Principal Scientist - In Vitro Pharmacology & Biology

About the role

This scientific lead role sits within Diabetes in vitro Biology, a department in the Diabetes & Complications therapeutic area dedicated to cardio-metabolic research, particularly diabetes. The team focuses on building state-of-the-art research platforms, target identification and validation, and early in vitro evaluation of novel treatments, collaborating closely with the Danish organization. Comprising 12 employees, the department operates in a flexible, collaborative, and cross-functional environment with an informal culture centered on quality and goals.

Responsibilities

• Significantly impact the diabetes pipeline by identifying and evaluating novel therapeutic targets, initiating innovative drug discovery projects, and advancing them through early development toward first-in-human studies.
• Lead a global, highly collaborative team in discovery efforts and advise management teams on scientific direction.
• Expand and utilize translational in vitro research platforms, establishing and applying relevant molecular approaches, cellular assays, and read-outs to investigate the mode-of-action of novel drug candidates and progress research projects.
• Lead multiple complex tasks in a fast-paced environment, make clear decisions, and accelerate the path to new treatments for patients with diabetes.
• Guide colleagues, contribute to lab activities, share knowledge and scientific insights, and present results to project teams and management using strong communication skills.
• Stay current with scientific literature in diabetes and metabolic disease, maintain a broad scientific network, and foster external collaborations.
• Conduct and summarize non-clinical in vitro studies.
• Implement strategies and operations for conducting and summarizing non-clinical in vitro studies.
• Support progression of pipeline projects as project manager and biological coordinator.
• Ensure adherence to protocols and regulatory requirements in the execution of in vitro studies.
• Analyze and interpret data from in vitro studies to provide insights and recommendations for new drug evaluations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure successful implementation of experiments and generation of high-quality data.
• Develop and improve in vitro models supporting non-clinical studies.
• Identify and evaluate new therapeutic targets and principles by exploring and improving in vitro models.
• Contribute to the design and validation of new in vitro models to support target validation, target maturation, and mode-of-action studies.
• Stay updated on the latest scientific advancements and technologies related to in vitro models and propose innovative approaches for their development and utilization.
• Communicate data internally, externally, and in regulatory submissions.
• Prepare clear and concise reports summarizing in vitro study findings for internal stakeholders, external collaborators, and regulatory submissions.
• Present in vitro data and its implications to cross-functional teams, management, and external partners.
• Ensure accurate and timely communication of in vitro data to support decision-making and regulatory requirements.

Relationships

Reports to the head of the relevant department at Novo Nordisk. Internal relationships include close collaboration with technical staff and other members of the scientific leadership team; regular interactions with other research departments; and frequent collaboration with project managers and colleagues across global R&D. May direct the work of other staff members. External interactions include collaborations with academia- and industry-based research partners. Teams are located in Waltham, Lexington, Cambridge, and Plainsboro, reflecting the full R&D continuum from early research through late-stage clinical development.

Requirements

• Master’s degree with 12+ years of relevant experience, or PhD with 8+ years of relevant experience.
• Proven scientific track record and thorough understanding of diabetes pathophysiology and relevant in vitro systems.
• Experience with target ideation and maturation preferred.
• Experience in small molecule drug development paths preferred.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of the pharmaceutical industry and drug discovery processes.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and present scientific data internally, externally, and in regulatory submissions.
• Understanding and experience using systems biology, bioinformatic analysis, scRNAseq/snRNAseq, and RNAseq analyses preferred.
• Experience in developing and improving in vitro models supporting non-clinical studies.
• Track record of identifying and exploring new therapeutic targets and principles.
• Mentorship experience in the field of expertise preferred.

Compensation

The base compensation range for this position is $185,000 to $230,000. Base compensation is determined based on several 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.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Life insurance and disability insurance.
• 401(k) savings plan with company match.
• Flexible spending accounts and employee assistance program.
• Tuition reimbursement program.
• Voluntary benefits including group legal, critical illness, identity theft protection, pet insurance, and auto/home insurance.
• Time off pursuant to sick time policy, flexible vacation policy, and parental leave policy.