Associate Director - Process Chemistry

About the DepartmentThe 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 PositionThe Associate Director, Process Chemistry will be responsible for the design, development and staffing of the RNAi Chemical Development capability at Dicerna and Novo Nordisk. The incumbent will be highly experienced process chemist, preferably with experience in biocatalytic methods of synthesis, and responsible for development and scaling of small molecules, oligonucleotide intermediates and API's. The Associate Director is expected to implement novel strategies towards highly scalable and sustainable production of small molecules and oligonucleotide products.RelationshipsThis position reports to Senior Director, Chemical Development.Essential Functions• Lead the development, optimization, and scale up of biocatalytic and traditional synthetic processes to successfully transfer production internally or at external CMO’s• Develop, mentor, and lead a team of process development chemists and engineers• Oversee the efficient utilization of a kilo lab pilot facility• Direct development and scale-up of liquid phase batch processes used to generate small molecules, oligonucleotide Intermediates, and API’s• Analyze research data to identify and evaluate problems and determine appropriate solutions utilizing an array of analytical techniques• Support regulatory filings as necessary• Support the overall Chemical Development team goals with accurate budget and staff projections• Maintain the highest level of scientific rigor and professionalism within our organizationPhysical Requirements0-10% overnight travel required.Development of PeopleEnsure that reporting personnel have individual development plans (IDP), with annual goals and measurements that are consistent with the priorities of the business, and that interim reviews are held so that their work is focused on those priorities, and they understand their level of accountability for results and the measurement process.Ensure that the IDP forms include completed learning and aspiration plans and are in place for all reporting personnel to enable the achievement of goals and capability to assume increased levels of responsibility.Manage the application and communication of all Novo Nordisk policies, procedures, and Novo Nordisk Way.Qualifications• A PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related sciences with 8+ years of relevant experience, or MS in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related sciences with 10+ years of relevant experience• Proven track record of experience in process chemistry with demonstrated expertise in the optimization and scale up of pharmaceutically relevant compounds• Well versed in process scale up• Ability to develop, mentor and lead process chemistry teams• Tech transfer experience• Excellent research skills; ability to identify and define problems, develop hypotheses, and develop and execute plans to solve the problem• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills• Strong problem solving and trouble shooting skills• Preferred Qualifications:• Experience with development and characterization of biocatalytic processes• CMO management experience• A deep understanding of and ability to apply of GMP/ICH/FDA regulations to process development strategies for Oligonucleotide based drugsThe base compensation range for this position is $150,000 to $185,000. 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 07/01/2024. The Company may however extend this time-period, in which case the posting will remain available on our careers website at www.novonordisk-us/careers.com.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.