Scientist I - In Vitro Pharmacology

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

The Scientist I will be responsible for strategy implementation and operations for conducting and summarizing pre-clinical in vitro studies internally and externally in the support of RNAi discovery. Design, coordinate, and report pre-clinical pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic in vitro experiments within research projects as part of target validation, target maturation, or mode-of-action studies. Develop and improve in vitro models supporting pre-clinical studies, take an active role in research projects, and contribute to innovation by identifying and exploring new therapeutic targets and principles. Communicate evaluations and implications of in vitro data internally, externally, and in regulatory submissions as relevant.

Occasionally demonstrates subject matter expertise. Perceived as area specialist within one or several processes across a VP/CVP area. Often sets directions and deliver results in own role which have a significant impact within the context of a wider operational area. Applies subject matter knowledge to solve common business issues. Handles most situations independently and with routine, receives minimal guidance, but will seek advice and guidance on more complex issues. Demonstrated ability to identify better practice and create improvements in methods, techniques, approaches etc. Might be entirely independent or just need occasional guidance from manager/senior colleagues and may mentor/coach more junior colleagues.

Hands-on work involving highly complex activities; may lead experiment teams comprising colleagues from different areas to support project goals; provides guidance regarding experimental strategies; responsible for setting study timelines to meet project deliverables, communicating study updates, & data generation, analyses, & reporting; may represent team or project at external conference; responsible for drafting reports & protocols with limited assistance from supervisor beyond reviews; may actively participate in external collaborations; may recommend targets or new biologies or methodologies. May mentor or directly supervise less experienced team members based on business need, skill, and/or interest.

Relationships

Reports to the head of the relevant 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 Novo Nordisk; & frequent interaction with project managers & other colleagues in Denmark. Individual may be responsible for indirect reports or contingent workers. Individual will interact with external research collaborators both academia- & industry-based.

Essential Functions

• Conduct and summarize pre-clinical in vitro/in vivo studies

• siRNA drug candidate screening, hit identification, and lead optimization
• In vivo drug candidate testing (e.g., mouse dosing; sample analysis)
• Design/conduct experiment to understand the mechanism of siRNA
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure smooth operations of studies
• Summarize and communicate findings internally and externally

• Identify and explore new therapeutic targets and principles

• Stay updated on advancements in the field of RNAi and biology
• Develop and optimize tissue-targeting strategies for siRNA therapeutics

• Evaluate and select targeting ligands, delivery technologies, to enable efficient delivery to the intended tissue and cell type

• Design and conduct in vitro and in vivo studies to assess tissue distribution, cellular uptake, target engagement, and pharmacodynamic response

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams

• Work closely with colleagues in other departments, such as Research and Development
• Engage with stakeholders to ensure alignment on study objectives and deliverables
• Collaborate with scientists and researchers to integrate findings into drug discovery and development processes

• Translate scientific findings into actionable insights to further optimizing siRNA platforms.

• Analyze and interpret data from studies to generate meaningful insights
• Communicate the implications of data to internal and external stakeholders

• Continuous professional development

• Stay updated on the latest advancements and best practices in siRNA screening and relevant biology
• Attend conferences, workshops, and training sessions to enhance knowledge and skills
• Share knowledge and expertise with colleagues to foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement

Qualifications

• BS/BA Degree with 6+ years’ relevant experience required, or a master’s degree with 4+ years’ relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree with limited to no experience

• Expertise in cellular and molecular biology is essential (e.g., mammalian cell culture; cell-based assays; quantitative real-time PCR)
• Experience with tissue-targeting approaches, such as ligand–receptor biology, receptor-mediated uptake, tissue biodistribution, and cell-type-specific delivery.
• Proficiency in animal handling, dosing, and necropsy is preferred
• Ability to perform and interpret experiments rigorously and reliably and to advance projects aggressively towards defined goals is expected
• Strong oral and written communication skills and a demonstrated ability to contribute effectively to group projects in a team-oriented environment
• Innovative and creative; takes initiative.
• A true team player with a high degree of energy and a passion for contributing to the discovery and development of novel therapeutics

The base compensation range for this position is $99,600 to $184,200. 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.