Principal Scientist - Biomarker Discovery & Qualification

About the Department Our US Research & Development hub, located in the Greater Boston area, brings together the best talent to drive life science innovation. Located in Lexington, Watertown and Cambridge, our teams reflect the full scope of R&D, from early research through late-stage clinical development. We are building for the future by 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. By combining the speed and agility of biotech with the quality, resources, and stability of a large pharmaceutical company, our US R&D hub will benefit from the best of both worlds to develop new medicines that meet the needs of patients. The Position Translational Research, part of Global Translation (GT), is establishing its presence in Greater Boston area with the purpose of identifying, qualifying and quantifying target engagement (TE), proof-of-mechanism (PoM) and disease modulation (DM) biomarkers to guide decision-making in R&ED. At the Biomarker Discovery & Qualification (BDQ) department within Translational Research, we employ human in vitro / ex vivo systems and in vivo animal models as well as apply omics technologies to generate high-quality biomarker data. To leverage and complement the existing expertise in advanced cellular models for biomarker discovery, the role will be embedded within the Microphysiological Systems (MPS) department in Boston while seamlessly integrating with BDQ team in Måløv, Denmark, enabling a strong, close-knit collaboration between the two sites. The Principal Scientist will be part of a highly ambitious multidisciplinary team dedicated to identifying and qualifying TE-,PoM- and DM biomarkers by utilizing the MPS platforms and cutting-edge omics technologies. Collaborating closely with scientists across global R&ED organization, the individual will drive the experimental biomarker discovery and qualification efforts while implementing new models and technological platforms for biomarker research. In addition, the job entails leading multiple research projects concurrently and responsible for project planning, execution, and delivery, including defining project goals and timelines. Moreover, the role requires active engagement with internal and external stakeholders, along with leadership in forging strategic partnerships in the biomarker field. Relationship The Principal Scientist will report to the head of the Biomarker Discovery & Qualification (BDQ) department at Novo Nordisk in Greater Copenhagen (Måløv), Denmark. Internal relationships include working closely with technical staff and scientists within the MPS department as well as with the head of BDQ. Moreover, the individual will work closely with translational teams in Global Translation and with the cardiometabolic therapeutic areas across the Research & Early Development (R&ED) organization. The Principal Scientist will have significant interaction with external research collaborators both academia- & industry.The individual may supervise and mentor less experienced team members. This position is an individual contributor and will not have direct reports Essential Functions

Develop experimental strategies to identify and qualify biomarkers associated with treatment response and disease modulation

Lead biomarker discovery campaigns employing advanced methodologies and technologies

Contribute to the development of novel cellular models (e.g. Organoids, Spheroids, MPS, iPSCs, Precision-cut tissue slices) and in vivo disease models for biomarker discovery and qualification

Utilize high-throughput platforms to profile Target Engagement (TE), Proof-of-Mechanism (PoM), and disease modulation biomarkers

Analyze and interpret complex biological data sets using artificial intelligence GUI and primary bioinformatics tools to extract meaningful insights

Collaborate with therapy area experts to deliver qualified biomarkers in translational project teams

Work closely with computational biologists and human genetics team to integrate multi-omics data and drive experimental validation of insilico biomarker predictions

Remain updated on biomarker discovery, genomics, and translational research to drive innovation

Establish and lead academic / industrial partnerships to complement internal biomarker discovery and qualification efforts

Build and maintain professional networks internally and externally and identify opportunities for collaboration / co-creation

Mentoring junior scientists and providing scientific guidance to ensure project success.

Provide strong technical guidance within the field of expertise

Qualifications

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

Relevant experience includes:

Deep understanding of translational principles in early drug discovery and the ability to link translational research goals to early clinical development

Strong knowledge in cardiometabolic disease biology and molecular mechanisms underlying complex diseases

Proven track record of scientific leadership and achievement in biomarker discovery and qualification

Expertise in molecular biology techniques, high-throughput technologies, disease models and interpretation of omics data

Demonstrates exceptional verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to create and deliver compelling presentations

Preferred experience includes:

Current molecular biology techniques, human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), and analytics such as high content imaging and scRNAseq

Establishing, shaping and driving complex cross-functional collaborations both within an organisation and with external partners, commercial and academic.

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.