Principal Scientist - In Vivo Pharmacology (Lexington, MA, US)

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.

The Position

The Principal Scientist will be responsible for strategy implementation and operations for conducting and summarizing non-clinical in vivo studies internally and externally in the support of new drug evaluations. Design, coordinate, and report pre-clinical pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic in vivo experiments within research projects as part of target validation, target maturation, or mode-of-action studies. Develop and improve in vivo models supporting non-clinical studies, take an active role in research projects, and contribute to innovation by identifying and exploring new therapeutic targets and principles. Communicate evaluations and implications of in vivo data internally, externally, and in regulatory submissions as relevant.

Proven subject matter expertise. Manages field of expertise that requires highly specialized knowledge of strategic importance to the SVP area. Recognized as an expert in own area within the organization and perceived as expert within one or several key processes across an SVP area. Requires specialized depth and/or breadth of expertise. Interprets internal or external business issues and solutions. Recommends solutions/best practices. Solves complex problems; takes a broad perspective to identify. May require strong pharmaceutical industry knowledge and understanding. Acts as mentor for senior colleagues within field of expertise.

In-depth understanding of subject matter & relationship to other key areas related to drug development; expert-level guidance for project team related to experimental strategies to evaluate emerging targets or technologies; propose & oversee external collaborations & strategic partnerships to further company goals related to therapeutic or technology area; clear understanding of link between scientific project goals & overall/long-term business needs.  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 across global R&D. Individual may direct the work of other staff members. Individual will interact with external research collaborators both academia- & industry-based.

Essential Functions

Conduct and summarize non-clinical in vivo studies: Implement strategies and operations for conducting and summarizing non-clinical in vivo studies

Ensure the proper execution of in vivo experiments internally and externally

Analyze and interpret data from in vivo studies to provide insights and recommendations for new drug evaluations

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support the development and implementation of in vivo study protocols

Design and coordinate pre-clinical pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic experiments: Develop experimental designs for pre-clinical pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies

Coordinate the execution of in vivo experiments, including dosing, sample collection, and data analysis

Monitor and evaluate the performance of in vivo experiments to ensure data quality and integrity

Collaborate with internal and external partners to optimize study design and execution

Develop and improve in vivo models supporting non-clinical studies: Identify and evaluate new in vivo models to support non-clinical studies

Contribute to the development and validation of in vivo models for target validation, target maturation, and mode-of-action studies

Stay updated on the latest advancements in in vivo pharmacology and biology to drive innovation and improvement in study models

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement improvements in in vivo models and study protocols

Qualifications

Master’s degree with 12+ years of relevant experience, or PhD with 8+ years of relevant experience required

Experience in conducting and summarizing non-clinical in vivo studies

Proven expertise in pre-clinical pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic in vivo experiments

Strong knowledge of drug discovery and target validation processes

Experience in developing and improving in vivo models

Excellent scientific communication and stakeholder engagement skills

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. 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.

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