Principal Scientist - Global Drug Discovery, Obesity Pharmacology (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 Plainsboro reflect the full R&D continuum—from early research through late-stage clinical development. We are building for the future by 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 will provide scientific leadership in the identification, validation, and advancement of new drug targets related to obesity and obesity-related comorbidities, including cardiovascular disease (CVD) and metabolic dysfunction–associated steatohepatitis (MASH).

The role drives in vivo pharmacology strategies across early and late-stage obesity pipeline programs, enabling translation of novel biology into therapeutic opportunities. As a subject matter expert, the individual will define experimental strategies, guide cross-functional teams, evaluate emerging targets and technologies, and lead external collaborations.

The role also includes mentoring colleagues and representing the organization through high-impact scientific contributions. The Principal Scientist will provide strategic guidance to project teams, evaluate emerging targets and technologies, and propose and oversee external collaborations and strategic partnerships. The Principal Scientist will be responsible for in vivo pharmacology supporting both early and late obesity pipeline programs and mentor junior colleagues in the department. Furthermore, the Principal Scientist will represent the organization to the external scientific community through communication of highly impactful research.

Relationships

Reports to the Director of Obesity Pharmacology (US). Internal relationships include working closely with technical staff and other members of the scientific leadership team, regular collaborations with members of other research departments, and frequent interaction with project managers and colleagues across global R&D. The individual may mentor team members and will interact with external research collaborators from both academia and industry.

Essential Functions

• Demonstrate proven subject matter expertise and scientific excellence in cardiometabolic biology, including obesity, MASH, and CVD.
• Demonstrate specialized depth and/or breadth of expertise and actively engage with key areas relevant to pharmaceutical drug development.
• Identify and drive novel hypotheses toward a next generation of medicines to combat obesity and related comorbidities, with a focus on superior tolerability profiles.
• Extensive experience working in a matrix organization driving cross-collaborations with different line of businesses and key stakeholders.
• Plan and design in vivo pharmacology studies in collaboration with technical scientists; advise on experimental execution, interpretation, and communication of results from complex, state-of-the-art in vivo experiments related to obesity, CVD, and MASH.
• Provide expert-level guidance to project teams on experimental strategies to evaluate emerging targets, biology, and technologies.
• Collaborate effectively across global sites to set project strategy by leading cross-functional project teams spanning in vitro, omics, translational, and clinical disciplines.
• Contribute subject matter expertise to develop the research agenda, with clear understanding of the link between scientific goals and overall long-term business needs.
• Propose new projects that support the strategic agenda and address gaps in technological capabilities and therapeutic areas related to obesity and appetite regulation.
• Represent the organization through external communication of impactful scientific research via presentations at external conferences, peer-reviewed publications, and patent activity.
• Maintain deep theoretical knowledge and remain actively connected to the external scientific community through continuous evaluation of relevant literature and emerging technologies.
• Guide and/or lead global, cross-functional experimental teams to achieve project goals.
• Provide mentorship and training to colleagues within the field of expertise.
• Maintain, identify, and initiate key relationships with KOLs and academic partners.
• Guide other research teams on suitable assays/techniques to interpret and translate in vivo studies to progress the obesity pipeline.

QUALIFICATIONS

• PhD with 10 years relevant industry or post-doctorate experience is required.
• Master’s degree with 16 years relevant industry or post-doctorate experience can be considered.
• Bachelor’s degree with 22+ years relevant experience can be considered.
  • Extensive hands-on expertise in in vivo models related to Obesity, CVD, and MASH.
  • Experience in women’s health is a strong plus.
  • Technical expertise and high attention to detail in planning and designing complex in vivo models.
  • Prior experience using small molecules and/or siRNA in obesity pharmacology drug discovery. Experience with Obesity, MESH and CVD models (telemetry, liver elastography, metabolic cages etc.), along with alternative routes of administration in rodents (e.g., PO, SC, IV, minipump).
  • Proven success leading drug discovery programs and processes in cardiometabolic biology (including, but not limited to, novel target identification, target engagement markers, and collaboration with translational and clinical teams).
  • Experience applying human genetics and omics approaches for target discovery/identification.

  Preferred experience includes:

  • Experience working with external CROs and/or academic collaborators.
  • Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Physical Requirements

The job requires occasional travel, including international travel, expected to be less than 10%. There are no additional physical requirements beyond standard office and laboratory activities associated with the role.

The base compensation range for this position is $180,00 to $235,000. 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.