Job Description

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. This position is in the siRNA in Vivo Pharmacology team in the Diabetes Research US research area based in Lexington.

The Position

The Scientist I is expected to have a strong background in diabetes and metabolism research and be a self-motivated team player with strong communication skills. The Scientist I will be expected to manage multiple activities in parallel and have a collaborative mindset with a strong personal drive and dedication. This position requires a flexible attitude and the ability to change focus as required by the projects and shifting priorities.

The Scientist I will be responsible for strategy implementation and operational execution of non-clinical in vivo studies, conducted internally and externally, to support our Diabetes research pipeline. The role involves designing, coordinating, executing, and reporting pre-clinical pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic in vivo experiments, along with associated endpoints, as part of target validation, target maturation, or mode-of-action studies. The Scientist I develops and refines in vivo models to support non-clinical studies, optimizes and establishes assays for endpoint analyses, and actively contributes to research projects by driving innovation through identification and evaluation of new therapeutic targets and approaches. In addition, the Scientist I operates effectively as a collaborative team member within a matrixed environment, partnering cross-functionally with internal stakeholders and external collaborators to ensure alignment on study design, execution, and interpretation. The role requires strong communication and teamwork skills to integrate diverse perspectives, facilitate decision-making, and advance project objectives. The Scientist I communicates the evaluation and implications of in vivo data packages clearly and effectively to internal teams, external partners, and in regulatory submissions, as appropriate.

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 non-clinical in vivo studies including study endpoints
• Implement strategies for conducting and summarizing non-clinical in vivo studies and associated analyses
• Ensure the proper execution and documentation of all experiments Analyze and interpret data to draw meaningful conclusions and recommendations
• Design and coordinate pre-clinical pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic experiments
• Collaborate with research projects to design and coordinate pre-clinical in vivo experiments
• Ensure adherence to ethical and regulatory guidelines in the design and execution of experiments
• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure smooth execution of experiments and data generation and collection
• Develop and improve in vivo models, in vitro and ex vivo assays supporting non-clinical studies
• Identify opportunities to develop and improve models and assays for non-clinical studies
• Conduct literature reviews and stay up to date with advancements in in vivo models, laboratory techniques, diabetes and metabolism research
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement new and refine existing methodologies
• Communicate evaluations and implications data
• Prepare and deliver presentations data evaluations and implications
• Collaborate with internal teams to help prepare regulatory submissions as applicable
• Engage with external stakeholders to share in vivo data and insights, fostering collaboration and partnerships

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
• Experience in conducting and summarizing non-clinical in vivo studies
• Strong knowledge and experience in pre-clinical pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic in vivo experiments
• Proven ability to develop and improve in vivo models supporting non-clinical studies
• Experience in communicating and presenting in vivo data internally, externally, and in regulatory submissions
• Familiarity with drug discovery processes and target validation
• Demonstrated critical thinking and problem-solving skills in a scientific research setting

The base compensation range for this position is $ 115,000 to $160,000. 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.  

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.