Principal Scientist -Emerging Obesity Mechanisms

BioSpace; Lexington (MA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 235,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company bonus

Long‑term incentive compensation

Company vehicles

Job summary

Novo Nordisk in Massachusetts seeks a Principal Scientist to lead the Emerging Obesity Mechanisms portfolio, focusing on MASH and obesity‑related comorbidities, and to drive discovery through pre‑clinical and IND pathways.

You will mentor scientists, coordinate cross‑site biology activities, build MoA data packages, and collaborate with academia and industry while advancing translational models and human‑relevant systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 22+ years’ relevant experience required.
• Master’s Degree with 16 years relevant industry or post‑doctorate experience can be considered.
• PhD with 10 years relevant industry or post‑doctorate experience can be considered.
• Relevant required experience includes: small molecules and/or RNAi/siRNA modalities.

Responsibilities

• Lead target identification, validation and maturation of novel obesity‑comorbidity targets from idea generation through pre‑clinical and clinical‑stage gates across small‑molecule and RNAi/siRNA modalities.
• Build and strengthen MoA narratives and assemble data packages and screening plans for governance review to accelerate IND submission.
• Provide cross‑functional leadership, coordinating biology with pharmacology, omics, and other sites.
• Cultivate external collaborations to source targets/assets and extend capabilities across obesity comorbidities.
• Drive scientific communication through publications, conferences, and external collaborations.
• Mentor junior scientists toward autonomy and leadership in the obesity pipeline.

Skills

Small molecules

RNAi/siRNA

Leadership

Communication

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master’s degree

PhD

Job description

About The Department

The US-based Emerging Obesity Mechanisms department delivers scientific excellence in energy‑expenditure‑, muscle‑, and liver‑related mechanisms of obesity, advancing novel small‑molecule and RNAi targets through human in vitro characterization and mode‑of‑action discovery. As part of Obesity Research US, it helps diversify the pipeline, contributing to the broader Obesity & Cardiometabolic Research goal of building a differentiated pipeline across obesity and its comorbidities.

The Position

Are you a driven and passionate scientist with a strong scientific background in Obesity related comorbidities, such as MASH or CVD? Do you wish to help shape our research initiatives and contribute to the development of life‑changing therapies? Look no further! Our company is seeking a highly motivated Principal Scientist to join our Emerging Obesity Mechanisms research team as part of the US Obesity Research Department.

As a Principal Scientist, you will be responsible for executing and delivering on our Obesity and Cardiometabolic Comorbidities portfolio and be considered a disease expert. You will be involved in leading and championing target data packages from discovery through IND submissions for our US‑based Obesity Research department.

Relationships

Reports to the Director of Emerging Obesity Mechanisms at Novo Nordisk in Massachusetts. Internal relationships include working closely with technical staff & other members of the Obesity Research US leadership team. Additionally, regular collaborations with members of other research departments & frequent interaction with project managers, project leads, governance leadership, and other colleagues across global R&D. Individual may indirectly mentor less experienced team members. Individuals may interact with external research collaborators in both academia and industry.

Essential Functions

• Serve as a biology and disease‑area expert for MASH and obesity‑related comorbidities focused on peripheral organs (CVD and emerging "feel & see" indications like osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, muscle preservation as defined by portfolio strategy).
• Lead target identification, validation and maturation of novel obesity‑comorbidity targets from idea generation through pre‑clinical and clinical‑stage gates across small‑molecule and RNAi/siRNA modalities.
• Build and strengthen the mechanism‑of‑action narrative and assemble the scientific rationale, data packages and screening plans required for governance review to accelerate progression toward first human dose / IND submission.
• Provide cross‑functional and cross‑site scientific leadership, coordinating biology activities with pharmacology, digital biology/omics, and Denmark‑based counterparts, and communicating clearly with project teams and stakeholders on strategy, unmet need and priorities.
• Cultivate and manage external academic and biotech collaborations to in‑source targets/assets, de‑risk mechanisms and extend capabilities across MASH and broader obesity comorbidities, in line with the site's goal of extracting greater value from external innovation.
• Drive scientific communication through publications, participation at conferences, and building external interactions with Key Opinion Leaders as assets advance.
• Mentor and upskill junior scientists towards scientific autonomy and leadership capabilities needed to progress and champion targets through the broader Obesity pipeline
• Champion human‑centric, fit‑for‑purpose drug discovery by prioritizing primary human cells, patient‑relevant in vitro systems, and multi‑omics‑informed disease modelling to strengthen translational relevance
• Bring deep receptor‑pharmacology and mechanism‑of‑action expertise to build robust, translatable MoA‑based datasets across small‑molecule and RNAi modalities.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree required. Relevant Post‑graduate or industry experience required

22+ years’ relevant experience required, Master’s Degree with 16 years relevant industry or post‑doctorate experience can be considered. PhD with 10 years relevant industry or post‑doctorate experience can be considered

Relevant required experience includes: small molecules and/or RNAi/siRNA modalities

Preferred experience includes: Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills

Demonstrates excellent verbal and written communication skills

The base compensation range for this position is $180,000 to $235,000. 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.