Principal Scientist -Emerging Obesity Mechanisms

About the Department

The US-based Emerging Obesity Mechanisms department delivers scientific excellence in energy-expenditure-, muscle-, and liver-related mechanisms of obesity, advancing novel small-molecule and RNAi targets through human in vitro characterization and mode-of-action discovery. As part of Obesity Research US, it helps diversify the pipeline, contributing to the broader Obesity & Cardiometabolic Research goal of building a differentiated pipeline across obesity and its comorbidities.

About the Role

We are seeking a highly motivated Principal Scientist to join our Emerging Obesity Mechanisms research team as part of the US Obesity Research Department. In this role, you will serve as a biology and disease-area expert for MASH and obesity-related comorbidities, leading target identification, validation, and maturation of novel targets from idea generation through pre-clinical and clinical-stage gates. You will build and strengthen the mechanism-of-action narrative, coordinate cross-functional activities, and drive scientific communication through publications and conferences.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a biology and disease-area expert for MASH and obesity-related comorbidities focused on peripheral organs (CVD and emerging "feel & see" indications like osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, muscle preservation as defined by portfolio strategy).
• Lead target identification, validation, and maturation of novel obesity-comorbidity targets from idea generation through pre-clinical and clinical-stage gates across small-molecule and RNAi/siRNA modalities.
• Build and strengthen the mechanism-of-action narrative and assemble the scientific rationale, data packages, and screening plans required for governance review to accelerate progression toward first human dose / IND submission.
• Provide cross-functional and cross-site scientific leadership, coordinating biology activities with pharmacology, digital biology/omics, and Denmark-based counterparts, and communicating clearly with project teams and stakeholders on strategy, unmet need, and priorities.
• Cultivate and manage external academic and biotech collaborations to in-source targets/assets, de-risk mechanisms, and extend capabilities across MASH and broader obesity comorbidities.
• Drive scientific communication through publications, participation at conferences, and building external interactions with Key Opinion Leaders as assets advance.
• Mentor and upskill junior scientists toward scientific autonomy and leadership capabilities needed to progress and champion targets through the broader Obesity pipeline.
• Champion human-centric, fit-for-purpose drug discovery by prioritizing primary human cells, patient-relevant in vitro systems, and multi-omics-informed disease modeling to strengthen translational relevance.
• Bring deep receptor-pharmacology and mechanism-of-action expertise to build robust, translatable MoA-based datasets across small-molecule and RNAi modalities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; relevant post-graduate or industry experience required.
• 22+ years of relevant experience required. A Master's Degree with 16 years of relevant industry or post-doctorate experience, or a PhD with 10 years of relevant industry or post-doctorate experience, can be considered.
• Demonstrates excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Life insurance and disability insurance.
• 401(k) savings plan and flexible spending accounts.
• Employee assistance program and tuition reimbursement program.
• Voluntary benefits such as group legal, critical illness, identity theft protection, pet insurance, and auto/home insurance.
• Time off pursuant to sick time policy, flex-able vacation policy, and parental leave policy.

Pay

The base compensation range for this position is $180,000 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, as well as long-term incentive compensation and/or company vehicles depending on position level or other company factors.