Are you passionate about machine learning, AI, and data sciences? The Data & AI Engineering function is a global organisation within R&D Business Unit at Novo Nordisk, shaping the data foundations and intelligent infrastructure, and next-generation agentic solutions across the organization. Together we can create life-changing innovations for patients.

The Position

As Associate Director, you will provide strategic engineering leadership for the development of scalable and robust AI products, including agentic applications for content authoring, knowledge management, and compliance automation. You will lead a portfolio spanning early research, pre-clinical, and clinical development, ensuring agentic AI initiatives progress from proof-of-value to production. The role is accountable for establishing the data foundations and agentic AI infrastructure that support Novo Nordisk's R&D AI ambitions, while driving business impact through the orchestration of complex cross-functional initiatives and stakeholder collaborations in a quality- and governance-focused environment.

Furthermore, you will be responsible for:

• Defining and driving the AI product infrastructure strategy for R&D, enabling an integrated ecosystem of Agentic AI solutions

• Ensure robust and scalable delivery of AI capabilities (data foundations, infrastructure, MLOps), with a strong focus on quality, traceability, risk management, and governance readiness. Transforming scientific and operational data into trusted, scalable AI solutions that accelerate innovation, improve efficiency, and support better business outcomes across R&D.

• Developing and executing short- and long-term strategies for AI engineering and AI data foundations, aligning R&D and Enterprise AI priorities through internal partnerships and external collaborations.

• Driving cross-functional initiatives and influence senior stakeholders to remove complexity, accelerate AI adoption, and enable sustainable AI-driven transformation across the organization.

• Leading the delivery of technology innovation across a complex stakeholder landscape and scientific environment, balancing evolving business priorities while identifying the highest-impact opportunities for AI deployment.

Qualifications

To thrive and succeed, we expect you to have:

• Degree in Computer Science, Bioinformatics, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field.

• Strong background in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Science, or Product Development with a strong focus on product engineering. Solid understanding of AI engineering, data foundations, cloud technologies, and scalable AI solution development.

• Proven experience leading teams or working in a strategic consulting capacity, with a track record of delivering complex AI and Machine Learning initiatives across data engineering, AI/ML research, and IT platforms.

• Experience engaging with senior business stakeholders and translating business needs into technology and AI strategies. Strong stakeholder management, communication, and influencing skills across complex organizational environments.

• Ability to represent the organization in collaboration with external technology partners and AI providers within areas such as Agentic AI, AI engineering, and data platforms.

• A curious, collaborative, and visible leadership style, with a passion for innovation and continuous learning.

About the Department

You will join a recently established AI Product Engineering team focused on enabling the next generation of AI solutions across R&D. Working closely with Data Science and AI stakeholders across multiple global locations, the team is developing advanced Agentic AI capabilities in areas such as Gen AI-driven content authoring, research assistance agents, knowledge management agents, and compliance automation through AI.

The team plays a key role in shaping scalable AI platforms, engineering standards, and technology foundations that support the sustainable development of AI solutions across a complex and evolving data landscape.

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 perfection. We never shy away from opportunities to develop, we seize them. From research and development, through manufacturing, marketing, and sales – we're all working to move the needle on patient care.

What we offer

At Novo Nordisk, you’ll join a global healthcare company with a unique culture and strong results. We offer continuous learning, career development, and benefits tailored to your life and career stage.

Salary: For this role, the Annual Base Salary ranges from 87,680.00 to 137,660.00 GBP, corresponding to the level of the position.

The placement within the salary range will be assessed during the recruitment process based on the candidate’s skills, competencies, knowledge, and relevant experience.

Incentives and Benefits: The salary package may include short-term and/or long-term incentives as well as other employee benefits based on position level, location, functional area and relevant market benchmarks.

Learn more about our Reward Philosophy here