Senior Scientific Specialist within quantum technologies (paternity cover)

Do you have a scientific background in quantum science or quantum technologies and are you passionate about enabling the development of the expanding Danish, Nordic, and European quantum ecosystem? Do you recognise the importance of cutting-edge research and innovation within quantum technologies as enablers of scientific breakthroughs in important domain areas like health and sustainability? Then you might be the colleague we are looking for in the newly established Quantum Unit of the Novo Nordisk Foundation. We seek a colleague (paternity cover, 1 October 2026 – 31 May 2027) who values being a part of a team, and who would like to help grow the quantum technology ecosystem to the next level, break down barriers between research and innovation, technology and end users.


You will be part of the Quantum Unit within the Planetary Science & Technology area. The remit of the Quantum Unit is to enable the development of quantum science, talent and technologies and to drive applications within health and planetary science. We collaborate across all NNF programme areas, and with key external partners such as universities, research centres, the innovation ecosystems, government and non-government institutions, and companies.



The Job
The development of quantum technologies, particularly quantum computing, quantum sensing, and establishment of a resilient quantum supply chain as well as overall strengthening the ecosystem, is a strategic mission for the Novo Nordisk Foundation.

The job lies within this strategic quantum mission, focusing mainly on NNF’s funding activities within the quantum computing and quantum security research ecosystems. You will work on research grant programmes and investments related to quantum technologies, spanning fundamental research, technology development, education, and research infrastructures, all with the overall aim of NNF’s goal of enabling tomorrow’s 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 contribute to development and management of some of the programmes within the growing NNF portfolio of quantum 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 develop, execute and implement some of the initiatives that help strengthen the ecosystems together with key stakeholders. This is done in collaboration with colleagues working on quantum projects within NNF’s Innovation team and in Novo Holdings. 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:

• Participating in the scoping, development, implementation, and execution of new quantum initiatives
• Managing of existing NNF quantum initiatives

• Scoping, planning and executing relevant community events (workshops, roundtables) within quantum

• Providing expert knowledge within quantum technologies, especially quantum sensing
• Being an expert member of internal committees for open competition programmes

• Building bridges between academia and innovation, between basic research and tech development, and identify solutions that enable crossing of these bridges.

• Maintaining and expanding expertise within the field, for instance by actively being on top of relevant scientific literature and reports, by analysing and evaluating applications, as well as participating in scientific conferences
• Formulating reports, recommendations and other written material, also at a level intended for the NNF leadership, in a clear and professional manner.

Professional and Personal Qualifications
Knowledge of the quantum field, nationally and internationally, as well as hands-on experience in quantum research will be instrumental. Moreover, experience within quantum technologies from the experimental perspective, with the use of data science or AI, can be an advantage.

We are looking for a scientific team-member who has:

• A Ph.D. in engineering or natural science, with a research topic relevant to the position
• Ideally 2 years or more of relevant postgraduate experience from, e.g., an academic position at a university or as staff scientist in academia and/or industry

• Experience with research management, publication, formulation of research grant proposals, and participation in international research collaboration will be considered an advantage

• Research experience involving experimental quantum technologies and/or experience with data science and AI could be an advantage
• Knowledge of the quantum ecosystem and with good stakeholder managementskills 
• Project management skills

As a person you are curious and open-minded, and you 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. From your research background you have the deep knowledge, but you also have the skills to broaden your vision, see opportunities and communicate with both peers and non-experts. The job bridges initiatives across all NNF departments and therefore the ability to coordinate and work in a collaborative and 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. 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
We encourage you to upload your application as soon as possible, and no later than 28 July 2026. Interviews are planned for weeks 33 and 34. The expected start date is 1 October 2026.

Contact: Morten Bache, Director, Quantum Unit, email: Se e-mailadresse på apply.workable.com.
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 people's health and the sustainability of society and the planet. The Foundation's 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.