Scientist II - Analytical Development - Oligonucleotides

About the Department

The Boulder Site is home to the specialized technical operations/CMC team for oligonucleotides and RNAi therapeutics. The CMC team works alongside Quality, Regulatory, Technical Operations and RNAi Early Development professionals at our Boulder, Colorado facility and works closely with our teams in Lexington, Massachusetts.  Together, we are driving change. Are you ready to make a difference.

The Position

The Scientist II will be responsible for analysis, chemical characterization, structure determination, protein interaction characterisation, binding and functional screening of drug candidates and guidance on candidate design, selection, API and drug product specifications. Contributes to early screening strategy and execution to ensure lead candidate identification with desired in vitro potency, binding specificity and selectivity and chemical attributes. Responsible for analysis and characterization during API process development and drug stability studies. Evaluates new technologies and recommends acquisition and application of new technologies within high throughput screening, functional and structural biology, chemical analysis and characterisation. Displays subject matter knowledge within structural biology, in vitro potency and analysis and characterisation throughout the early phase of drug development in combination with a broad general understanding of chemical, biochemical, biological, medical, medical devices, patent and commercial factors. Responsible for driving projects as members, leads or coordinators including input to IPR. Occasionally demonstrates subject matter expertise. Perceived as area specialist within one or several processes across a VP/CVP area. Often sets directions and deliver results in own role which have a significant impact within the context of a wider operational area. Applies subject matter knowledge to solve common business issues. Handles most situations independently and with routine, receives minimal guidance, but will seek advice and guidance on more complex issues. Demonstrated ability to identify better practice and create improvements in methods, techniques, approaches etc. Might be entirely independent or just need occasional guidance from manager/senior colleagues and may mentor/coach more junior colleagues.

Hands-on work involving highly complex activities; major contributor to projects (target, biology, or technology-related) involving multiple experimental activities & groups; demonstrates deep understanding of subject matter (regarding specific technology & its use; specific biology; specific target; etc.); identify biology-, target-, or technology-focused gaps & questions & be able to propose solutions for long-term benefit of department, site, or company; may represent NN at conferences; may propose & lead external collaborations; author internal reports & external publications; recommend, present & champion new targets or methodologies. May mentor or directly supervise less experienced team members based on business need, skill and/or interest.

Relationships

Reports to the head of the relevant department at Novo Nordisk. Internal relationships include working closely with technical staff & other members of the scientific leadership team; regular collaborations with members of other research departments at Novo Nordisk; & frequent interaction with project managers & other colleagues in Denmark. Individual may be responsible for indirect reports or contingent workers. Individual will interact with external research collaborators both academia- & industry-based.

Essential Functions

• Conduct Analysis and Characterization
  • Perform detailed analysis and characterization during API process development and drug stability studies
  • Utilize subject matter expertise in structural biology and in vitro potency to ensure accurate results
  • Apply advanced chemical analysis techniques to support drug candidate evaluation
  • Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements
• Evaluate and Implement New Technologies
  • Assess emerging technologies for potential integration into high throughput screening and structural biology processes
  • Recommend acquisition and application of innovative technologies to enhance chemical analysis and characterization
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to pilot and implement new technological solutions
  • Monitor and report on the effectiveness of new technologies in improving operational efficiency
• Lead Project Initiatives
  • Drive projects as a lead or coordinator, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives
  • Provide input to intellectual property rights (IPR) considerations during project development
  • Set project directions and deliver results that significantly impact the wider operational area
  • Facilitate project meetings and ensure timely completion of project milestones
• Mentor and Develop Junior Colleagues
  • Offer guidance and mentorship to junior team members, fostering their professional growth
  • Share expertise and best practices to enhance team capabilities and performance
  • Encourage a collaborative and supportive work environment
  • Provide constructive feedback and support career development initiatives
• Continuous Improvement and Problem Solving
  • Identify opportunities for process improvements and implement better practices
  • Solve common business issues independently, applying subject matter knowledge effectively
  • Develop and refine methods, techniques and approaches to enhance operational outcomes
  • Seek advice and guidance on complex issues to ensure optimal solutions

Qualifications

• BS/BA Degree with 8+ years’ relevant experience required, or a master’s degree with 6+ years’ relevant experience, or a Doctoral/PhD degree with 2+ years of relevant experience required
• Demonstrated subject matter expertise in structural biology, in vitro potency and chemical analysis
• Experienced at applying advanced knowledge to solve common business issues independently
• Experienced at evaluating and recommending new technologies for high throughput screening and functional biology
• Ability to drive projects as a member, lead, or coordinator, providing input to intellectual property rights
• Ability to set directions and deliver impactful results within a wider operational area
• Ability to identify and implement improvements in methods, techniques and approaches
• Experience mentoring and coaching junior colleagues, fostering their professional development
• Ability to handle most situations independently, seeking guidance only for complex issues
• Ability to display a broad understanding of chemical, biochemical, biological, medical and commercial factors
• Ability to contribute to early screening strategy and execution for lead candidate identification

The base compensation range for this position is $131356 - $155,400. 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. Novo Nordisk offers long-term incentive compensation and or company vehicles depending on the position's level or other company factors.

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.

The job posting is anticipated to close on October 24, 2026. 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.

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

At Novo Nordisk, we're not chasing quick fixes – we're creating lasting change for long-term health. For over 100 years, we've been driven by a single purpose: to defeat serious chronic diseases and help millions of people live healthier lives. This dedication fuels our constant curiosity and inspires us to push the boundaries of what's possible in healthcare. We embrace diverse perspectives, seek out bold ideas, and build partnerships rooted in shared purpose. Together, we're making healthcare more accessible, treating and defeating diseases, and pioneering solutions that create change spanning generations. When you join us, you become part of something bigger – a legacy of impact that reaches far beyond today.

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.