Job Description

Open Rank Scientist – Cell Biology

Bring your scientific curiosity to a research centre where cell biology discoveries translate directly into transformative therapies for people living with serious chronic diseases. This is your opportunity to shape the future of drug discovery from the ground up.

Your new role

As an Open Rank Scientist in Cell Biology at Novo Nordisk Research Center China, you will drive foundational research that fuels our pipeline of novel therapeutics. You'll work at the intersection of discovery science and translational biology, generating insights that directly inform drug development.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Designing, executing and interpreting cell biology experiments to support target identification, validation and mechanistic understanding
• Developing and optimising cell-based assays and in vitro model systems relevant to cardiometabolic and other serious chronic diseases
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams including pharmacology, molecular biology and computational sciences to advance research programmes
• Presenting findings at internal meetings and contributing to scientific publications and patent filings
• Staying current with emerging scientific literature and technologies to continuously enhance research capabilities
• Mentoring junior scientists and contributing to a collaborative, scientifically rigorous team culture

Your new department

In Research & Development, you'll be part of a unit that explores bold scientific ideas and advances them into clinical testing. We combine curiosity, AI tools, and human data to develop transformative therapies. Through collaboration and operational excellence, we shape and deliver an innovative pipeline to meet future patient needs.

Novo Nordisk Research Center China is a growing hub of scientific excellence, focused on early-stage discovery across multiple therapeutic areas. You will join a team of talented researchers dedicated to advancing our understanding of disease biology and identifying novel drug targets. The center operates with a start-up mindset backed by the resources and ambition of a global leader in chronic disease treatment.

Your skills & qualifications

We're looking for a passionate cell biologist who thrives in a collaborative research environment and is driven by scientific impact. You'll bring:

• A PhD in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or a related life science discipline
• Demonstrated expertise in cell-based assay development, cell signalling, or cellular disease modelling
• A strong publication record commensurate with career stage, demonstrating scientific rigour and originality
• Experience with advanced techniques such as CRISPR, high-content imaging, iPSC-derived models, or single-cell technologies is highly valued
• Excellent communication skills in English, with the ability to present complex data clearly to multidisciplinary teams
• A collaborative mindset, intellectual curiosity and the drive to translate scientific discoveries into patient impact

Working at Novo Nordisk

Every day we seek the solutions that defeat serious chronic diseases. To do this, we approach our work with determination, constant curiosity and a commitment to finding better ways forward. For over 100 years, this dedication has driven us to build a company focused on lasting change for long-term health. One where diverse thinking, shared purpose and mutual respect come together to create extraordinary results. When you join us, you're not just starting a job – you're becoming part of a story that spans generations.

What we offer

There is, of course, more on offer here than the uniqueness of our culture and the extraordinary results we produce. Being part of a global healthcare company means opportunities to learn and develop are all around us, while our benefits are designed with your career and life stage in mind.

We commit to an inclusive recruitment process and equality of opportunity for all our job applicants.

At Novo Nordisk, we're not chasing quick fixes – we're creating lasting change for long-term health. For over 100 years, we've been driven by a single purpose: to defeat serious chronic diseases and help millions of people live healthier lives. This dedication fuels our constant curiosity and inspires us to push the boundaries of what's possible in healthcare. We embrace diverse perspectives, seek out bold ideas, and build partnerships rooted in shared purpose. Together, we're making healthcare more accessible, treating and preventing diseases, and pioneering solutions that create change spanning generations. When you join us, you become part of something bigger – a legacy of impact that reaches far beyond today.