Senior Research Associate - Non-viral Delivery

Company: Novo Nordisk
Location: Lexington
Posted on: June 25, 2025

Job Description:

About the Department The Global Nucleic Acid Therapies area strives to be a global leader in nucleic acid therapeutics by developing innovative technology platforms and molecules that translate into novel genetic medicines to improve patients' lives. Our mission is to bring curative and disease modifying therapies to individuals living with serious chronic conditions. We are a global team with locations in Massachusetts (Greater Boston Research & Early Development Hub), Colorado and Copenhagen, pushing technological innovation to expand the RNA and gene therapy application space. Our proprietary GalXC™ and GalXC-Plus™ RNAi technologies have the potential to address conditions that are difficult or impossible to treat with other modalities. The value chain spans from early research to phase 1 clinical studies. Established as a Transformational Research Unit (TRU), Global Nucleic Acid Therapies is a unique organization within Novo Nordisk Research & Early Development that brings together the best of both worlds – the agility, collaborative pioneering spirit and calculated risk-taking profile of a biotech along with the scale, resources and capabilities of a global leader in drug development. We are a team of inventive and entrepreneurial thinkers pushing the boundaries of science. Together, we are driving change. Are you ready to make a difference? 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 analyzing 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 Senior Scientist II of the Non-Viral Delivery Department heading Chemistry, Characterization, and Cell Assays team. 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 and ex vivo 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 Analyze 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 Interacts with peers who specialize in non viral delivery synthesis, formulation and characterization. Cross-functional teams within the organization performing in vivo, ex vivo, bioanalytical and POC studies Interacts with colleagues in the global team in Denmark. Presents scientific data in the wide Nucleic Acid Research Area. Qualifications 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 Desirable Skills Experience with PCR experiments of both in vitro and ex vivo samples Implement automation techniques, with familiarity with liquid handlers (Assist-Plus and ViaLab) Familiarity with imaging techniques, including fluorescence imaging and immunohistochemistry Knowledge of cytokine storm assessments using MSD and Luminex platforms We commit to an inclusive recruitment process and equality of opportunity for all our job applicants. At Novo Nordisk we recognize that it is no longer good enough to aspire to be the best company in the world. We need to aspire to be the best company for the world and we know that this is only possible with talented employees with diverse perspectives, backgrounds and cultures. We are therefore committed to creating an inclusive culture that celebrates the diversity of our employees, the patients we serve and communities we operate in. Together, we’re life changing. 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.

Keywords: Novo Nordisk, Nantucket , Senior Research Associate - Non-viral Delivery, Science, Research & Development , Lexington, Massachusetts