Senior Scientist I - Drug Metabolism

Novo Nordisk; Lexington (MA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus program

Long-term incentive plan

Company vehicle

Benefits package

Job summary

Novo Nordisk seeks a Senior Scientist, DMPK to lead discovery DMPK strategy across multiple therapeutic areas, integrating PK/PD modeling and PBPK approaches to de-risk programs. You will work with medicinal chemistry and pharmacology teams to optimize candidates with drug-like properties.

The role involves cross-functional collaboration with global ADME experts, CRO partners, and project teams, driving internal and external research initiatives and contributing to go/no-go decisions while

Qualifications

• BS/BA with 10+ years of relevant experience; or master’s degree with 8+ years; or PhD with 4+ years required.
• Experience in designing and conducting ADME research in a pre-clinical and/or clinical development setting.
• Strong PK knowledge; PK/PD modeling or biotransformation desirable; proficient communication.

Responsibilities

• Lead DMPK strategy for discovery programs across multiple therapeutic areas.
• Apply in silico models, PK/PD, PBPK to predict human pharmacokinetics and de-risk programs.
• Integrate DMPK data with medicinal chemistry to guide design of drug-like candidates.
• Propose and oversee internal and external research initiatives and study designs.
• Collaborate with CRO partners to identify and manage ADME capabilities.
• Engage global DMPK experts to harmonize methodologies and best practices.
• Communicate findings and risks to project teams and senior management.
• Represent the company externally through publications and conferences.

Skills

ADME knowledge

PK/PD modeling

Cross-functional collaboration

Scientific communication

Regulatory awareness

Education

PhD with 4+ years

Master’s degree with 8+ years

BS/BA with 10+ years

Tools

PBPK modeling

Ex vivo/in vivo ADME methods

Outsourcing/CRO management

Job description

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 Scientist, DMPK will provide scientific leadership in the discovery of small molecule drug candidates by integrating DMPK strategy across multiple therapeutic areas. You will define and drive internal and external research initiatives that support program milestones, proposing experimental and modeling approaches to de risk projects and advance molecules with drug like properties. Working cross functionally with medicinal chemistry, pharmacology and other discovery teams, you will lead DMPK efforts to optimize candidates using in vitro, in vivo and in silico methods where pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) modeling and/or physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) hands‑on capabilities are required. You will engage with global Novo Nordisk ADME experts to harmonize strategy and leverage best practices. The successful candidate will be recognized as a subject matter expert in small molecule ADME/PK.

Relationships

Reports to the Director of GDDS Boston DMPK 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 NN; & 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.

Essential Functions

• Lead DMPK strategy for discovery programs across multiple therapeutic areas, aligning ADME objectives with project milestones.
• 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.
• 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 predictivity.

Qualifications

• BS/BA with 10+ years of relevant experience; or master’s degree with 8+ years of relevant experience; or PhD with 4+ years’ of relevant experience required
• Experience in designing and conducting absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) research in a pre-clinical and/or clinical development setting
• Excellent understanding of ADME principals with hands on experience with PK and PK/PD modeling or biotransformation highly desirable
• Strong knowledge and experience in pharmacokinetics and drug metabolism
• Preferred experience includes: DMPK or PK/PD modeling project representative
• Proficiency in scientific communication and stakeholder engagement.

The base compensation range for this position is $140,000 to $190.000. 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.