Scientist I - Neurobiology - Global Drug Discovery

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.

Our vision is to be at the forefront of neurobiology, leading the charge in pushing the boundaries of scientific knowledge and pharmaceutical advancements. We aspire to be recognized globally and locally as a hub of creativity, innovation, and collaboration, where ideation and discovery flourish. By integrating exploratory technology, in vitro models, and state-of-the-art brain delivery systems, we strive to deepen our understanding of the mechanisms underlying brain function and dysfunction within our focus areas obesity and cardiometabolic disease. Through close collaboration with in vivo researchers and chemists, we endeavor to translate our findings into novel, effective treatments that can reshape the landscape of obesity management. With a focus on driving our pipeline forward and embracing outsourcing models and external collaborations, we are poised to make significant contributions to impact human health by advancing the frontiers of neuroscience research.

The Position

The Scientist I will provide major contributions to the identification and validation of new drug targets, advancing novel therapies to the clinic, and developing technologies to accelerate scientific research. This will be achieved by independently designing and executing experiments, coordinating with cross-functional teams, and ensuring completion of project key deliverables. The Scientist I will represent the organization to the external scientific community through publication and presentation of research, and through active participation in external collaborations.

Relationships

Reports to the head of Neurobiology at Novo Nordisk in Boston. Internal relationships include working closely with technical staff & other members of the scientific leadership team; regular collaborations with members of other research departments in Boston and Denmark; & 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

• Major contributor to research projects (target discovery, neurobiology, or technology-related) through hands-on independent work of highly complex tasks involving multiple experimental activities and groups. Handles most situations independently and with routine, receives minimal guidance, but will seek advice and guidance on more complex issues
• Demonstrates a breadth of knowledge and skills to support the development, optimization, and management of research protocols of high complexity to advance multiple drug discovery efforts with limited supervisor input. Demonstrates deep understanding of neurobiology, in vitro biology/pharmacology, obesity, and cardiometabolic diseases, and may occasionally demonstrate subject matter expertise
• Analyzes complex data with high degree of sophistication, connecting disparate datasets to reach conclusions and set direction on experiments. Contributes strong scientific acumen to enable projects and advance the research agenda. Authors internal reports and external publications with limited guidance from supervisor
• Effectively communicates and collaborates across global sites and guides project strategy by providing expert input to cross-functional project teams. Expected to represent the organization at external conferences and global meetings by contributing to authorship and publication of scientific papers and patents. Proposes, participates and may lead external collaborations
• Maintains a strong understanding of theoretical knowledge and a connection to the external scientific community through continuous evaluation of relevant literature. Expands the capabilities of early target discovery through the generation of new target ideas, evaluation of biology or methods, and implementation of technologies that add value
• Leads cross-functional experimental teams to achieve project goals, mentor junior staff, and provide training. May mentor or indirectly supervise less experienced team members
• Influences the research pipeline by recommending, presenting, and championing new targets or methodologies
• Demonstrated ability to identify biology-, target-, or technology-focused gaps and questions, and to propose solutions for long-term benefit of department, site, or company
• Works with Department Heads and Scientists to ensure better practice sharing and implementation within the research environment
• Achieves business goals, shares learnings, knowledge, skills, and promotes cross-functional teamwork
• Develops superior cross-cultural understanding to effectively interact with relevant stakeholders in the global organization

Qualifications

• Bachelor 's Degree within biology, chemistry, physiology, biochemistry required
• 12+ years' relevant experience required, or a Master's degree with 8+ years' relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree with 2+ years' post-doctoral and/or industry relevant experience can be considered
• Relevant required experience includes: Neurobiology, obesity, cardiometabolic diseases, advanced cell-based models
• Preferred experience includes: central control of metabolism, neuroendocrine hormones, homeostatic and hedonic feeding behaviors, neurovasculature, vagal neuronal system
• Demonstrates excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrates superior project management knowledge, as well as strong organizational and time-management skills

We commit to an inclusive recruitment process and equality of opportunity for all our job applicants.

At Novo Nordisk we recognize that it is no longer good enough to aspire to be the best company in the world. We need to aspire to be the best company for the world and we know that this is only possible with talented employees with diverse perspectives, backgrounds and cultures. We are therefore committed to creating an inclusive culture that celebrates the diversity of our employees, the patients we serve and communities we operate in. Together, we're life changing.

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.