Senior Scientist I - 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.

We recognize that improving human health starts here and that patients rely on us. Our R&D hub merges biotech speed and agility with large pharmaceutical company quality, resources, and stability, uniting the best of both worlds to develop new medicines for patients.

The 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 in order to establish pharmacokinetic profiles of new chemical and/or molecular entities as well as determining the optimum and safe dosage forms for compounds that have been determined to have indications for various disease groups.

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

Demonstrates subject matter expertise. Requires in-depth knowledge and experience. Solid knowledge and skills relevant for NN Business cross-functional understanding. Strong knowledge within a specific process and extensive business understanding across SVP area. Uses best practices and knowledge of internal or external business issues to improve products or services. Works independently; receives minimal guidance. Acts as a resource for colleagues with less experience;

may direct the work of other staff members. Perceived as expert within one or several key processes across the VP/CVP area. Handling specialist tasks of high complexity critical to the CVP area.

Hands-on work involving highly complex activities; lead project (target, biology, or technology-related) involving coordination of multiple experimental activities & groups, recommends/is responsible for ensuring realistic project timelines & deliverables, work closely with project manager ; deep understanding of subject matter & demonstrates creative, independent thinking to identify & address disease/biology-related questions/gaps, potentially across therapeutic areas; represent NN at conferences & global meetings;

may propose & lead external collaborations; author internal reports & external publications; recommend, present, & champion new targets or methodologies. May mentor or directly supervise less experienced team members based on business need, skill, and/or interest.

Reports to the head of the relevant department at Novo Nordisk. Internal relationships include working closely with technical staff & other members of the scientific leadership team; regular collaborations with members of other research departments at Novo Nordisk; & frequent interaction with project managers & other colleagues across global R&D. Individual may direct the work of other staff members. Individual will interact with external research collaborators both academia- & 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, 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…