About the Department

As a part of Novo Nordisk’s Strategy and Rare Disease organization, the Forma team is focused on the development and commercialization of novel therapeutics to transform the lives of patients with rare hematologic diseases and cancers. Its R&D engine combines deep biology insight, chemistry expertise and clinical development capabilities to create drug candidates with differentiated mechanisms of action focused on indications with high unmet need. Forma’s Pharm Sci and QA team is focused on activities supporting clinical supply chain, drug formulation & manufacturing, and GMP, GCP, auditing in support of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) programs. We’re looking for individuals who are enterprise thinkers, inclusive leaders, and strong collaborators, as we embark on shaping our future. Are you ready to make a difference?

The Position

The Rare Disease Research Team in Boston is focused on the discovery and development of novel therapeutics for rare blood disorders and other rare diseases. Working within the global Rare Disease Research Team at Novo Nordisk, you will have the opportunity to contribute to a broad portfolio of projects across multiple therapeutic modalities while working in a biotech-style environment.

As Scientist, Rare Disease Research, you will provide major contributions to drug discovery programs that aim to develop therapeutics to treat patients with rare diseases. This will be achieved by independently designing and executing experiments as well as managing external providers to deliver key project deliverables while coordinating activities and communicating priorities with cross-functional teams across NN sites. Identification of external opportunities for collaborations and contributing to scientific literature & conferences are also key elements of this position.

Relationships

Reports to the Associate Director, Rare Disease Research, Boston.

Internal relationships include working closely with technical staff & other members of the scientific leadership team; regular collaborations with members of the Boston team (chemistry and DMPK); & 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 (In vitro models, target/pathway biology, small molecule precedents, technical expertise) through hands-on independent work with highly complex tasks involving multiple experimental activities and groups. Handles most situations independently, 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 subject matter (specific biology; specific target; etc.) 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
• Maintains a strong understanding of theoretical knowledge and a connection to the external scientific community through continuous evaluation of relevant literature. Identifies, develops proposals, and leads external collaborations by providing expert input, troubleshooting issues and removing barriers to achieve goals, seizing opportunities for new discoveries while managing timeline and budget
• Demonstrates ability to manage external providers by identifying and vetting providers to specific projects, transferring know-how and materials including tracking strategies to ensure consistency of delivery, vetting results and managing resource. Excellent communication skills with providers to ensure clarity of purpose and implementations
• Demonstrates a high level of pro-activity towards solving complex issues within discipline and ability to anticipate future issues and risk mitigation
• 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
• 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

Physical Requirements

0-10% overnight travel required. Ability to lift 0-50 lbs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or more advanced degree within the subject matter expertise is required
• Doctoral degree with 3+ years’ post-doctoral and/or industry relevant experience is preferred
• Relevant expertise in hematology and/or endocrinology or hands-on experience in in vitro culture of hematopoietic stem cells
• Preferred experience in red blood cell biology
• 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.

Novo Nordisk requires all new hires to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to the first date of employment. As required by applicable law, Novo Nordisk will consider requests for reasonable accommodation.

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.