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?

The Position

We are seeking a highly motivated Senior Research Associate to join the Neuro Discovery group. This individual will be a key player in investigating the mechanism of action and pharmacological properties of Dicerna’s RNAi therapeutics in the central and peripheral nervous system.

Relationship

This position reports to the Senior Scientist I, Research – Neuro/Ocular.

Essential Functions

• Performing quantitative and qualitative measurements of protein expression through various biological assays such as western blot, ELISA, Protein Simple, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) according to established SOPs including troubleshooting, leading to the generation of high-quality data sets
• Execution of cellular and molecular biology functional assays according to SOPs or developing in vitro assays as needed
• Providing technical support for in vivo sample processing and preparation for downstream readouts
• Screening compounds for activity via 96 well and 384 well multiplex qPCR, and integration of screening data into larger data sets
• Maintaining careful laboratory notebooks, generating high quality study reports, and presenting working progress to team members in group meeting
• Integrating and working effectively with internal research teams in a fast-paced environment

Physical Requirements

0-10% overnight travel required.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Biology, Biochemistry, Neuroscience, Pharmaceutical Sciences or equivalent
• 3+ years of experience in a relevant industrial setting, with emphasis on swift execution and analysis of antibody-based and histochemical assays
• Expertise in standard laboratory methodologies; aseptic technique; working knowledge of molecular biology. Key assays for this role include western blot, ELISA, Protein Simple, chromogenic and/or fluorescence immunohistochemistry (IHC), CNS tissue collection, RNA isolation, relative and absolute quantification RT-qPCR
• Experience with bright field and fluorescence microscopy, LI-COR systems, and Protein Simple, as well as image analysis software (e.g. ImageJ, HALO, Image/Empiria Studio) are desirable but not required
• Mouse/rat in vivo dosing experience (s.c., i.v., i.p., HDI, i.c.v, i.t., i.c.m.) are desirable but not required
• Experience in data analysis methods, including scientific software (e.g. GraphPad Prism)
• Commitment to careful and thorough technical documentation, including electronic laboratory notebooks and study reports
• Ability to interact effectively on multidisciplinary teams and participate in our exciting, dynamic company culture; ability to work independently; exceptional communication skills required
• Prefer candidates with significant protein/histology experience with notable attention to detail and proven track record of productivity and project execution in order to accelerate Dicerna towards achieving its goals

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.

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