Computational Biologist III - Target Discovery at Novo Nordisk

About the Department                                                                                                                                               

The focus of the US Target Discovery team will be drug target identification through the analysis of high throughput functional genomics, transcriptomics and cell imaging data. The use of cutting-edge machine learning techniques to identify novel drug targets in our core disease areas is a key objective for AI & Digital Research (AIDR) as we seek to strengthen the Novo Nordisk drug discovery portfolio and deliver new medicines for patients.

The AIDR team sits within the wider Digital Science & Innovation (DSI) organi-sation. DSI is supporting the digital journey across all our therapy areas in Novo Nordisk Research and Early Discovery (R&ED). In DSI, we work in multidisci-plinary teams – in strong collaboration with all areas across R&ED and R&ED IT. We participate in drug development projects across the value chain, from early discovery to pre-clinical development. We engage in external collaborations to ensure access to the latest research and technology enablers, and we auto-mate our labs and processes, and we focus on developing and retaining top talent.

The Position

We are seeking a highly motivated Scientist with experience in bioinformatics and transcriptomics to drive our in-vitro target discovery efforts. As such, you will be responsible for (1) delivering single-cell, spatial and bulk RNA-seq analyses (2) curating organ-level atlases of primary human cell transcriptomes and evaluating cell models, and (3) creating methods to analyze RNA-seq data derived from in-vitro screens. Experience with proteomics, imaging, spatial sequencing or other omics modalities is a plus, as is experience with transcript assembly and annotation from short and long read RNA-seq data. The role will be a Computational Biology point of contact to the Target Discovery Engine and Cardiometabolic and Neuro therapeutics areas in the Lexington, MA Novo Nordisk site.

Relationships

Report to : Head of Department - Target Discovery, US
In this role, you will enjoy the opportunity to identify and champion innovative drug targets and collaborate with GDD/GRT/GT scientists to validate your discoveries. You will play a crucial role in supporting the in-vitro teams in developing novel in-vitro models/assays and providing guidance on experiment design. We are seeking an individual who finds this work stimulating and is driven by staying abreast of advancements in computational, molecular, and cellular biology. Success in this position is demonstrated through various means, including contributing to target discovery projects and analyses conducted by the team, mentoring junior scientists, proposing and presenting new assays, technologies, and target candidates, as well as fostering external and academic collaborations

Essential Functions

• Perform analyses of functional genomics data obtained from primary and in-vitro samples to progress novel drug target identification and maturation.  Including:
  • Analysis of non-canonical transcripts and proteins (e.g. small open reading frames, long-noncoding RNAs) using short- and long-read RNA-seq and LC-MS proteomic data
  • Development of cellular scRNA-seq atlases for contextualization of candidate targets and in-vitro cell models/assays
  • Transcriptomic/proteomic characterization and analysis of [iPSC-based] in-vitro assays to support medium- and high-throughput target/phenotypic screening
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams across R&ED to identify and validate new targets, translating biological insights into pipeline progressions and peer-reviewed publications
• Identify and drive new internal and external collaborative opportunities
• Prepare and present written and oral reports/presentations and proposals to peers and management

Physical Requirements

Up to 10% overnight travel required.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree required.  PhD Degree within Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Genomics or related field preferred
  • Master’s Degree with 2+ years’ relevant experience can be considered
• Relevant experience includes:
  • Proven track record in delivering insights derived from bioinformatic analyses of transcriptomic data
  • Strong knowledge of RNA-seq data analysis and pipeline development
  • Experience with data integration, visualization, and interpretation
  • Familiarity with programming languages, such as Python or R, version control, and code deployment
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills,  with an emphasis on presentation abilities
  • Ability to work independently and drive projects forward
  • Ability to perform in-depth analysis and present results and conclusions to engineering and leadership teams
• Preferred experience includes:
  • Experience with long and/or short read transcript assembly and annotation of biomolecules.
  • Experience with modalities such as with proteomics, imaging, spatial sequencing or other omics modalities 
  • Background in cardiometabolic disease, neurological disease or inflammation research 
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Detail oriented with strong documentation skills

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.