Research Scientist

Novo Nordisk; Oxford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A global healthcare company in Oxford is seeking a Research Scientist to join its functional genomics team. The candidate will design and optimise in-vitro workflows for target discovery in metabolic diseases like diabetes and obesity. Responsibilities include executing high-throughput assays, analyzing data, and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams. Applicants must hold a PhD or master's with relevant experience and practical skills in assay development and gene editing. This position is maternity leave cover, with a deadline of January 11th, 2026.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of relevant experience in functional genomics or related fields.
• Practical experience in executing medium- to high-throughput in-vitro functional genomics screens.
• Familiarity with FAIR data principles and ELN usage.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and optimise in-vitro functional genomics workflows.
• Engineers cell lines and performs gene editing for assay development.
• Independently analyse screening data and produce summaries.

Skills

Assay development

Gene editing

Data analysis

Problem-solving

Communication

Education

PhD or master's degree in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology or related field

Tools

Statistical analysis software

Automated lab equipment

Job description

Oxford UK

Join our functional genomics team within the In Vitro Science department and help scale target discovery and progression research that could change patient lives.

Your new role

As a Research Scientist you will design, execute and optimise in‑vitro functional genomics and cell‑based screening workflows that enable target discovery in metabolic diseases such as diabetes and obesity. You will deliver high quality experimental data, adopt and validate automation and digital tools, and translate screening results into concise insights that drive target progression into the NN pipeline. This role is a maternity leave cover.

Day‑to‑day tasks

• Engineer cell lines and perform gene editing to develop and validate cell‑based assays for functional genomics and screening.
• Execute medium‑ to high‑throughput functional genomics screens using state‑of‑the‑art perturbation methods and quantify disease‑relevant functional or phenotypic responses in complex human in‑vitro models.
• Apply Design of Experiment (DoE) principles to accelerate assay development and adapt workflows based on real‑time data to optimise performance.
• Operate, maintain and troubleshoot automated and semi‑automated equipment and consistently document experiments in ELNs and relevant databases.
• Independently analyse screening data using established quality metrics and digital tools, producing concise summaries to inform target selection.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to progress projects, support partnerships and contribute to the timely reporting and publication of results.

Your new department

You will join the Functional Genomics Group within the In Vitro Science department in the UK and work closely with Target Discovery and Technology Leaders teams and across departments with expertise in several scientific disciplines. Our interdisciplinary teams combine experimental biology, automation and digital biology approaches to accelerate the identification and validation of targets for the NN pipeline.

Your skills & qualifications

• Hold a PhD or master’s degree (with 3‑5 years of relevant experience) in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology or a related field.
• Have practical experience in assay development and execution of medium‑ to high‑throughput in‑vitro functional genomics or cell‑based screens.
• Have experience in gene editing and cell engineering techniques and competent using automation or semi‑automation platforms.
• Be able to analyse experimental data independently using appropriate statistical approaches and digital tools; familiar with FAIR data principles and ELN usage.
• Demonstrate strong problem‑solving skills, ability to troubleshoot complex assays and implement improvements with minimal guidance.
• Communicate project work and results clearly to cross‑functional teams and contribute constructively to scientific discussions.

Working at Novo Nordisk

Every day we seek the solutions that defeat serious chronic diseases. Here you’ll join an innovative, collaborative environment that values curiosity and scientific rigour while supporting development and cross‑functional learning. Your work will contribute directly to target selection and pipeline decisions that can lead to meaningful patient impact.

Deadline

January 11th 2026.

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