Principal Scientist - Medicinal Chemistry

About the Department

Our Boston Research & Development hub, anchored in the greater Boston area, brings together the best minds in life science innovation. The teams located in facilities in Lexington, Watertown and Cambridge 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 greater Boston 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 team is comprised of collaborative, diverse and passionate people who have a true sense of pride in their work and are committed to helping others grow and develop their careers. You’ll also have a platform to engage with key stakeholders on a global scale throughout the entire pipeline process. And while changing the future of diabetes, obesity and MASH treatment is no easy task, we also recognize the importance of an enjoyable workplace, which is why we’ve cultivated a culture of fun, ingenuity and innovation. And our competitive compensation package and support of a healthy work-life balance all add to a best-in-class employee experience. Are you ready to make a difference?

The Position

The Principal Scientist in Medicinal Chemistry will be responsible for leading drug discovery projects within Small Molecule Research (SMR) from target evaluation, selection, hit validation to development candidate nomination. Additionally, the Principal Scientist will contribute to external diligence and support external project collaborations.

Responsibilities include:  Setting the chemistry strategy for projects and advancing drug discovery programs by collaboratively interacting cross-functionally within NN; being the co-project lead on the overall program strategy to meet product target profiles (PTPs) and deliver low dose oral drugs; leading and managing a number of contract research organizations (CRO) and external chemistry partners across the globe; leading the preparation of patents, reports, and scientific publication; and serving as functional expert in due diligences for assets in-licensing and discovery partnerships. Evaluation of in-licensing and collaboration opportunities and working closely with external partners to drive small molecule collaboration project deliverables and milestones.

Relationships

Reports to Sr Director, Small Molecules (NN) Small Molecule Research (SMR) in Therapeutic Discovery (TD).  Will interact and closely collaborate with other Small Molecule Research Scientists (chemists, biochemists, Biophysicists, structural biologists), the broader Small Molecule & Cross Modality Research (in-vitro pharmacology, formulation) (SMCMR), Data Science & Innovation and computational chemists (ADI), the Therapeutic Areas (TA), Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (DMPK), toxicology, pharmacology and translational medicine teams globally.  Will interact daily with Chemistry CROs and Comp Chemistry CROs globally.

Essential Functions

• Lead drug discovery projects from hit validation to development candidate selection using all modern medicinal chemistry techniques to deliver low dose and safe oral therapies. Work collaboratively to strategize with corresponding functional area teams. Set the chemistry strategy for projects and advance drug discovery programs by collaboratively interacting cross-functionally.
• Communicate project plans/priorities to management and governance
• Lead the preparation of patents, reports, and scientific publications.
• Manage global CROs and external partners on a day-to-day basis to achieve project goals.
• Has accountability for CROs timelines and data quality.
• Has accountability and is a contributor to SM inventorship.
• Serve as functional area expert in due diligence teams and early discovery partnerships & collaborations
• Effectively communicates and collaborates across global sites and sets project strategy by providing leadership of cross-functional project teams. Represents the organization through external communication of impactful scientific research in the form of presentation at external conferences and publication in scientific journals and patents. Proposes and oversees external collaborations.
• Leader in the field of synthetic chemistry and small molecule drug design including but not limited to structure-based drug design (SBDD), phenotypic approaches, covalent modifiers, molecular glues, etc.
• Leads global, cross-functional experimental teams to achieve project goals and compound target profiles (PTP). Provides significant mentorship and training of senior colleagues.
• Contributes subject matter expertise to develop the research agenda with a clear understanding of the link between scientific project goals and overall long-term business needs. Proposes new projects that support the strategic agenda and address gaps in technological capabilities and therapeutic areas.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree with 12+ years of relevant experience, or PhD with 8+ years of relevant experience required
• Expert in all aspects of modern medicinal chemistry including, but not limited to SBDD, multi-parameter optimization (MPO) and phenotypic-based drug discovery
• Strong working knowledge of biochemistry, biophysics, ADME, pharmacokinetics, biology, pharmacology, DMPK, and toxicology
• Track record of advancing programs through the stages of drug development from HTS to Pre-clinical Candidate selection
• Demonstrated ability to make strategic recommendations with timely go/no-go decisions at all stages of the drug discovery process
• Proven cross-functional leadership experience as co-project team leader
• Broad experience working with CRO partners
• Track record of innovation and impact on programs documented with co-inventorship on issued patents and authorship of publications in peer-reviewed journals
• Demonstrates excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite of products (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

The base compensation range for this position is $152,700 to $267,300. 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.