Associate Director - Rare Disease Research

Novo Nordisk - Watertown, MA

Full-time - Senior

Watertown, MA

Merchant Wholesalers, Nondurable Goods

About the position

The Associate Director of Rare Disease Research at Novo Nordisk plays a crucial role in the Global Drug Discovery strategy, focusing on overseeing research strategies and managing a team dedicated to advancing the rare disease portfolio. This position requires a strong background in hematology or rare diseases, excellent leadership skills, and a commitment to improving patient outcomes through innovative 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.
• Identify, evaluate, assess, and manage external providers supporting specific projects, ensuring clarity of purpose and deliverables.

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 the biopharmaceutical industry.
• Outstanding knowledge of hematology, hematopoiesis or hemato-oncology with a track record of publications in the field.
• Experience in drug discovery programs and significant contributions to them.
• Strong knowledge of technical methods such as flow cytometry, antibody-based assays, and primary cell culture.
• 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.
• Excellent collaboration skills and a strong team player.

Benefits

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