Data Science Scouting & External Ventures Lead

About the Department                                                                                                                                             

The Data Science organization within Novo Nordisk’s global Development organization is responsible for clinical data capture, storage, analysis, modeling and simulation as well as the application of artificial intelligence/machine learning.

The team is comprised of approximately 1000 collaborative, diverse and passionate people who have a true sense of pride in their work and are committed to helping others grow and develop their careers. You’ll also have a platform to engage with key stakeholders on a global scale throughout the entire pipeline process. And while changing the future of diabetes and obesity treatment is no easy task, we also recognize the importance of an enjoyable workplace, which is why we’ve cultivated a culture of fun, ingenuity and innovation. And our competitive compensation package and support of a healthy work-life balance all add to a best-in-class employee experience. We are changing lives for a living. Are you ready to make a difference?

The Position

As Novo Nordisk embarks on an inspiring transformation, we are in the process of developing a new capability within the Global Development’s Data Science organization. This initiative aims to introduce innovative, data-driven approaches to the Due Diligence & Integration team (DS DDI) in our External Affairs group. We are currently seeking a Data Science Scouting & External Ventures Lead to actively shape our strategy for integrating innovative external digital/data opportunities. In this role, the candidate will be responsible for leading the development of a comprehensive strategy to identify and prioritize focus areas, as well as to identify target opportunities within these prioritized areas of interest.

Join us in creating a groundbreaking capability that will support data science due diligence involving Novo Nordisk’s external innovation and acquisitions. This position calls for proactive development and endorsement of new approaches with stakeholders. The ideal candidate should be skilled in project management, capable of crafting strategic communications for senior leadership, and adept in managing relationships across internal stakeholders.

We are searching for a visionary and strategic leader to pioneer the establishment of a groundbreaking team that focuses on scouting digital assets for Novo Nordisk. This role offers a rare opportunity to lead a pioneering effort at the intersection of metabolic conditions and emerging technologies and to drive the identification and acquisition of innovative digital solutions to advance our mission. By creating this novel capability, we aim to set a new standard for technological integration and innovation within our field.

Relationships

This position reports to Senior Director, Data Science Evaluation & Integration Strategy in Novo Nordisk’s Data Science External Affairs organization. The Scouting & External Ventures lead will work closely with different functional teams within data science and outside data science including Development External Innovation (DEI), Corporate Strategy, Commercial, and Development Devices & Delivery Solutions (DDS).

This position will leverage an individual’s network, and actively engage with external stakeholders including companies with digital/data assets, venture capital firms and pharma communities, to ensure Novo Nordisk becomes the preferred partner within our areas of interest. The position will have multiple touchpoints with multiple stakeholders and teams located globally, primarily working with stakeholders in the US and Denmark.

Essential Functions

• Responsible for proactive scouting for external data science digital assets/opportunities including identification, planning and initial evaluation of external opportunities for Novo Nordisk
• Scout and report opportunities specific to data science through professional networks or literature searches, conferences, databases, or patent searches in therapy areas of interest, i.e. diabetes, obesity, CVD, CKD, NASH, rare diseases
• Work in close collaboration with Data science stakeholders as well as DEI (Development External Innovation) stakeholders as relevant
• Support the initial evaluation process according to established procedures and guidelines up to and including due diligence to secure proposed collaborations and licenses for products and technology opportunities
• Support the development of business case and presentation of selected opportunities for relevant stakeholders and management
• Champion a culture of innovation and agility, fostering an environment that embraces experimentation, risk-taking, and continuous improvement
• Brand Novo Nordisk as the preferred partner in the areas of our interest

Physical Requirements

Up to 20% overnight travel required.

Development of People

Ensure that reporting personnel have individual development plans (IDP), with annual goals and measurements that are consistent with the priorities of the business, and that interim reviews are held so that their work is focused on those priorities, and they understand their level of accountability for results and the measurement process.

Ensure that the IDP forms include completed learning and aspiration plans and are in place for all reporting personnel to enable the achievement of goals and capability to assume increased levels of responsibility.

Manage the application and communication of all Novo Nordisk policies, procedures, and Novo Nordisk Way.

Qualifications

• An advanced degree (Masters or PhD degree) in a relevant area of life sciences, healthtech or data analytics
• 8+ years’ relevant experience , including:
  • Experience of working in scouting, early-stage venture creation, VC or in-licensing in data science; specifically related to digital, healthtech preferred
  • Professional network in data science, digital, healthtech and VC communities particularly related to disease areas of Novo Nordisk’s interest
• Understanding of the pharmaceutical, healthcare, or related industries, with the ability to recognize and assess innovative digital and data solutions that align with Novo Nordisk’s mission and strategic objectives.
• Visionary leadership skills capable of conceptualizing and implementing strategies to identify and integrate innovative digital solutions, driving transformative impact within the industry.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a collaborative mindset, demonstrating the ability to work effectively within a dynamic, cross-functional team.
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a proven capability to identify and prioritize focus areas within a complex digital and data landscape.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the capacity to articulate complex concepts to diverse audiences, and to effectively create and deliver presentations to leadership. Experience in crafting strategic communications for senior leadership is advantageous.
• Comfortable with delivering work within time-sensitive deadlines and quick turnarounds. Able to work effectively in multiple time zones as required.

The base compensation range for this position is $185000 to $215000. Base compensation is determined based on a number of factors. This position is also eligible for a company bonus based on individual and company performance. The job posting is anticipated to close on April 27th. The Company may however extend this time-period, in which case the posting will remain available on our careers website at www.novonordisk-us/careers.com.
 
Employees are also eligible to participate in Company employee benefit programs including medical, dental and vision coverage; life insurance; disability insurance; 401(k) savings plan; flexible spending accounts; employee assistance program; tuition reimbursement program; and voluntary benefits such as group legal, critical illness, identity theft protection, pet insurance and auto/home insurance. The Company also offers time off pursuant to its sick time policy, flex-able vacation policy, and parental leave policy.

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.

Novo Nordisk is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by local, state or federal laws, rules or regulations.

If you are interested in applying to Novo Nordisk and need special assistance or an accommodation to apply, please call us at 1-855-411-5290. This contact is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.