagues are challenged, supported and given room to develop. Here you get to work on projects that matter to society, alongside leading actors in research and industry.

Application and Information
Apply as soon as possible and no later than 31 August 2026. Interviews are planned for weeks 36 and 38, with an expected start date of 1 November 2026.

Please note that we will be reviewing applications on an ongoing basis.

Contact: Morten Bache, Scientific Director, Quantum Unit, email: mba@novo.dk.

To apply, send your CV, cover letter and university transcripts via the "Apply now" button. Only applications submitted through 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.