Principal Scientist - Non Viral Delivery

About the Department

Dicerna, a Novo Nordisk company, is focused on driving innovation in RNAi (ribonucleic acid interference) to selectively target and silence genes that cause or contribute to disease. Our proprietary GalXC™ and GalXC-Plus™ RNAi technologies have the potential to address conditions that are difficult or impossible to treat with other modalities. Established as a Transformational Research Unit (TRU) following Novo Nordisk’s acquisition of Dicerna Pharmaceuticals, Inc. in December 2021, the Dicerna TRU is a unique new organization within Novo Nordisk that brings together the best of both worlds – the agility, collaborative pioneering spirit and calculated risk-taking profile of a biotech along with the scale, resources and capabilities of a global leader in drug development. With approximately 200 researchers, scientists, drug developers and operational staff, we are a team of inventive and entrepreneurial thinkers pushing the boundaries of science to create and drive new RNAi-based therapies for both rare and more prevalent diseases from the bench to the clinic. Together, we are driving change. Are you ready to make a difference?

 

The Position

The Principal Scientist is a part of the RNA & Gene Therapy CVP area. The Principal Scientist will provide scientific leadership in the identification and validation of novel biomaterials, lipids, polymers, hybrids, advancing novel therapies to the clinic, and developing technologies to accelerate platform research into development. This will be achieved by functioning as a subject matter expert that provides strategic guidance to project teams, evaluates emerging targets and technologies, and proposes and oversees external collaborations and strategic partnerships. The Principal Scientist may mentor colleagues in formulation and analytical skill areas within Non-Viral Delivery and will represent the department to the external scientific community through publication and presentation of highly impactful research.

 

Relationships

Reports to the Head of Non-Viral Delivery.

Internal relationships include project teams and research colleagues both in Malov and Boston and with external partners around the globe. Communicates data externally when required. May oversee parts of RNA> operations and NVD laboratory facilities. Individual Contributor: does not have direct reports, will supervise contingent works and students on fixed term basis.

 

Essential Functions

• Advances portfolio projects by demonstrating technical mastery, creativity, and scientific leadership on nanaomedines design, synthesis and characterization for nucleic acid cargos and intracellular delivery, with broad knowledge of related disciplines (clinical and non-clinical safety, biosciences) including a strong understanding of the pharmaceutical industry

• Analyzes highly complex data with high degree of sophistication, connecting disparate datasets to reach conclusions and set direction on experiments
• Effectively communicates and collaborates across global sites and sets project strategy by providing leadership of cross-functional project teams. Represents the organization through external communication of impactful scientific research in the form of presentation at external conferences and publication in scientific journals and patents. Proposes and oversees external collaborations
• Maintains a deep understanding of theoretical knowledge and a connection to the external scientific community through continuous evaluation of relevant literature. Expands and matures technology and capabilities for high throughput/AI /ML driven optimisation of novel nanoparticles that add value
• Leads global, cross-functional experimental teams to achieve project goals. Provides significant mentorship and training of colleagues across all levels
• Contributes subject matter expertise to develop the research agenda with a clear understanding of the link between scientific project goals and overall long-term business needs. Proposes new concepts in intracellular delivery or devices that support the strategic agenda and address gaps in technological capabilities and therapeutic areas

 

Qualifications

• 22+ years’ relevant experience required, Master's Degree with 16 years relevant industry or post-doctorate experience or PhD with 10 years relevant industry or post-doctorate experience in either chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering, medicinal-chemistry, Polymer Chemistry or Pharmaceutical Sciences can be considered
• Relevant required experience includes:
  • Strong understanding and demonstrated ability to synthesise novel lipid /polymers for drug delivery
  • Proficiency & experience in improving the safety, potency, delivery, targeting and manufacturing of LNP-based delivery systems
  • Advanced underst