Director, Head of Computational Real-World Evidence

For over 100 years we have been driving change to defeat diabetes, but we know that what got us here today is not necessarily what will make us successful in the future. We are now transforming our business and taking our expertise into new territories including obesity and rare blood and endocrine diseases.

Our story is one of incredible growth and success, which has culminated in receiving many prestigious awards, such as Best Places to Work and Vitality – Britain’s Healthiest Workplace.

The position

We’re on the lookout for a visionary leader to join us as Director, Head of Computational Real-World Evidence (RWE). In this pivotal role, you’ll spearhead a global team of epidemiologists, real-world data scientists, and AI/ML experts—driving innovation at the crossroads of patient-level data and cutting-edge science.

While your core focus will be leading and nurturing your team, you'll also collaborate closely with internal stakeholders across Human Disease Understanding, Digital Biology, Research & Early Development, and Development Data Science. Externally, you’ll partner with academic institutions, pioneering companies, and industry innovators: shaping the future of data-driven medicine.

In this role, you’ll define the future of RWE by driving the use of patient-level data (e.g., EMRs, claims, registries) to answer critical questions in drug discovery and early development. You’ll collaborate across functions, guide strategy, and ensure scientific excellence in everything the team delivers.

Your key impact areas:

• Build, mentor, and empower a high-performing global team, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and scientific rigor.
• Define and execute the roadmap for Computational RWE, aligning it with R&ED goals and driving data strategy for patient-level RWD across the organization.
• Act as a key member of the HDU leadership team, working across R&ED and Development to maximize RWE impact.
• Oversee the design and execution of analyses on multimodal RWD (e.g., clinical, imaging, EMRs,claims) and integration with evidence from omics human data to drive insights for disease understanding and drug development.
• Stay ahead of emerging trends, establish external partnerships, and clearly communicate insights to senior leadership and external stakeholders.

You will also mentor and support junior colleagues, sharing your expertise to maintain high scientific standards and foster a collaborative team environment.

Qualifications

To be successful in this role we imagine that you have:

• Advanced degree (PhD or equivalent) in biostatistics, epidemiology, health informatics, or related field; MD/PharmD background is a plus.
• Proven leadership experience in pharma, consultancy, or health-tech, with strong line management skills and the ability to build high-performing, diverse teams.
• Expertise in RWD & advanced analytics, including study design, quantitative methods, and ideally machine learning/AI applications on real-world data.
• Strategic communicator, able to turn complex analytics into clear, actionable insights for diverse internal and external stakeholders.
• Track record of innovation, delivering cross-functional, high-impact projects in fast-paced and global environments.
• Collaborative mindset, with the confidence to challenge the status quo and a passion for pushing boundaries in data-driven healthcare.

About the department

The Digital Biology organization within Research & Early Development (R&ED) of Novo Nordisk, is a global, multidisciplinary team that puts data science and AI at the centre of drug discovery. You will report directly to Suvi Hokkanen, Senior Director, Head of Human Disease Understanding.

We take a human-centric approach to drug discovery, utilizing cutting-edge data science, machine learning, and engineering techniques to identify novel targets, biomarkers, and new drugs. Within the Human Disease Understanding area, geneticists, computational biologists and real-world evidence experts collaborate to accelerate the drug discovery process and unlock a deeper understanding of disease and treatment outcomes.

Working at Novo Nordisk

Novo Nordisk is its people. We know that life is anything but linear and balancing what is important at different stages of our career is never easy. That’s why we make room for diverse life situations, always putting people first. We value our employees for the unique skills they bring to the table, and we work continuously to bring out the best in them. Working at Novo Nordisk is working toward something bigger than ourselves, and it’s a collective effort. Together, we go further. Together, we’re life changing.

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What We Offer

• Bonus: We do our best work to succeed together. When goals are reached, you’ll be rewarded through our bonus scheme.
• Your workplace: Our offices will be your primary workplace but with flexibility to work 2-3 days at home during your working week.
• Pension: a market leading pension scheme with generous employer contributions
• Wellness: We want you to be your best self, so you’ll have access to an award-winning Wellness programme, including Private Medical Insurance.
• Insurances: All colleagues are covered by our private medical, life and disability insurance which provides protection and peace of mind.
• Inclusive culture: our culture is one of care, support and respect for our people. We are committed to making your workplace safe and believe that a transparent, inclusive culture and leadership is the way to empower every individual to do their very best.

Application support

We are an equal opportunities employer and we commit to an inclusive recruitment process and equality of opportunity for all our job applicants. If you're a person with a disability, if you're neurodivergent, and need any adjustments to be made during the application and selection process, please email Ola, [email protected]. Please include your name, the role you are interested in and the type of adjustment you need.

Contact

We can’t accept directly sent CVs, please submit your application via the ‘Apply’ Button.

Deadline

1st of August 2025

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

We’re not your typical healthcare company. In a modern world of quick fixes, we focus on solutions to defeat serious chronic diseases and promote long-term health. Our unordinary mindset is at the heart of everything we do. We seek out new ideas and put people first as we push the boundaries of science, make healthcare more accessible, and treat, prevent, and even cure diseases that affect millions of lives. Because it takes an unordinary approach to drive real, lasting change in health.