Associate Scientist I - RNA Gene Therapy & Editing

About the Department

Our Research & Development organization brings together the best minds in life science innovation. The teams located in facilities in Lexington, Watertown, Cambridge and Plainsboro reflect the full R&D continuum, from early research through late-stage clinical development. Here, we are building for the future, creating a distinct R&D community based on collaboration, partnerships, and cutting-edge research across multiple modalities and therapeutic areas. We recognize that improving human health starts here and that patients rely on us. Our R&D hub merges biotech speed and agility with large pharmaceutical company quality, resources, and stability, uniting the best of both worlds to develop new medicines for patients.

The Position 

Join a supportive, high-energy team where close cross-functional collaboration creates opportunities to shape drug candidates from early discovery through more mature stages of development.  The Associate Scientist I will take part in driving scientific innovation to unlock novel intracellular drug modalities such as genome editing solutions or gain-of-function RNA-based therapies. This individual will be involved in the development of state-of-the-art genomic characterization and next-generation sequencing methods and analyzing drug candidate potency and specificity in cells and from in-vivo studies.  Engage with both internal and external stakeholders/collaborators during novel project opportunity evaluation and project execution.  Provides support on defined issues and contributes through application of expertise and knowledge. Often requires the ability to handle more complex tasks and with few or no defined procedures in place. Problems require solution through a choice between known alternatives, within the area of expertise and direct manager will evaluate the appropriateness and effectiveness of the solution. Might be entirely independent or just need occasional guidance from manager/senior colleagues. 

Hands-on work of moderate to high complexity; responsible for recommending timelines & experimental plans for assays; responsible for drafting, executing, recording and presenting/communicating  experiments to meet study deadlines; provides scientific input to biology or technical challenges; analyses & interprets data of moderate complexity with limited input from supervisor; makes independent decisions related to day to day experimental activities; develops, optimizes & drafts protocols for methods of moderate complexity with no input from supervisor, activities of high complexity with reduced input; presents ideas & data to team, site & global project teams.

Relationships 

Reports to the head of the related research area. Internal relationships include working closely with technical staff & other members of the scientific project and leadership teams; regular collaborations with members of other research departments at Novo Nordisk; & frequent interaction with project managers & other colleagues in Denmark. This individual may interact with external research collaborators both academia- & industry-based. 

Essential Functions 

• Help drive scientific innovation for intracellular drug modalities: 
  • Identify and explore new technologies and approaches for genome editing and gain-of-function RNA-based therapies 
  • Stay updated with the latest advancements in the field and evaluate their potential for drug development 
  • Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to evaluate and execute novel project opportunities 
• Lead projects in RNA, gene therapy and editing: 
  • Take ownership of projects as a member, lead, or coordinator 
  • Contribute to the design, manufacturing and characterization of mRNA lead candidates during engineering cycles 
  • Develop and execute state-of-the-art genomic characterization and next-generation sequencing methods to support genome editing projects 
  • Collaborate closely with bioinformaticians to analyze sequencing data, with potential to develop personal bioinformatic skillsets 
  • Communicate and present results of in vitro experiments, and analysis of tissue from in vivo studies 

Physical Requirements 

0-10% overnight travel required. 

Qualifications 

• BS/BA Degree and 4+ years’ relevant technical experience required; or master’s degree and 2+ years’ relevant experience can be considered 
• Experience in RNA, gene therapy, or gene editing research 
• Proficiency in next-generation sequencing methods for genome editing projects, especially Illumina-based sequencing methods (digital droplet PCR and/or Long-read sequencing methods are a plus) 
• Significant experience with cell culture with immortalized cell lines (primary cell lines is a plus), including electroporation or transfection of cells and genomic DNA extraction  
• Experience operating in a highly matrixed environment, including communicating timelines and presenting deliverables in cross-functional collaborations 
• Experience in designing and characterizing mRNA lead candidates during engineering cycles is a plus 
• Strong track record of driving scientific innovation and delivering results in a research role 

The base compensation range for this position is $83,400 to $150,200. 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.

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.