Principal Scientist - Drug Discovery (Diabetes) Employer Novo Nordisk Location Waltham, MA Start date Aug 27, 2026 View more categories View less categories Discipline Science/R D , Biology , Biotechnology , Pharmacology Required Education Doctorate/PHD/MD Position Type Full time Hotbed Genetown , Best Places to Work Apply now Save job Click to add the job to your shortlist You need to sign in or create an account to save a job. Send job Job Details Company Job Details About the Department Diabetes in vitro Biology is a department within the Diabetes US Research area, Diabetes & complications therapeutic area, dedicated to research within the cardio-metabolic field, in particular diabetes. This department has a focus towards building a state-of-the-art research platform, target identification, validation and in vitro evaluation of novel treatment options, working closely with our Danish part of the organisation. Currently, the department consists of 12 employees. We work in a flexible, collaborative, and cross-functional setting, while keeping focus on quality and goals in an informal environment. The Position Your key responsibilities will be to significantly impact our diabetes pipeline, which includes identification and evaluation of novel therapeutic targets, initiation of innovative drug discovery projects and maturing these through the early pipeline towards first in human. As a scientific lead you will have the opportunity to guide a global, highly collaborative team in the discovery efforts and give advice to the respective management teams. Furthermore, the successful candidate will be contributing to the expansion of our translational in vitro research platforms. With your translational mindset and background within Diabetes and metabolic disease, you will be responsible for the establishment and utilization of relevant molecular approaches, cellular assays, and read-outs in order to investigate the mode-of-action of novel drug candidates and to progress our research projects. You have the ability to lead several complex tasks in a fast-paced environment, making clear decisions, accelerating the path towards new treatment options for patients living with Diabetes. Part of your job will be guiding colleagues, as well as contributing to lab related activities, sharing knowledge and scientific insights with your colleagues. You are expected to present your results to project teams and management using strong communication skills and to stay on top of the scientific literature within Diabetes and metabolic disease. Maintaining a broad scientific network is a key to success and you are expected to foster and sustain external collaborations. Relationships Reports to the head of the relevant 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 Novo Nordisk; & 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. The teams located in facilities in Waltham, Lexington, Cambridge and Plainsboro reflect the full R D continuum within the US, from early research through late-stage clinical development. The department is part of our Research & Development organization, which brings together the best minds in life science innovation. 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 believe that innovation and creativity thrive in a healthy and engaging working environment. Therefore, we give you the opportunity to bring your personal ambition and passion to work to improve the quality of life of the patients. Essential Functions Conduct and summarize non-clinical in vitro studiesImplement strategies and operations for conducting and summarizing non-clinical in vitro studiesSupport progression of pipeline projects as project manager and biological coordinator Ensure adherence to protocols and regulatory requirements in the execution of in vitro studiesAnalyse and interpret data from in vitro studies to provide insights and recommendations for new drug evaluationsCollaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure the successful implementation of experiments and the generation of high-quality dataDevelop and improve in vitro models supporting non-clinical studiesIdentify and evaluate new therapeutic targets and principles by exploring and improving in vitro modelsContribute to the design and validation of new in vitro models to support target validation, target maturation, and mode-of-action studiesStay updated on the latest scientific advancements and technologies related to in vitro models and propose innovative approaches for their development and utilizationCommunicate data internally, externally, and in regulatory submissionsPrepare clear and concise reports summarizing in vitro study findings for internal stakeholders, external collaborators, and regulatory submissionsPresent in vitro data and its implications to cross-functional teams, management, and external partnersEnsure the accurate and timely communication of in vitro data to support decision-making processes and regulatory requirements Qualifications Master's degree with 12+ years of relevant experience, or PhD with 8+ years of relevant experience requiredProven scientific track-record and a thorough understanding of Diabetes pathophysiology and relevant in vitro systems, including experience with target ideation and maturation, preferredExperience in small molecule drug development paths, preferred. Strong knowledge and understanding of the pharmaceutical industry and drug discovery processesDemonstrated ability to communicate and present scientific data internally, externally, and in regulatory submissionsUnderstanding and experience using systems biology, bioinformatic analysis, scRNAseq/snRNAseq and RNAseq analyses, preferredExperience in developing and improving in vitro models supporting non-clinical studiesTrack record of identifying and exploring new therapeutic targets and principlesMentorship experience in the field of expertise is preferred The base compensation range for this position is $185,000 to $230,000. 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. Company Novo Nordisk is a leading global healthcare company, founded in 1923 and headquartered in Denmark. Our purpose is to drive change to defeat diabetes and other serious chronic diseases such as obesity and rare blood and endocrine disorders. We do so by pioneering scientific breakthroughs, expanding access to our medicines, and working to prevent and ultimately cure disease. Novo Nordisk employs about 54,400 people in 80 countries and markets its products in around 170 countries. For more information visit novonordisk.com . Our US Research & Development hub, located in the Greater Boston area, brings together the best talent to drive life science innovation. Located in Lexington, Watertown and Cambridge, our teams reflect the full scope of R D, from early research through late-stage clinical development. We are building for the future by 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. By combining the speed and agility of biotech with the quality, resources, and stability of a large pharmaceutical company, our US R D hub will benefit from the best of both worlds to develop new medicines that meet the needs of patients.

CONNECT Company info Website https:

//www.novonordisk-us.com/ Phone 617-612-6200 Location 75 Hayden Avenue Lexington

MA 02421

United States Share this job Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Apply now Send job Apply now Save job Click to add the job to your shortlist You need to sign in or create an account to save a job. Get job alerts Create a job alert and receive personalized job recommendations straight to your inbox. Create alert Similar jobs Sr. Principal Engineer - Bioprocess Richmond, Virginia Head of Regeneron Cell Medicines Cambridge, Massachusetts Process Development Principal Scientist Thousand Oaks, California