Senior Research Associate - 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.

Purpose

We are seeking a highly motivated and scientifically curious Senior Research Associate to advance early drug discovery through high-quality, hands-on in vivo research. The ideal candidate brings strong technical skills, thoughtful experimental judgment, and enthusiasm for understanding the biology behind the data. The candidate will be responsible for design, execute, analyze, 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.  Additional responsibilities include 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. Demonstrates some subject matter knowledge. Sets and achieves day-to-day operations with some impact on others within or outside the unit. Works on problems of limited scope. Follows standard practices and procedures in analyzing situations or data from which answers can be readily obtained. Normally receives general instructions on routine work and detailed instructions on new projects or assignments. Might require guidance from manager/senior colleagues. Hands-on work of increasing complexity; responsibility for experimental planning, execution & analyses with limited supervisor input; manages personal experimental timelines to meet deadlines for project with input from supervisor; may present ideas or data to team, site, or global project team; develops, optimizes & drafts protocols for methods of moderate complexity with reduced input from supervisor; contributes to formal study reports & study protocol drafting & review; may mentor junior staff.

Relationships

Reports to the head of the related research area and may be supervised by a Scientist. This position will interact with the related research area team members and other research groups at Novo Nordisk, as well as global internal stakeholders and external research collaborators. This position will function as an individual contributor.

Essential Functions

In Vivo Study Planning and Execution

Contribute to hypothesis-driven study designs, including selection of appropriate models, controls, doses, sampling schedules, and endpoints.

Plan and execute mouse studies, including animal handling and restraint; oral (PO), intraperitoneal (IP), subcutaneous (SC), and intravenous (IV) dosing; body-weight measurements; in-life and terminal blood collection; necropsies; and tissue collection.

Coordinate study activities, materials, and timelines with internal teams and external collaborators.

Monitor animal health and welfare, recognize unexpected findings, and communicate concerns promptly.

Conduct all work in accordance with approved animal-use protocols, institutional policies, and applicable animal welfare requirements.

Data Analysis, Interpretation, and Communication

Maintain accurate, complete, and timely experimental records in electronic laboratory notebooks and study documentation systems.

Analyze and interpret in vivo data, assess data quality, and identify findings that warrant further investigation.

Prepare clear study summaries, figures, and presentations that connect results to the study hypothesis and project objectives.

Communicate findings, limitations, and proposed next steps to project teams and collaborators.

Contribute to study protocols, formal reports, and supporting documentation for regulatory submissions, as appropriate.

Model Development and Scientific Problem-Solving

Develop, optimize, and characterize in vivo models and associated assays supporting new therapeutic approaches.

Troubleshoot experimental challenges and recommend improvements to study execution, reproducibility, and data quality.

Draft and refine experimental protocols and standard operating procedures.

Bring forward scientific questions and practical ideas that strengthen research quality and inform subsequent experiments.

Support the training and mentoring of junior colleagues in established techniques and laboratory practices.

Qualifications

High School Diploma required with 10+ years’ relevant experience; or With an Associate or Vocational degree, 2+ years’ relevant experience required; BS/BA, 2+ years’ minimum relevant experience required; or Masters, with limited to no experience

Experience in experimental design and the use of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in drug discovery

Biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry experience conducting in vivo pharmacology studies in mice.

Proficiency in mouse handling and dosing by PO, IP, SC, and IV routes, as well as blood collection and tissue harvest

Working knowledge of IACUC regulations and humane animal care practices

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to recognize unexpected results and investigate potential causes.

Strong scientific communication skills, including the ability to present and interpret in vivo data

Strong organizational and documentation skills, with attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple studies simultaneously

Collaborative, adaptable, and comfortable in a fast-paced, team-oriented research environment

Demonstrated intellectual curiosity and a translational mindset in exploring new therapeutic targets and principles

Experience with In Vivo Animal Imaging (IVIS), ELISA or MSD cytokine/biomarker assays preferred

Proficiency with GraphPad Prism and electronic lab notebook systems preferred

The base compensation range for this position is $ 70,400 to $ 123,200 . 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.