Principal Scientist, DMPK Project Representative
Lexington, MA, US
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 Seattle 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
The Principal Scientist, DMPK will provide scientific leadership in the discovery of small molecule drug candidates by integrating DMPK strategy across multiple therapeutic areas. You will define and drive internal and external research initiatives that support program milestones, proposing experimental and modeling approaches to de risk projects and advance molecules with drug like properties. Working cross functionally with medicinal chemistry, pharmacology and other discovery teams, you will lead DMPK efforts to optimize candidates using in vitro, in vivo and in silico methods where pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) modeling and/or physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) hands on capabilities is highly desirable. You will manage CRO relationships with specialized ADME capabilities in collaboration with outsourcing managers, and engage with global Novo Nordisk ADME experts to harmonize strategy and leverage best practices. The successful candidate will be recognized internally and externally as a subject matter expert in small molecule ADME/DDI/PK.
Relationships
Reports to the Director of GDDS-Boston DMPK 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 NNRCSI; & frequent interaction with project managers & other colleagues across global R&D. Individual may direct the work of other staff members.
Individual will interact with external research collaborators both academia- & industry-based.
Essential Functions
• Lead small molecule DMPK strategy for discovery programs across multiple therapeutic areas, aligning ADME objectives with project milestones.
• Design and interpret in vitro and in vivo ADME studies to inform lead optimization and candidate selection.
• Develop and apply in silico models (e.g., PK/PD, PBPK, exposure–response, and other simulation tools) to predict human pharmacokinetics, support dose selection, and de risk programs.
• Integrate DMPK data with medicinal chemistry and pharmacology to guide chemical design and prioritize novel chemical matter with favorable drug like properties.
• Propose and oversee internal and external research initiatives, including study design, data analysis, and documentation to meet project goals.
• Collaborate with outsourcing managers to identify, qualify and manage CRO partners with specialized ADME capabilities; ensure quality, timelines and cost effectiveness.
• Engage and collaborate with global Novo Nordisk ADME experts to harmonize methodologies, share best practices and leverage cross site expertise.
• Provide scientific mentorship and technical leadership to DMPK team members and cross functional colleagues.
• Communicate DMPK strategy, findings and risk assessments clearly to project teams and senior management; contribute to go/no go decisions.
• Represent the company externally as needed (publications, conferences, scientific consortia) to build visibility for DMPK methods and capabilities.
• Maintain awareness of emerging DMPK methodologies, regulatory expectations and modeling technologies; implement applicable innovations to improve discovery throughput and predictivity.
Qualifications
• Bachelors degree with 18+ years’ relevant experience required, or a master’s degree with 12+ years’ relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree in with 6+ years’ post-doctoral and/or industry relevant experience can be considered.
• Relevant required experience includes: Excellent understanding of small molecule ADME principals with hands on experience with PK and PK/PD modeling or biotransformation highly desirable
• Preferred experience includes: DMPK or PK/PD modeling project representation for small molecule projects
• Demonstrates excellent verbal and written communication skills.
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.