Senior Research Associate - In Vitro Pharmacology & Biology (Lexington, MA, US)

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 Position

The Senior Research Associate will be responsible for strategy implementation and operations for conducting and summarizing non-clinical in vitro studies internally and externally in the support of new drug evaluations. Design, coordinate and report pre-clinical pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic in vitro experiments within research projects as part of target validation, target maturation, or mode-of-action studies. Develop and improve in vitro models supporting non-clinical studies, take an active role in research projects and contribute to innovation by identifying and exploring new therapeutic targets and principles. Communicate evaluations and implications of in vitro data internally, externally and in regulatory submissions as relevant.

Demonstrates some subject matter knowledge. Sets and achieves day-to-day operations with some impact on others within or outside the unit. Works on problems of limited scope. Follows standard practices and procedures in analysing situations or data from which answers can be readily obtained. Normally receives general instructions on routine work and detailed instructions on new projects or assignments. Might require guidance from manager/senior colleagues.

Hands-on work of increasing complexity; responsibility for experimental planning, execution & analyses with limited supervisor input; manages personal experimental timelines to meet deadlines for project with input from supervisor; may present ideas or data to team, site, or global project team; develops, optimizes & drafts protocols for methods of moderate complexity with reduced input from supervisor; contributes to formal study reports & study protocol drafting & review; may mentor junior staff.

Relationships

Reports to the head of the related research area and may be supervised by a Scientist. This position will interact with the related research area team members and other research groups at Novo Nordisk, as well as global internal stakeholders and external research collaborators. This position will function as an individual contributor.

 

Essential Functions

Conduct and summarize non-clinical in vitro studies Implement strategies and operations for conducting and summarizing non-clinical in vitro studies

Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to support new drug evaluations

Ensure adherence to regulatory requirements and guidelines in conducting studies

Design and coordinate pre-clinical pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic experiments Design experimental protocols for pre-clinical pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies

Coordinate the execution of in vitro experiments within research projects

Analyse and interpret data to draw conclusions and make recommendations

Develop and improve in vitro models supporting non-clinical studies Identify opportunities to develop and enhance in vitro models for non-clinical studies

Conduct literature reviews and stay updated on the latest advancements in in vitro models

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement improvements and innovations in in vitro models

Communicate evaluations and implications of in vitro data Prepare reports and presentations summarizing in vitro data and findings

Communicate the implications of in vitro data to internal stakeholders, external partners and regulatory authorities

Contribute to regulatory submissions by providing relevant in vitro data and analysis

Qualifications

Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Cell and Molecular Biology, Biochemistry or Pharmaceutical Sciences preferred

3-5 years of relevant drug discovery laboratory experience in industrial or academic environment preferred

High School Diploma required with 10+ years’ relevant experience; or With an Associate or Vocational degree, 2+ years’ relevant experience required; BS/BA, 2+ years’ minimum relevant experience required; or Masters, with limited to no experience

Familiarity with pre-clinical pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic in vitro experiments

Knowledge of experimental design and in vitro model development

Strong understanding of drug discovery processes and target validation

Excellent scientific communication and stakeholder engagement skills

The base compensation range for this position is $85,000 to $96,000. Base compensation is determined based on a number of factors. This position is also eligible for a company bonus based on individual and company performance. Novo Nordisk offers long-term incentive compensation and or company vehicles depending on the position's level or other company factors.

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.

We commit to an inclusive recruitment process and equality of opportunity for all our job applicants.

At Novo Nordisk, we're not chasing quick fixes – we're creating lasting change for long-term health. For over 100 years, we've been driven by a single purpose: to defeat serious chronic diseases and help millions of people live healthier lives. This dedication fuels our constant curiosity and inspires us to push the boundaries of what's possible in healthcare. We embrace diverse perspectives, seek out bold ideas, and build partnerships rooted in shared purpose. Together, we're making healthcare more accessible, treating and defeating diseases, and pioneering solutions that create change spanning generations. When you join us, you become part of something bigger – a legacy of impact that reaches far beyond today.

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.

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