Scientist I - Rnai Discovery

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?

Position Overview

The Scientist, RNAi Discovery will be a key member of Dicerna’s biology teams and will engage in multiple internal and partnered research and discovery efforts. Dicerna is seeking a highly motivated, experienced Ph.D. scientist to help in our siRNA drug discovery efforts. This is a hands-on research position that requires strong expertise in molecular and cellular methodologies. Major responsibilities will include the design and execution of siRNA drug candidate screening to evaluate in vitro and in vivo activity of hits and lead candidates, while interacting closely with members of the RNAi Discovery group and other biology and chemistry teams . You will apply your expertise in molecular and cellular biology to develop and execute assays for the evaluation of candidate RNAi therapeutics. In addition, you will perform mechanistic studies to further optimize and expand Dicerna’s RNAi technology platform.

Key Responsibilities

• SiRNA drug candidate screening, hit identification, and lead optimization
• Serve as a role model consistent with the mission, vision, and values of Dicerna
• Innovate and advance research projects aimed at further optimizing the GalXC platform
• Produce high quality technical reports and summaries for internal use and for inclusion in key regulatory documents
• Cellular and molecular biology methodologies, e.g., mammalian cell culture; in vitro screening; cell-based assays; PCR
• In vivo drug candidate testing (e.g. mouse dosing; sample analysis)

Qualifications

• Experience with RNAi is preferred
• Innovative and creative; takes initiative
• Experience with advanced in vitro model systems including organoids and other 3D culture systems is highly preferred
• Ability to perform and interpret experiments rigorously and reliably, and to advance projects aggressively towards defined goals is expected
• Strong oral and written communication skills and a demonstrated ability to contribute effectively to group projects in a team-oriented environment
• Expertise in cellular and molecular biology is essential (e.g., mammalian cell culture; cell-based assays; quantitative real-time PCR)
• PhD in cell or molecular biology or a related field, ideally with 2 or more years post-degree experience preferably in drug discovery and in an industry setting
• Proficiency in animal handling, dosing, and necropsy is highly preferred
• A true team player with a high degree of energy and a passion for contributing to the discovery and development of novel therapeutics

We commit to an inclusive recruitment process and equality of opportunity for all our job applicants.

At Novo Nordisk we recognize that it is no longer good enough to aspire to be the best company in the world. We need to aspire to be the best company for the world and we know that this is only possible with talented employees with diverse perspectives, backgrounds and cultures. We are therefore committed to creating an inclusive culture that celebrates the diversity of our employees, the patients we serve and communities we operate in. Together, we’re life changing.

Novo Nordisk is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by local, state or federal laws, rules or regulations.

If you are interested in applying to Novo Nordisk and need special assistance or an accommodation to apply, please call us at 1-855-411-5290. This contact is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.