Principal Scientist - Medicinal Chemistry

6d6 days ago

Novo Nordisk

Lexington, US · Full-time · $152,700 – $267,300

About this role

Our Boston Research & Development hub brings together the best minds in life science innovation. Teams in Lexington, Watertown and Cambridge reflect the full R&D continuum from early research through late-stage clinical development. We build a distinct R&D community based on collaboration, partnerships, and cutting-edge research across modalities and therapeutic areas.

The Principal Scientist in Medicinal Chemistry leads drug discovery projects within Small Molecule Research from target evaluation, selection, hit validation to development candidate nomination. This role contributes to external diligence and supports external project collaborations. Responsibilities include setting chemistry strategy and advancing programs through cross-functional interactions.

Reports to Sr Director of Small Molecule Research in Therapeutic Discovery. Closely collaborates with Small Molecule Research scientists, including chemists, biochemists, biophysicists, and structural biologists. Interacts daily with global Chemistry CROs, Comp Chemistry CROs, and teams in Small Molecule & Cross Modality Research, Data Science & Innovation, Therapeutic Areas, DMPK, toxicology, pharmacology, and translational medicine.

The team comprises collaborative, diverse and passionate people committed to career growth. Engage with key stakeholders globally throughout the pipeline process. Cultivate a culture of fun, ingenuity, innovation, and healthy work-life balance for a best-in-class employee experience.

Requirements

Expertise in leading small molecule drug discovery from hit validation to development candidate selection
Proficiency with modern medicinal chemistry techniques to deliver low dose and safe oral therapies
Experience strategizing cross-functionally to meet product target profiles
Track record managing global CROs for chemistry synthesis and computational chemistry
Knowledge of structure-activity relationship optimization and lead progression
Ability to prepare patents and contribute to scientific publications
Skills in external diligence and partnership evaluations for in-licensing opportunities

Responsibilities

Lead drug discovery projects from target evaluation, selection, hit validation to development candidate nomination
Set the chemistry strategy for projects and advance drug discovery programs by collaborating cross-functionally
Serve as co-project lead on overall program strategy to meet product target profiles and deliver low dose oral drugs
Lead and manage contract research organizations (CROs) and external chemistry partners globally
Lead preparation of patents, reports, and scientific publications
Serve as functional expert in due diligences for assets in-licensing and discovery partnerships
Evaluate in-licensing and collaboration opportunities
Drive small molecule collaboration project deliverables and milestones with external partners