Scientist II - Oligonucleotide Medicinal Chemistry

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.

 
Established as a Transformational Research Unit (TRU), Global Nucleic Acid Therapies 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

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Scientist with a strong background in synthetic and/or medicinal chemistry to join the Chemistry Team.

Relationships

This position reports to the Senior Director, Medical Chemistry

The Scientist II will be responsible for the design and synthesis of novel oligonucleotides, oligonucleotide conjugates, nucleoside analogues, and small molecule and peptide ligands. The Scientist II will closely work with external collaborators and CROs where applicable. This position will contribute to the development of novel nucleic acid drug discovery platforms and support therapeutic programs in multiple disease areas. Novo Nordisk provides an exciting opportunity for drug discovery and development, and a collaborative, fast-paced research environment.

Essential Functions

• Design, plan, and execute multi-step organic synthesis of novel target compounds.
• Review research publications and intellectual property literatures and propose novel target molecules to support nucleic acid drug discovery.
• Independently develop new ideas and execute research projects for siRNA delivery.
• Operate and maintain analytical and chromatography instruments including HPLC and LCMS for the purification and characterization of complex molecules.
• Where applicable, oversee the research efforts of external and/or internal chemists by leading from the bench.
• Present research results in department and cross-function meetings.
• Design and plan in vitro and in vivo experiments in a collaborative effort to further our understanding of the chemistry as it relates to extrahepatic delivery.
• Function as a senior member of the chemistry group aiding in the preparation of intellectual property, publications, and project planning.
• Collaborate with Chemistry and Biology colleagues in scientific publications and presentations.

Physical Requirements

0-10% overnight travel required. Ability to lift 0-10 lbs.

Qualifications

• BS/BA Degree with 8+ years’ relevant experience required, or a master’s degree with 6+ years’ relevant experience, or a Doctoral/PhD degree with 2+ years of relevant experience required.
• In-depth knowledge of modern organic chemistry reactions and mechanisms.
• Demonstrated skills in complex organic synthesis, natural product total synthesis a plus.
• Thorough understanding and hands-on experience of state-of-the-art analytical and purification techniques.
• Detail-oriented in both data analysis and project planning.
• Self-motivated with a proactive mindset.
• Excellent communication skills (both written and oral).
• Ability to thrive in a multi-disciplinary and fast-paced research environment with tight deadlines.                                                                         

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in heterocyclic, carbohydrate, nucleoside, and/or oligonucleotide chemistry.
• Experience in bio-conjugation chemistry.
• Experience in modern medicinal chemistry and drug discovery.

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.