Senior Scientist - Drug Metabolism

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. We build for the future, creating a distinct R&D community based on collaboration, partnerships, and cutting‑edge research across multiple modalities and therapeutic areas.

The Senior Scientist I will design and conduct ADME research on compounds, drug agents and metabolites in pre‑clinical and/or clinical development. Uses a physicochemical approach, compiling data such as absorption, excretion rates and drug agent half‑life to establish pharmacokinetic profiles of new chemical entities and determine optimal and safe dosage forms for compounds indicated for various disease groups. Develops protocols and prepares study documentation to support domestic and international submissions of new drugs.

Demonstrates subject matter expertise, requires in‑depth knowledge and experience, and works independently. Acts as a resource for colleagues, mentors less experienced staff, and may direct other staff members. Handles specialist tasks of high complexity critical to the CVP area.

Hands‑on work involves highly complex activities; leads projects involving multiple experimental activities and groups, ensuring realistic project timelines and deliverables. Collaborates closely with project managers, demonstrates creative independent thinking to address disease/biology questions, represents the company at conferences, may lead external collaborations, authors reports and publications, and mentors team members.

Reports to the head of the relevant department at Novo Nordisk. Works with technical staff, scientific leadership, project managers, and other research departments across global R&D. Interacts with external academic and industry researchers.

• Lead DMPK strategy for discovery programs across multiple therapeutic areas, aligning ADME objectives with project milestones.
• Design and interpret in vitro and in vivo ADME studies to inform lead optimization and candidate selection.
• Apply fit‑for‑purpose in silico models, PK/PD, PBPK, exposure–response, to predict human pharmacokinetics/dose and de‑risk programs.
• Integrate DMPK data with medicinal chemistry and pharmacology to guide chemical design and prioritize novel chemical matter with favorable drug‑like properties.
• Propose and oversee internal and external research initiatives, including study design, data analysis, and documentation to meet project goals.
• Collaborate with outsourcing managers to identify, qualify and manage CRO partners with specialized ADME capabilities; ensure quality, timelines and cost‑effectiveness.
• Engage and collaborate with global Novo Nordisk ADME experts to harmonize methodologies, share best practices and leverage cross‑site expertise.
• Provide scientific mentorship and technical leadership to DMPK team members and cross‑functional colleagues.
• Communicate DMPK strategy, findings and risk assessments clearly to project teams and senior management; contribute to go/no‑go decisions.
• Represent the company externally as needed (publications, conferences, scientific consortia) to build visibility for DMPK methods and capabilities.
• Maintain awareness of emerging DMPK methodologies, regulatory expectations and modeling technologies; implement applicable innovations to improve discovery throughput and predictivity.

• BS/BA with 10+ years of relevant experience; or master’s degree with 8+ years of relevant experience; or PhD with 4+ years’ of relevant experience required.
• Experience in designing and conducting absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME) research in a pre‑clinical and/or clinical development setting.
• Excellent understanding of ADME principles with hands‑on experience with PK and PK/PD modeling or biotransformation highly desirable.
• Strong knowledge and experience in pharmacokinetics and drug metabolism.
• Preferred experience includes: DMPK or PK/PD modeling project representative.
• Pro…