Head of Innovation at the Novo Nordisk Foundation CO2 Research Center

Are you motivated to lead innovation with global impact on climate change mitigation? Do you have expertise in advancing technologies from research to pilot stage and beyond?

The Novo Nordisk Foundation CO₂ Research Center (CORC) is seeking a Head of Innovation to lead implementation and growth of our innovation ecosystem within carbon capture and utilization, based at Aarhus University and AU Viborg, Denmark, but with global outreach. In this role, you will be responsible for developing the innovation infrastructure and governance of our innovation hub, including establishing strategic investor collaborations and enable key innovation activities that support our mission to accelerate the transition to a sustainable future.

This is a permanent position starting on 1 December 2025 or as soon as possible.

Job description

The Head of Innovation, will be responsible for:

• Leading the development and implementation of the innovation strategy.
• Drive the development and implementation of a novel innovation fast-track framework for CCU technologies in collaboration with Danish and International investment funds and foundations. 
• Lead the development and governance of the innovation infrastructure to pilot the most promising CCU technologies.
• Be the people leader of a small team who are responsible for innovation activities.
• Lead coordination and planning across the involved Universities’ innovation departments as well as other collaborators and enable spin-out/scale-up opportunities including iterative learning across research teams and involved industrial entities.
• Collaborate closely with the head of research operations to ensure a healthy and seamless research and innovation pipeline.

Your profile

• You have a relevant scientific background preferably with experience from Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) or similar technology areas, and experience as a leader in R&D/ technology Innovation.
• You have experience with spinouts and leading innovation hub activities across academia and industry, and you possess a network of trusted relations of venture capitalists and/or foundations.
• You are recognized as a motivating and empathetic leader.
• You are a strong and clear communicator in English and Danish in both writing and speaking, fitting easily into an international and Danish environment.
• You have technical acumen as well as strong motivational, interpersonal skills and possess a high degree of creativity and independence.
• Experience with leading interdisciplinary collaboration and building an innovation community is essential to succeed in the role.

 

Who we are

The Novo Nordisk Foundation CO2 Research Center (CORC) was established in 2022 and is a mission‐oriented international research center with headquarters at Aarhus University. The center’s purpose is to develop novel science and early technologies for carbon capture and conversion for utilization. The Center comprises 15+ research groups at Aarhus University, Stanford University (US), Caltech (US), Rice University (US), University of Tübingen (DE), University of Copenhagen (DK) and Technical University of Denmark (DK). In total, the center encompasses 80-100 researchers.
You will be part of the CORC Operations team at Aarhus University, consisting of 10-15 engaged colleagues.

See more on www.corc.au.dk
 

What we offer

At CORC we offer:

• The opportunity to lead innovation efforts in an organization that delivers real-world impact to combat climate change
• High degree of freedom to shape the innovation strategy and activities while reporting directly to the COO/Head of Operations.
• an exciting interdisciplinary environment with many national, international, and industrial collaborators
• a work environment with close working relationships, networking, and social activities
• a workplace characterized by professionalism, equality, and work-life balance

 

Place of work and area of employment

The place of work is at Gustav Wieds Vej 10c, 8000 Aarhus C, and the area of employment is Aarhus University with affiliated institutions. Furthermore, weekly visits at AU Viborg Campus will be expected to develop and implement the CORC Innovation hub.
 

Contact information

For further information, please contact: Head of Operations, Anita Friis Sommer, +45 93517771.

Deadline

Applications must be received no later than 19 September 2025.

 

Formalities and salary range

Salary and terms as agreed between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Confederation of Professional Unions.

Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants.

The application must be submitted via Aarhus University’s recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aarhus University's website.
 

Aarhus University

Aarhus University is an academically diverse and research-intensive university with a strong commitment to high-quality research and education and the development of society nationally and globally. The university offers an inspiring research and teaching environment to its 38,000 students (FTEs) and 8,300 employees, and has an annual revenues of EUR 935 million. Learn more at www.international.au.dk/