Senior Scientific Specialist within Quantum Technology

Are you a scientific expert in quantum technologies and passionate about developing an exponentially growing Danish quantum ecosystem Do you recognize the importance of cutting-edge research and innovation within quantum technologies as enablers of scientific breakthroughs in important domain areas like health and sustainability We are looking for a new colleague with a scientific background within quantum technologies who values being a part of a team and who would like to help grow the quantum technology ecosystem to a new level break down barriers between research and innovation technology and end users.

You will have 6 scientific colleagues in the newly established Technical Science department (Tech) with scientific expertise across the natural and technical sciences which we are passionate about. The departments focus areas include Quantum Technologies Data Science and Research Infrastructure. You will be a part of the Data Science and Quantum team which is a team within the Tech department. The team focusses on initiatives within Data Science and AI as well as within Quantum Technologies. We collaborate across all NNF programme areas and with key external partners such as universities research centres and the innovation ecosystem.

The Job
The core area for the position is quantum technologies especially quantum computers and quantum sensors. Your previous hands-on experience from working with research in quantum sector will be valuable. Moreover experience within data science and AI including how these intersect with quantum is an advantage. You will work on projects related to quantum technologies spanning fundamental research technology development education innovation and research infrastructures all with the overall aim of NNFs goal of enabling tomorrows research and innovation ecosystems within health and sustainability. Thus it is an advantage if you have participated in collaborative research projects in academia and/or industry in Denmark or abroad

You will be responsible for internal management of some of the programmes with in the growing NNF portfolio of strategic initiatives e.g. NNF Quantum Computing Programme Quantum Foundry Copenhagen P/S Quantum Denmark QuNorth A/S and NNF Centre for Biomedical Quantum Sensing. NNF also plays a central role in developing the local and international quantum ecosystems and a key role is to be an active part and shape the ecosystems together with key stakeholders. Moreover you will contribute with expert knowledge on quantum technologies within the foundation to develop new strategic and open competition initiatives within quantum.

Your tasks will include:

• Participation in the scoping development implementation and execution of new strategic initiatives within the Tech department within quantum and/or AI as well as in cross-organisational projects
• Scope plan and execute relevant community events (workshops roundtables) within quantum

• Providing expert knowledge within quantum technologies
• Identify barriers between academia and innovation between basic research and tech development between technology providers and end users etc. and identify solutions that break down these barriers.

• Maintaining expertise within the field and acquiring new knowledge for instance by reading relevant scientific literature and reports by analysing and evaluating applications as well as participating in scientific conferences
• Formulating reports recommendations and other written documents clearly and professionally
• Be an expert member of internal committees for open competition programmes

Professional and Personal Qualifications
We are looking for a scientific team-member who has:

• A Ph.D. in engineering or natural science as well as at least 2 years of relevant postgraduate experience from e.g. an academic position at a university or staff scientist in academia and/or industry
• Skilled networker experience in operating with stakeholders in an ecosystem
• Experience with project management and an interest to develop these skills further
• Communicate in English at a professional level
• Experience with international research collaboration will be considered an advantage

• Experience with translating technologies to end users is considered an advantage
• Experience of working in interdisciplinary scientific environments is considered an advantage
• Research experience involving the use of quantum technologies; experience with data science and AI is considered an advantage
• Experience with international research collaborations and research management will be considered an advantage
• Experience with grant writing will be considered an advantage
  

As a person you are curious open-minded and thrive in an interdisciplinary environment with a focus on teamwork. You are a team player but can also work independently and you are willing to learn new skills and broaden your expertise to new topics. You can dig deep as a specialist but also go into the helicopter as a generalist as well as communicate to both peers and non-experts. The job bridges initiatives across several NNF departments and therefore the ability to coordinate and work in structured manner with attention to detail is important. Moreover it is essential to be able to communicate in English at a professional level to both peers and non-experts. Knowledge of the Danish language may be an advantage but is not a requirement.

Working at the Novo Nordisk Foundation
We offer a committed and professional workplace where it is valued that colleagues thrive are challenged and have opportunities to develop their potential. A career at the Novo Nordisk Foundation gives you the opportunity to work on important projects that benefit society with key actors within research and industry and as part of a dedicated team that is passionate about creating value for society.

Application and Information
For more information please contact Scientific Director Morten Bache (email: and phone:). We encourage you to send your application as soon as possible and no later than 9 September 2025. First Interviews are planned for weeks 40 and 41 with a second round planned for week 43. The expected start date is 1 December 2025.

To apply please send your CV cover letter and university transcripts by clicking on the Apply now button. Notice that only applications and material submitted by 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 peoples health and the sustainability of society and the planet. The Foundations 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 including solving the climate crisis and developing tomorrows food production. As a consequence we are a growing organisation which means new job openings and exciting opportunities for employees to be part of forming the future of the Foundation.

Required Experience:

Senior IC