Job Description

About the Department

Our Boston Research & Development hub, anchored in the greater Boston area, brings together the best minds in life science innovation. The teams located in facilities in Lexington, Watertown and Cambridge 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 greater Boston 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 team is comprised of collaborative, diverse and passionate people who have a true sense of pride in their work and are committed to helping others grow and develop their careers. You’ll also have a platform to engage with key stakeholders on a global scale throughout the entire pipeline process. And while changing the future of diabetes, obesity and MASH treatment is no easy task, we also recognize the importance of an enjoyable workplace, which is why we’ve cultivated a culture of fun, ingenuity and innovation. And our competitive compensation package and support of a healthy work-life balance all add to a best-in-class employee experience. Are you ready to make a difference?

The Position

This role is an opportunity to pioneer Novo Nordisk’s strategy for small molecule early safety assessment. The position (Senior Scientist II) requires a candidate with deep subject matter expertise in exploratory toxicology for small molecules, and an entrepreneurial spirit to work in the company’s new and growing small molecule pipeline. In this role the candidate will be working together with experienced colleagues in exploratory and computational toxicology and will, as part of the global team, be responsible for small molecule early safety evaluation based on in vitro/ in vivo toxicology screening data to support lead optimization and lead candidate selection. An important part of the role is to guide, manage, and interpret toxicity data performed at contract research organizations (CROs) in close collaboration with project scientists and key program stakeholders/leadership.

The candidate will be part of a subject matter expert team developing Novo Nordisk’s strategy for early investigative/exploratory toxicology. The expert team will serve a critical advisory function by communicating evaluations and implications of the strategy across the value chain of Novo Nordisk’s small molecule pipeline.

The role requires understanding of subject matter & relationship to other key areas related to small molecule drug development; guidance for project team related to experimental strategies to evaluate emerging research and technologies related to small molecules; propose & oversee CROs, external collaborations & strategic partnerships to further develop Novo Nordisk goals related to therapy and/or technology areas, including the use of New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) in toxicology.

Relationships

Reports to the head of Novo Nordisk GDDS Boston toxicology department, co-located with project chemists and ADME scientists, and part of the Novo Nordisk regulatory toxicology team. In addition, important stakeholders will include exploratory toxicologists located in GDDS Denmark, global project managers, non-clinical project managers, scientific leadership, and other colleagues across global R&D. Individual may direct the work of other staff members. Individuals will interact with external research collaborators both academia- & industry-based.

Essential Functions

• Initiating, monitoring and reporting Exploratory Toxicology studies/data
• Supervise the execution of in silico, in vitro and in vivo toxicology studies at CROs/technology providers to assess safety profiles and progress chemical leads.
• Identify and secure optimal exploratory toxicology screening plans in alignment with a cross-functional team including chemists, biologists, and ADME scientists to secure a customized lead optimization process (design, make, test, analyze)
• Analyze, interpret and contextualize data to inform safety assessments and decision-making
• Lead, support, and develop the Small Molecule Exploratory Toxicology Strategy Implementation in close collaboration with global colleagues
• Follow the development of the field of exploratory toxicology at industry peers, CROs and technology providers
• Ensure alignment with relevant industry standards, GxP requirements and regulatory standards
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate Exploratory Toxicology strategies into broader drug discovery and development plans
• Support Due Diligence (DD) processes
• Assess potential assets based on available safety related information and drug-ability and advise decision making based on data and possible follow-up strategies in collaboration with global DD teams

• Problem Solving and Innovation
• Identify and solve complex safety-related challenges using a broad drug discovery and drug development perspective
• Recommend innovative solutions and best practices to improve the Exploratory Toxicology/safety evaluation processes
• Stay abreast of industry trends and advancements to maintain cutting-edge expertise

Qualifications

• BS/BA with 12+ years of relevant experience; or master’s degree with 10+ years of relevant experience; or PhD with 6+ years’ of relevant experience required
• Strong knowledge and experience in drug design and discovery
• Experience in the design and implementation of product development chemistry processes
• Familiarity with CRO recruitment and management
• Proficiency in planning, implementing, and optimizing synthetic routes towards new chemical matter
• Experience in scientific communication and patent writing for the composition of matter

The base compensation range for this position is $120,300 to $220,000. 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.