Scientist I - Oligonucleotide Chemical Development

About the Department   

The Boulder Site is home to the specialized technical operations/CMC team for oligonucleotides and RNAi therapeutics, continuing its legacy as the hub for all manufacturing-related activities for GalXC™ and GalXC-Plus™ investigational therapeutics developed from Novo Nordisk’s acquisition of Dicerna Pharmaceuticals, Inc. in December 2021. With a new laboratory completed in 2021 to support analytical and process development, the CMC team works alongside Quality, Regulatory, Technical Operations and RNAi Early Development professionals at our Boulder, Colorado facility and works closely with our teams in Lexington, Massachusetts. Ranked the No. 1 Place to Live for the second consecutive year by U.S. News & World Report, Boulder is experiencing a renaissance in biotech investment and is one of the world’s leading centers for oligonucleotide innovation and manufacturing. Together, we are driving change. Are you ready to make a difference?

 

The Position

Novo Nordisk is seeking highly motivated scientists to join its Technical Operations Chemical Development team in Boulder, Colorado. The candidate will be expected to be a key technical resource developing innovative solutions for scalable syntheses, deprotections, and downstream processing of oligonucleotides, establishing improvements in purity, yield, reproducibility, throughput and environmental impact. The successful candidate will ideally understand oligonucleotide manufacturing processes and analysis of oligonucleotides. This position will support therapeutic programs in multiple disease areas and will contribute to the development of scalable processes supporting Novo Nordisk's programs. Qualified candidates will be expected to work well in a collaborative environment and be able to independently execute research across a wide range of oligonucleotide and organic chemistry projects.

 

Relationships

This position reports to the Director, Chemical Development.

 

Essential Functions

• Plan and execute investigations developing improved methods for scalable synthesis, deprotection and downstream processing of highly modified oligonucleotides
• Develop new processes to assist in resolving manufacturing issues
• Commission, operate, maintain, and troubleshoot lab instruments such as oligonucleotide synthesizers, purification systems and analytical instrumentation
• Support transfer of process improvements internally and to partner CMO’s
• May serve as the Chemical Development representative for raw material or oligonucleotide development programs initiated at CMO’s for Novo Nordisk's clinical programs
• Document and summarize results in written reports and draw valid conclusions from concrete and abstract variables
• Conduct laboratory work in safe, efficient manner that ensures a safe working environment

 

Physical Requirements

0-10% overnight travel required.

 

Qualifications

• PhD in Chemistry, Biochemistry or related field with 3-5 years, MS with 5-7 years, or BS with 10+ Years of industrial experience, preferably in an FDA regulated environment
• Strong knowledge of nucleic acids chemistry, oligonucleotide synthesis, deprotection and purification techniques. Experience with organic synthesis, novel amidites and conjugation chemistries is highly desired
• Previous experience with process development and tech. transfer into a manufacturing setting
• Working Knowledge of Unicorn software for controlling AKTA OP100 and/or AKTA purifiers preferred
• Ability to multitask, prioritize and manage timelines and projects to accomplish short- and long-term company goals
• Strong scientific writing and communication skills, with experience in delivering effective scientific presentations

The base compensation range for this position is $80,670 to $141,170. Base compensation is determined based on a number of factors. This position is also eligible for a company bonus based on individual and company performance. 

 

Novo Nordisk offers long-term incentive compensation and or company vehicles depending on the position's level or other company factors. 

 

Employees are also eligible to participate in Company employee benefit programs including medical, dental and vision coverage; life insurance; disability insurance; 401(k) savings plan; flexible spending accounts; employee assistance program; tuition reimbursement program; and voluntary benefits such as group legal, critical illness, identity theft protection, pet insurance and auto/home insurance. The Company also offers time off pursuant to its sick time policy, flex-able vacation policy, and parental leave policy.

 

The job posting is anticipated to close on June 14, 2024.  The Company may however extend this time-period, in which c