Director, Chemical Biology

Overview

About The Department Our Research & Development organization brings together the best minds in life science innovation. The teams located in Lexington, Watertown, Cambridge and Seattle reflect the full R&D continuum, from early research through late-stage clinical development. 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 recognize that improving human health starts here and that patients rely on us. Our R&D hub merges biotech speed and agility with large pharmaceutical company quality, resources, and stability, uniting the best of both worlds to develop new medicines for patients.

The Position

Chemical Biology is part of the Novo Nordisk Small Molecule & Cross Modality Research, Therapeutics Discovery organization in Boston, which is engaged in early drug discovery for the development of novel therapies for the treatment of cardio-metabolic diseases, obesity and rare diseases obesity. The unit is building and implementing core technology platforms in peptide chemistry, protraction technologies, oral delivery, targeted delivery and targeted protein degradation needed to discover new important therapeutics within our core business. The team will initiate new discovery projects, design and produce therapeutics across various molecular formats including proteins, peptides and oligonucleotides required for research projects and provide detailed protein science knowledge to mature early-stage therapeutic opportunities.

The Head of Chemical Biology leads a palette of drug discovery activities comprising therapeutic research and technology projects and drives a broad portfolio of external collaborations to the benefit of the global R&ED organization. The ambition is to deliver innovative and high-quality ideas that translate into innovative API strategies via semi-autonomous research efforts and results-driven decisions. The Head of Chemical Biology cultivates a discovery research ecosystem that fosters risk-willing mentalities and unconventional research theories combined with fast and efficient project execution.

Relationships

• Reports to the Vice President of Small Molecule & Cross-Modality Research in Research & Development.
• Member of Small Molecule & Cross Modality Research Area LT and Protein and Peptide Research Area LT
• Manages an interdisciplinary team that includes chemists, chemical biologists, bioanalysis scientists and biochemists
• May manage contingent workers
• Engages with colleagues across Research & Development including direct interactions with Global Research and Therapeutics Discovery management and other key stakeholders such as project managers, Therapeutics Areas heads, Target Discovery leads and research directors/scientists
• Engages with external partners and key opinion leaders in academic and biotech research, works closely with BD, External Innovation and other stakeholders to evaluate and launch collaborations. Ability to represent NN & Therapeutics Discovery as a JSC member

Essential Functions

• Research Chemical Biology Leadership:
  • Sets overall directions of group and supervises all scientists of Chemical Biology and their direct reports
  • Defines, shapes, and drives local research strategies and prioritizations with agility while ensuring alignment with global objectives across all therapeutic areas
  • Leads Chemical Biology research efforts and programs through fast-paced, high-functioning, talent-rich and goal-oriented teams
  • Responsible for talent development of employees in a highly specialized group
  • Responsible for leadership and development of the organization through interactions with local line managers across R&D
  • Overall personnel responsibility of the department including supervision, goal-setting, performance review, and health and safety of all research positions
  • Responsible for recruiting, evaluating, and hiring all new research positions in the local organization
  • Ensures awareness, transparency, and visibility of strategies and projects to global R&D management via up-to-date channels and ambassador functions
  • Maintains an agile environment with flexible work practices, rapid uptake of new technologies, and diverse knowledge bases to ensure sustained success
  • Together with VP, represents Small Molecule & Cross Modality Research and Therapeutics Discovery at board/governance meetings
• Research Director:
  • Oversees planning, execution and optimization of chemical and biological research efforts at the site
  • Directs de novo scientific innovation for target identification and drug discovery across Novo Nordisk therapy areas
  • Empowers cross-functional teams with knowledge and resources to make timely decisions
  • Guides project milestones and timelines for transfer to global teams
  • Manages internal and external collaborations with academic and industry partners
  • Maintains motivating global collaboration between Chemical Biology and other Novo Nordisk sites
• Global R&ED Strategic Support:
  • Advises as a member of steering committees for strategic partnerships with universities and biotech companies
  • Identifies and facilitates collaborations with external partners to advance core therapy & modality areas
  • Drives innovation with Global Research, Therapeutics Discovery, AI and Digital Innovation
  • Maintains up-to-date scientific awareness to drive molecular innovation
  • Provides input to project portfolio assessments and external asset evaluation

Physical Requirements

10-20% overnight travel required.

Development of People

Supervisory. Ensure that reporting personnel have individual development plans (IDP) with annual goals and measurements aligned to business priorities, with interim reviews. Ensure IDP forms include learning and aspiration plans for all reporting personnel to enable goal achievement and growth. Manage application and communication of Novo Nordisk policies and procedures.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. required. Preference in Chemical Biology, Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Molecular Pharmacology or related field.
• Minimum 10 years of relevant post-Ph.D. experience in pharmaceutical industry, biotech or academic settings
• Strong track record in driving drug discovery projects; leadership in peptide drug discovery or novel modality creation is a plus
• Documented leadership and/or project management experience with a broad network of key opinion leaders in peptide science
• Excellent written and oral communication skills; ability to influence and collaborate across a global organization
• Ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment during evaluation processes
• Strong understanding of complex scientific procedures and technical proficiency

The base compensation range for this position is $187,100 to $327,500. Base compensation is determined based on factors. This position is eligible for a company bonus based on individual and company performance. Novo Nordisk offers long-term incentive compensation and/or company vehicles depending on level. Employees are eligible for medical, dental and vision coverage; life insurance; disability insurance; 401(k); flexible spending accounts; EAP; tuition reimbursement; and voluntary benefits. Sick time, flexible vacation, and parental leave policies apply. We commit to an inclusive recruitment process and equality of opportunity for all applicants. If you need special assistance applying, call for accommodation requests.

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