Associate Scientist II - Oligonucleotide Synthesis

About the Department

The Global Nucleic Acid Therapies area strives to be a global leader in nucleic acid therapeutics by developing innovative technology platforms and molecules that translate into novel genetic medicines to improve patients' lives.  
  
Our mission is to bring curative and disease modifying therapies to individuals living with serious chronic conditions. We are a global team with locations in Massachusetts (Greater Boston Research & Early Development Hub), Colorado and Copenhagen, pushing technological innovation to expand the RNA and gene therapy application space. Our proprietary GalXC™ and GalXC-Plus™ RNAi technologies have the potential to address conditions that are difficult or impossible to treat with other modalities. The value chain spans from early research to phase 1 clinical studies.
 
Nucleic Acids Research is a unique organization within Novo Nordisk Research & Early Development that brings together the best of both worlds – the agility, collaborative pioneering spirit and calculated risk-taking profile of a biotech along with the scale, resources and capabilities of a global leader in drug development. We are a team of inventive and entrepreneurial thinkers pushing the boundaries of science. Together, we are driving change. Are you ready to make a difference?

The Position

Novo Nordisk is seeking a highly motivated Associate Scientist II to join the Oligonucleotide Chemistry Team in Lexington, Massachusetts. The candidate will be responsible for analysis and purification of oligonucleotides, leveraging their strong knowledge of working with a Mass Spectrometer. This position will support therapeutic programs in multiple disease areas and will contribute to the development of novel nucleic acid conjugate platforms. Prior experience in LCMS method development and oligonucleotide purification and characterization is desired.

Relationships

This position reports to the Director, Oligonucleotide Chemistry as an individual contributor. Daily interaction with other peers in oligo synthesis, medicinal chemistry and biology teams in support of early phase product pipeline.

Essential Functions

• Primary responsibility to provide analytical lab support for Novo Nordisks’ Oligonucleotide early phase pipeline

• Development of robust LC/MS, IPRP and SAX analytical methods for analysis and purification of highly modified oligonucleotide drug substances

• Operate, maintain and troubleshoot lab instruments

• Prepare analytical samples, analyze and process data, primarily by UPLC, LC-MS 

• Conduct and help design unique experiments to help in characterization of highly modified oligonucleotides and sgRNA

• Keep accurate records of the experiments and summarize the results in well communicated presentations or written reports

• Purification, deprotection, annealing and lyophilization of oligonucleotides to support all disease programs 

• Oligonucleotide synthesis 

• Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Conduct laboratory work in an efficient manner that ensures a safe working environment

Physical Requirements

0-10% overnight travel required.

Qualifications

• MS with 3+ years of industrial experience, or BS with 5+ years of industrial experience

• Strong knowledge of mass spectrometry and purification techniques

• Experience with waters LC/MS instruments preferred

• Experience with purification and LC/MS analysis of sgRNA highly preferred

• Experience with analytical techniques e.g. RP-UPLC, SAX-HPLC, LC-MS and data interpretation

• Strong background in the analytical development of methods for the analysis of oligonucleotide therapeutics

• Experience with IP-RP-UHPLC and AX-HPLC analytical techniques using Agilent, Waters and/or Thermo UHPLC’s and associated software

• In depth knowledge of GLP/GMP’s in a pharmaceutical environment

• The successful candidate must possess excellent writing and communication skills and a demonstrated ability to work independently and with cross-functional teams

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.

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.