Associate Director - Rare Disease Research

Novo Nordisk - Watertown, MA

Full-time - Senior

Watertown, MA

Merchant Wholesalers, Nondurable Goods

About the position

The Associate Director Rare Disease Research (RDR) plays a crucial role in the Global Drug Discovery (GDD) strategy by overseeing the development and execution of research strategies focused on rare diseases, particularly in hematology. This position involves managing a team of scientists, fostering a culture of innovation, and ensuring seamless collaboration across various departments to advance the rare disease portfolio. The role requires strong leadership skills and a commitment to improving patient outcomes through cutting-edge research.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of scientists and research associates focused on drug discovery projects in hemoglobinopathies and other rare blood disorders.
• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and scientific excellence within the rare disease research team.
• Accountable for creating a diverse and inclusive team integrated into the Rare Disease Research global team and the GDD organization.
• Provide subject matter expert guidance to support portfolio development in hemoglobinopathies, including identification, evaluation, and championing of new targets or assets.
• Provide scientific expertise and guidance to support the design and execution of experiments, data analysis, and interpretation of results.
• Work cross-functionally to drive the advancement of the hemoglobinopathy programs from early discovery through candidate selection and beyond.
• Translate a portfolio question into a project with key deliverables with associated risks and mitigations.
• Develop and implement new technologies to evaluate red blood cell functionality applicable to drug discovery projects in rare blood disorders.
• Stay abreast of the latest scientific advancements and emerging trends in research to inform and shape the Rare disease research strategy.
• Contribute to the preparation of scientific publications and presentations related to rare disease research.
• Coordinate the scientific activities in hemoglobinopathy-related clinical programs contributing to regulatory documents and scientific material for internal and external presentations.
• Lead external preclinical collaborations and work closely with non-clinical safety, M&S, and Precision Medicine (scientific coordinator).
• Identify, evaluate, assess, and manage external providers supporting specific projects, transferring know-how and materials including tracking strategies to ensure consistency of delivery, vetting results, and managing resources.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required; PhD preferred in Life Sciences with a research focus in biology, pharmacology, physiology or related scientific degree.
• 10+ years of relevant experience or equivalent in hematology, hematopoiesis or hemato-oncology with a track record of publications in the field.
• Previous experience in the biopharmaceutical industry and significant contribution to drug discovery programs.
• Experienced and knowledgeable in a wide range of technical methods such as flow cytometry, antibody-based assays, and primary cell culture.
• Knowledge and experience in developing, troubleshooting, and working with human samples and primary cells in in vitro methods and model development.
• Previous experience in supervising others.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including fluency in spoken and written English.

Nice-to-haves

• Demonstrates a high degree of innovative and conceptual thinking within a discipline or field of expertise.
• Strong capability to learn and implement the business strategy.
• Excellent in establishing trustful relationships and cross-cultural understanding.
• Flexibility and the ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment are required.
• Excellent collaboration skills; a strong team player that brings people along through a supportive, engaged and creative way of working.

Benefits

• Inclusive recruitment process and equality of opportunity for all applicants.
• Commitment to creating an inclusive culture that celebrates diversity.