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. 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.

Senior Scientist I will design and conduct absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME) research on compounds, drug agents and metabolites in pre‑clinical and/or clinical development. Uses a physicochemical approach, attempting to compile various data such as absorption and excretion rates and drug agent half‑life to establish pharmacokinetic profiles of new chemical and/or molecular entities. Determines optimum and safe dosage forms for compounds indicated for various disease groups.

Develops protocols, prepares study documentation and findings to support domestic and international submissions of new drugs.

Demonstrates subject‑matter expertise and in‑depth knowledge. Works independently with minimal guidance, acting as a resource for colleagues of less experience and may direct the work of other staff members. Handles specialist tasks of high complexity critical to the VP/CVP area.

Hands‑on work involving highly complex activities; leads projects (target, biology or technology‑related) coordinating multiple experimental activities and groups. Recommends and is responsible for realistic project timelines and deliverables, works closely with project managers, and demonstrates creative, independent thinking to address disease/biology‑related questions and gaps across therapeutic areas. Represents NN at conferences and global meetings, may propose and lead external collaborations, author internal reports and external publications, and recommends, presents and champions new targets or methodologies.

Mentors or directly supervises less experienced team members as needed.

Reports to the head of the relevant department at Novo Nordisk. Works closely with technical staff, other members of the scientific leadership team, and project managers across global R&D. Interacts with external research collaborators both academia and industry based.

• 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 and 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, ensuring 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.
• Master’s degree with 8+ years of relevant experience.
• PhD with 4+ years of relevant experience.
• Experience in designing and conducting absorption,…