Senior Scientist II - Toxicology

Novo Nordisk • Lexington, MA

2d

About 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.

Requirements

• 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

Responsibilities

• 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
• 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

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees