PhD Thesis - Industrial PhD in Data-driven process optimization of GLP-1 based pharmaceuticals

Are you passionate about data, modelling, and process optimization of manufacturing in the pharmaceutical industry? And would you like to be part of a newly formed research collaboration between DTU and Novo Nordisk? Then you could be our new PhD student. Read on to find out more! About the PhD program Novo Nordisk and Technical University of Denmark (DTU) have initiated a new strategic partnership and created a joint PhD program with the aim to develop new technologies for Aseptic Production (AP) and Chemistry, Manufacturing and Control Development (CMC). The goal is to achieve a more robust drug product design and automated product and process control for pharmaceutical products. This collaboration program aims to build on mutual synergies between DTU and Novo Nordisk to develop future life science talents, and the PhD students will work on cutting-edge multidisciplinary research. Integration of scientific insights from various disciplines like chemistry, mechanics, automation, data analytics and life sciences will be key for success. The program includes six departments from DTU (Construct, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, Compute, Electro, and Health Technology), and as such, the PhD programs will be anchored with supervisors from these departments.
You will be at the heart of a vibrant multidisciplinary research team, consisting of fellow PhD students, Professors, master students and industry experts working on a joint research question. You will serve as a key facilitator of the collaboration and should, therefore, expect activities like conferences, symposiums etc. together with the other PhDs to be a central part of the studies.

About this PhD position We are looking for a PhD candidate with a natural ability to gather, organize, analyze and understand large and complex data sets from Novo Nordisk production. The aim of the project will be to establish a data-driven evaluation of critical process parameters and design space in the pharmaceutical production process. This information will then be cross-referenced with expert industry domain knowledge to formulate a production optimization strategy that will ensure even more efficient production of our products in the future – for the benefit of our patients! Qualifications and responsibilities You hold a M.Sc. in a relevant field, e.g. computer science, mathematics, or engineering, with a strong emphasis on data science. As a person you are curious and seek to understand the pharmaceutical production process to its fullest. You are a strong team-player, which means you have a strong ability to share your knowledge with others, receive constructive feedback, and drive change for the better. In this position you will, among other things, be responsible for:

Acquiring data from several of Novo Nordisk’s production/production control systems

Cleaning, harmonizing and analysing the data so it can be presented in an understandable way by others

Analyzing the data in depth using state of the art tools

Together with experts from Novo Nordisk, use your insights from analysis to suggest production optimization routes for GLP-1 based products in Novo Nordisk

For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education . The recruitment process will be conducted by supervisor(s) from Novo Nordisk in collaboration with the DTU supervisor(s). The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The period of employment is 3 years. About the DTU
DTU has 13,400 students and 5,800 employees. distributed over campuses in Denmark and in Greenland, and with collaborations with the best universities around the world. DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. DTU develops technology for people and helps to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. With this position we offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom and tempered by responsibility. This position will be anchored specifically in the departments of applied mathematics and computer science ( DTU Compute ), as well as civil and mechanical engineering ( DTU Construct ). 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 on perfection. We never shy away from opportunities to develop, we seize them. From research and development, through to manufacturing, marketing and sales – we’re all working to move the needle on patient care. For more information about Novo Nordisk see: Novo Nordisk | driving change to defeat diabetes
Contact
For more information about the position, please contact Sr. Scientist, Peter Westergaard Jacobsen +45 30798897 or Sr. Manager,.Iben Secher Salinas +45 30754380 from Novo Nordisk or Professor Murat Kulahci +45 45253382 or Assoc. Professor Tobias Eifler +45 45256284 from DTU.
Deadline
June 22, 2023. Please note, applications will be reviewed, and interviews will be conducted on an ongoing basis. You application should include: Letter of motivation, CV (including list of publications or other research experience), Documentation of a relevant completed M.Sc. or M.Eng.-degree and a Course overview with grade list of Bachelor and Master’s degrees.and a Calculation of the weighted grade average with course names translated to English (link here)Please attach these documents under Diploma in the application form. Please be aware that when you apply, your CV and personal information will be shared with both DTU and Novo Nordisk Hiring Managers. 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.