Are you passionate about understanding the interplay between protein-protein interactions, protein structure and pharmaceutical production? And would you like to be part of a newly formed research collaboration between DTU and Novo Nordisk? Then you could be our new PhD student. Read on to find out more! About the PhD program Novo Nordisk and Technical University of Denmark (DTU) have initiated a new strategic partnership and created a joint PhD program with the aim to develop new technologies for Aseptic Production (AP) and Chemistry, Manufacturing and Control Development (CMC). The goal is to achieve a more robust drug product design and automated product and process control for pharmaceutical products. This collaboration program aims to build on mutual synergies between DTU and Novo Nordisk to develop future life science talents, by having PhD students developing cutting edge multidisciplinary research for Novo Nordisk pharmaceutical CMC and AP. Scientific insights from various disciplines like chemistry, physics, mechanics, automation, data analytics and life sciences will be key for success. The program includes six departments from DTU (Construct, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, Compute, Electro, Health Technology), and as such, the PhD programs will be anchored with supervisors from these departments.
You will be placed at the heart of a vibrant research environment, consisting of fellow PhDs, master students and industry experts serving as a node in the collaboration and expected to be participating in activities like conferences, symposiums etc. together with the other PhDs to be a central part of the studies.

About this PhD position We are looking for a PhD candidate with a deep interest in understanding how proteins and excipients are involved in pump-induced protein aggregation, seen under aseptic filling production. The aim of the project is to build a mechanistic understanding of the phenomena identifying relevant parameters and criteria. This is to be used in optimization of future product knowledge strategies – to make improvements for the benefits of our patients! The project will be mainly experimental using various biophysical tools such as small-angle X-ray scattering, (SAXS), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and shear-rheology. Other characterization techniques can also become relevant. Modeling with theory and computer simulations will be used for molecular level understanding and predictions, when applicable.
Qualifications and Responsibilities You hold a M. Sc. in a relevant field such as biophysics, physical chemistry, nanoscience or chemical engineering, pharmaceutical science or similar. As a person you have a curious and scientific mindset and you are industrious and self-driven. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education. The recruitment process will be conducted by the supervisor(s) from Novo Nordisk in collaboration with the DTU supervisor(s). The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The period of employment is 3 years. About the DTU
DTU has 13,400 students and 5,800 employees. distributed over campuses in Denmark and in Greenland, and with collaborations with the best universities around the world. DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. DTU develops technology for people and helps to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. With this position we offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom and tempered by responsibility. This position will be anchored specifically in the departments of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering ( DTU C&BE ), as well the department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine ( DTU B&BM) Working at Novo Nordisk
At Novo Nordisk, we don’t wait for change. We drive it. We’re a dynamic company in an even more dynamic industry, and we know that what got us to where we are today is not necessarily what will make us successful in the future. We embrace the spirit of experimentation, striving for excellence without fixating on perfection. We never shy away from opportunities to develop, we seize them. From research and development, through to manufacturing, marketing and sales – we’re all working to move the needle on patient care. For more information about Novo Nordisk see: Novo Nordisk | driving change to defeat diabetes
Contact
For more information about the position, please contact Specialist, Malin Zackrisson Oskolkova +45 30793956 or Associate Manager, Christoffer Dam Florentsen +45 30796859 from Novo Nordisk or Professor Krist V. Gernaey +45 45252970 or Professor, Alexander Kai Büll +45 45254061 from DTU.
Deadline
June 22, 2023. Please note, applications will be reviewed, and interviews will be conducted on an ongoing basis. 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 CV which we would like in English. We need documentation of a relevant completed M.Sc. or M.Eng.-degree and a Course overview with grade list of Bachelor and Master’s degrees.and a Calculation of the weighted grade average with course names translated to English (link here)Please attach these documents under Diploma in the application form Please be aware that when you apply, your CV and personal information will be shared with both DTU and Novo Nordisk Hiring Managers. 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 recognize that it is no longer good enough to aspire to be the best company in the world. We need to aspire to be the best company for the world and we know that this is only possible with talented employees with diverse perspectives, backgrounds and cultures. We are therefore committed to creating an inclusive culture that celebrates the diversity of our employees, the patients we serve and communities we operate in. Together, we’re life changing.