Enter a job title or keyword

Principal Scientist Drug Discovery (Diabetes)

Novo Nordisk


Job Location:

Waltham, MA - USA

Yearly Salary: USD 185000 - 230000
Posted: 29 September 2026 (4 days ago)
Application Deadline: 27 December 2026
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

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 sustainexternal 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 studies
  • Implement strategies and operations for conducting and summarizing non-clinical in vitro studies
  • Support progression of pipeline projects as project manager and biological coordinator
  • Ensure adherence to protocols and regulatory requirements in the execution of in vitro studies
  • Analyse and interpret data from in vitro studies to provide insights and recommendations for new drug evaluations
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure the successful implementation of experiments and the generation of high-quality data
  • Develop and improve in vitro models supporting non-clinical studies
  • Identify and evaluate new therapeutic targets and principles by exploring and improving in vitro models
  • Contribute to the design and validation of new in vitro models to support target validation target maturation and mode-of-action studies
  • Stay updated on the latest scientific advancements and technologies related to in vitro models and propose innovative approaches for their development and utilization
  • Communicate data internally externally and in regulatory submissions
  • Prepare clear and concise reports summarizing in vitro study findings for internal stakeholders external collaborators and regulatory submissions
  • Present in vitro data and its implications to cross-functional teams management and external partners
  • Ensure the accurate and timely communication of in vitro data to support decision-making processes and regulatory requirements

Qualifications

  • Masters degree with 12 years of relevant experience or PhD with 8 years of relevant experience required
  • Proven scientific track-record and a thorough understanding of Diabetes pathophysiology and relevant in vitro systems including experience with target ideation and maturation preferred
  • Experience in small molecule drug development paths preferred.
  • Strong knowledge and understanding of the pharmaceutical industry and drug discovery processes
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate and present scientific data internally externally and in regulatory submissions
  • Understanding and experience using systems biology bioinformatic analysis scRNAseq/snRNAseq and RNAseq analyses preferred
  • Experience in developing and improving in vitro models supporting non-clinical studies
  • Track record of identifying and exploring new therapeutic targets and principles
  • Mentorship experience in the field of expertise is preferred

The base compensation range for this position is $185000 to $230000. 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 positions 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 were not chasing quick fixes were creating lasting change for long-term health. For over 100 years weve 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 whats possible in healthcare. We embrace diverse perspectives seek out bold ideas and build partnerships rooted in shared purpose. Together were 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-. This contact is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.


Required Experience:

Staff IC


About Company

You will be part of the Gulf Cluster sales team based in Qatar. You will report to the Country Sales Manager. The local team consists of approx 10 employees, and has highly-engaged and experienced members that are looking for a new teammember.

View Profile View Profile