Principal Scientist, Functional Genomics

Novo Nordisk A/S; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Novo Nordisk A/S is seeking a Principal Scientist in Functional Genomics in Oxford to lead the development of automation-friendly genomics strategies and screening workflows for target discovery. You will drive high-quality data generation and interpretation to support progression of novel targets into Novo’s research portfolio.

You will mentor colleagues, influence scientific strategy, and build collaborations across internal teams and external partners to accelerate target maturation and

Qualifications

• PhD or Master’s degree in a related scientific discipline.
• 7–10 years pharma/biotech experience with functional genomics for target ID/validation.
• Experience leading functional genomics and cell-based screening workflows.
• Expertise in automation-friendly assay design, data capture, processing and analytics.

Responsibilities

• Drive development and implementation of functional genomics and assay technologies.
• Lead mechanistic studies to establish target biology and mode of action.
• Advance multi-omic data analysis and translate findings into actionable targets.
• Foster collaborations with internal and external partners to accelerate discovery.
• Mentor scientists and champion FAIR data practices and emerging tech.

Skills

Functional genomics

Gene editing

Target identification

Data analysis

Mentoring

Stakeholder engagement

Education

PhD in Molecular Biology / Biochemistry / Cell Biology

Master’s degree in related scientific discipline

Job description

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Principal Scientist, Functional Genomics

Category: Research

Location: Oxford, South East, GB

Your impact starts here

As Principal Scientist, Functional Genomics, you will combine cutting-edge biology, gene editing, and advanced screening approaches to uncover new therapeutic opportunities. You will develop and apply innovative, automation-friendly functional genomics capabilities, using automation and digital approaches to scale data generation and accelerate target identification and validation for progression to Novo’s research portfolio.

What you’ll bring

You are a scientifically accomplished and collaborative researcher with deep expertise in functional genomics and a proven ability to influence research strategy, technology development and scientific outcomes. You combine technical excellence with strong stakeholder engagement and leadership skills.

To succeed in this role, you will have:

• A PhD or Master’s degree in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, or a related scientific discipline.
• Typically, 7 to 10 years of pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry experience, with demonstrated expertise in functional genomics applied to target identification and validation.
• Extensive experience developing and leading functional genomics and cell-based screening workflows, including gene editing, cell engineering, and advanced in vitro model systems.
• Strong knowledge of experimental design and statistical approaches, along with expertise in applying automation and digital tools to assay development and screening (e.g., automation-ready assay design, scalable workflows, data capture/processing, and analytics), and the ability to generate impactful scientific insights through robust data interpretation is essential.
• Strong understanding of target classes and ability to design mechanistic studies that elucidate target biology and mode of action.
• Proven ability to mentor colleagues, build strategic collaborations, and effectively communicate complex scientific concepts to multidisciplinary stakeholders.

Useful, but not essential

• Experience working with external partners, driving technology adoption, and advancing FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) data practices in a research environment would be highly advantageous.

What you’ll do

As Principal Scientist in the Functional Genomics team, you will serve as a scientific leader, driving the development and implementation of advanced experimental approaches and the adoption of automation technologies and digital applications to scale data generation in support of TIM’s target discovery. You will work across multidisciplinary teams to establish innovative, automation-amenable in vitro assays, generate high-quality decision-making data, and help shape the future direction of functional genomics capabilities for screening within TIM. You will also mentor colleagues, influence scientific strategy, and build collaborations that enhance research impact.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Driving the development and implementation of innovative functional genomics, gene-editing, cell engineering and assay technology strategies using advanced cell and molecular biology approaches to support target identification and validation.
• Leading the design and execution of mechanistic studies to establish target biology, mode of action and therapeutic relevance enabling robust target validation and maturation.
• Advancing and standardizing the analysis, interpretation, and integration of complex multi-omic datasets and translating findings into actionable recommendations that support target selection and project progression.
• Exploring and strengthening collaborations with internal stakeholders, academic institutions, biotechnology partners, and external service providers to expand scientific capabilities and accelerate discovery efforts.
• Mentoring and developing scientists across the organization while championing emerging technologies, FAIR data practices, and innovative approaches that strengthen target discovery impact.

You will operate with a high degree of scientific independence and will be recognized as a subject matter expert, contributing to both strategic and operational decisions that enable the progression of novel therapeutic targets into the research pipeline.

Who you’ll work with

The Target Identification and Maturation (TIM) department, based at Novo Nordisk Research and Development UK (NNRDUK) in Oxford, is part of Novo Nordisk Global Research. TIM plays a pivotal role in discovering, validating, and advancing novel therapeutic targets that address unmet patient needs across Novo Nordisk’s research portfolio. Leveraging cutting-edge human biology, advanced experimental platforms, computational approaches, and translational science, the department generates insights that enable target identification, mechanistic understanding, and target maturation towards project initiation.

Our multidisciplinary teams work across the target discovery value chain, integrating in vitro and in silico capabilities, functional genomics, screening technologies, data science, and disease biology to uncover and de-risk new therapeutic opportunities. While maintaining a strong focus on cardiometabolic diseases, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, and related co-morbidity, TIM also supports the exploration of emerging therapeutic areas and novel biological pathways.

The Oxford research centre thrives on collaboration. We maintain strong partnerships with leading academic institutions, particularly the University of Oxford, as well as biotechnology and technology partners worldwide. As part of a global research organization, TIM works closely with colleagues in Denmark, Boston, and across Novo Nordisk Global Research to translate scientific discoveries into the next generation of innovative medicines for patients.

What you can expect here

You will join a scientific community where curiosity and patient focus are central to how we work, and where your expertise can help shape important decisions. You will be trusted to take ownership and have your voice heard, while being supported to grow through mentorship, collaboration, and challenging work across therapeutic areas and development stages.

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