Director - Early Development - human genetics and biomarkers

About the Department

The Human Genetics Centre of Excellence is part of our AI and Digital Research (AIDR) area, that takes a human-centric approach to drug discovery, utilizing cutting-edge data, machine learning, and engineering techniques to identify novel targets, biomarkers, and new drugs. By doing so, they aim to accelerate the drug discovery process and unlock a deeper understanding of disease and treatment outcomes. Through close collaboration with teams across the organization, AIDR works to bring innovative therapies to patients more quickly and improve the lives of those living with chronic conditions by bringing AI to drug discovery

The Position

We require a skilled scientific leader with a deep understanding of human genetics in big data. Responding to the success of human genetics deliverables to inform decision making at Novo Nordisk, we have established a Centre of Excellence (CoE) in human genetics that we are now expanding. This leader will be leading passionate scientists in their research and development; We will bring human genetics to the entire project portfolio from early research through to development. As part of this rapid expansion, we are seeking an Early Development Director who will be overseeing their department; setting strategic direction in collaboration with the CoE management team; being impactful within a matrix environment; managing their employees and leading the department in line with the Novo Nordisk Way.

In this role, you will drive genetic led biomarker identification across all Novo Nordisk's therapeutic areas using state-of-the art methodologies and data in collaboration with Global Translation. You will be responsible for the significant growth of the team in line with CoE strategy, ensuring a growth in delivery of human genetics to support decision making within the field of Biomarkers.

Relationships

We are currently seeking a highly skilled human geneticist to lead a team of passionate scientists in their research and development efforts. As a response to the success of human genetics deliverables at Novo Nordisk, have established a Centre of Excellence (CoE) in human genetics, aiming to integrate human genetics across our entire project portfolio, from early research to development. As part of our rapid expansion, we are looking for an experienced and visionary Early Development Director who will build and oversee the department, set strategic direction in collaboration with the CoE management team, and effectively navigate a matrix environment. This role involves managing employees and leading the department in alignment with the values and principles of Novo Nordisk.

Essential Functions

• Drive genetic-led biomarker identification across all therapeutic areas at Novo Nordisk, utilizing state-of-the-art methodologies and data.
• Lead the significant growth of the team, in line with the CoE strategy, to enhance the delivery of genetic support within the field of Biomarkers.
• Collaborate closely with the Vice President - Genetics to set strategic direction for the department and ensure scientific rigor in all activities.
• Foster strong collaborations internally across R&ED and Development, as well as externally with academic institutions, biotech companies, and other pharmaceutical organizations, to explore innovative opportunities in genetic-led biomarker identification.
• Make independent decisions related to studies and daily management of employees, promoting a culture of cross-functional collaboration both internally and externally.
• Strive to establish a future where human-validated biomarkers are the norm in clinical trials, driving innovation and creativity in identifying such biomarkers for use across Novo Nordisk projects.

Physical Requirements

Approximately 10% overnight travel, including international travel.

Development of People

Ensure that reporting personnel have individual development plans (IDP), with annual goals and measurements aligned with business priorities. Conduct interim reviews to focus their work on these priorities and help them understand their level of accountability for results. Facilitate the implementation of IDP forms, including learning and aspiration plans, for all reporting personnel, fostering their growth and readiness to take on increased responsibilities. Communicate and apply Novo Nordisk policies, procedures, and values (Novo Nordisk Way).

Qualifications

• A PhD in human genetics, computational genetics, or a related discipline, coupled with a comprehensive understanding of the human genome, genome-wide association studies, integration of multi-omics and clinical measures with human genetics, and big data analysis methods.
• At least 8 years of post-PhD experience in a directly relevant field, preferably utilizing human genetics in a pharmaceutical setting.
• Demonstrated international recognition for excellence in human genetics.
• Experience in educating non-experts about the value of human genetics for biomarker identification.
• Comfortable working in a dynamic environment and capable of innovating approaches to leverage human genetics.
• Strong leadership skills with prior experience in managing teams or departments in an academic and/or pharmaceutical setting.
• Excellent collaboration and presentation skills, with a proven ability to thrive in a matrixed environment.

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.