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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. 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 and collaborative pioneering spirit 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

As the Associate Director of Genome Editing, you will lead a team of four scientists based in Lexington, MA with strong skillsets spanning Genome Editing (GE) characterization and mRNA process development, providing technical and career development guidance to employees. The team collaborates closely with GE and RNA Technology departments in Lexington, Seattle and Denmark and are part of a larger area focused on Nucleic Acid Therapeutics (Global Nucleic Acid Therapeutics, GNAT). The focus of the department is both early research exploration of novel technologies and driving their maturation and fit as clinical candidates, which requires balancing innovative research with line-of-sight for drug development value chain including CMC and regulatory paths.

Relationships

Reports to Senior Director of GE and RNA Technologies. Internal relationships include working closely with technical staff & other members of the scientific leadership team; regular collaborations with members of other research departments within GNAT; & frequent interaction with project managers & other colleagues in Denmark.

Essential Functions

• Leads experimental / analytical teams to achieve project goals, mentor junior staff, and provide training.

• Contributes to the continued innovation and improvement of laboratory methods within the field of RNA technologies and Genome Editing.

• Engages with the external innovation community to evaluate and/or co-create emerging technologies.

• Closely collaborates with other departments in the area, i.e. Genome Editing, DNA Technologies and Non-viral Delivery as well as other relevant areas in Novo Nordisk Research & Early Development.

• Demonstrates a breadth of knowledge and skills to support the development, optimization, and management of research protocols of high complexity to advance drug discovery efforts within Genome Editing with limited supervisor input.

• Effectively communicates and collaborates across global sites and guides project strategy by providing expert input to cross-functional project teams.

• Works with Department Heads and Scientists to ensure better practice sharing and implementation within the research environment.

• Achieves business goals, shares learnings, knowledge, skills, and promotes cross-functional teamwork.

• Develops superior cross-cultural understanding to effectively interact with relevant stakeholders in the global organization.

  Qualifications

• Bachelor 's Degree within subject matter expertise required

• 12+ years’ relevant experience required, or a Master’s degree with 8+ years’ relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree with 5+ years’ post-doctoral and/or industry relevant experience can be considered

• Relevant required experience includes: 1) experience within recombinant RNA technologies, including mRNA and related formats, and research scale production, purification and characterization of RNA formats for therapeutics use. 2) Genome editing technologies and therapeutics

• A PhD in molecular biology or a related discipline with 5+ years of pharma R&D work and proven leadership experience preferred

• Experience with establishment and optimization of intracellular assays as well as a strong genetic understanding

• Experience with external collaborations

• Work experience within Pharma R&D is considered an advantage

  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.