Sr. Principal Scientist, Biologics Research
San Diego, CA 
Share
Posted 9 days ago
Job Description
Who We Are:

At Neurocrine Biosciences, we pride ourselves on having a strong, inclusive, and positive culture based on our shared purpose and values. We know what it takes to be great, and we are as passionate about our people as we are about our purpose - to relieve suffering for people with great needs, but few options.

What We Do:

Neurocrine Biosciences is a neuroscience-focused, biopharmaceutical company with a simple purpose: to relieve suffering for people with great needs, but few options. We are dedicated to discovering and developing life-changing treatments for patients with under-addressed neurological, endocrine and psychiatric disorders. The company's diverse portfolio includes FDA-approved treatments for tardive dyskinesia, Parkinson's disease, endometriosis* and uterine fibroids*, as well as clinical programs in multiple therapeutic areas. For three decades, we have applied our unique insight into neuroscience and the interconnections between brain and body systems to treat complex conditions. We relentlessly pursue medicines to ease the burden of debilitating diseases and disorders, because you deserve brave science. *in collaboration with AbbVie

About the Role:

Plays a key leadership role in developing our in vitro and in vivo strategies towards target identification and drug discovery, through to clinical candidate selection. Will be responsible for conceptualization of complex biologics programs that will deliver novel drugs or technologies that support our biologics drug portfolio. Will be expected to present concepts to, and gain buy-in from, leadership and peers, work independently to initiate and manage multiple projects including both drug discovery and platform technologies. Will work closely with the Research, Development and CMC Teams to design and develop drugs utilizing multiple modalities, and train team members to ensure that methods and data analysis are applied appropriately. Expected to collaborate with external partners and internal colleagues in various aspects of Biologic Program drug discovery and technology development.

_

Your Contributions (include, but are not limited to):
  • Initiates, directs and executes pre-clinical scientific research and/or development strategies in research and/or development

  • Design and build innovative in vitro & in vivo approaches to screening drug candidates, both internally and through CRO and academic collaborations

  • Utilize subject-matter expertise and past-experience to influence the direction of research projects including new target due diligence

  • Work closely with translational biology / biomarker teams to ensure success of programs

  • Maintains broad knowledge of state-of-the-art principles and theories and remains current with changes in the field and in the industry. Can quickly adapt program and portfolio goals to changes in the industry landscape

  • Expected to be a subject matter expert and key leader within their discipline

  • Makes major contributions to scientific literature and conferences

  • May act as spokesperson on corporate research and development and advise top management

  • Participate in development of patent applications

  • Interfaces with various departments and serves as internal consultant

  • Biologics specific work will include work on Gene Therapy/mAb/peptide projects from inception to IND-enabling studies. Works with internal colleagues and external collaborators across all disciplines of R&D to select targets and develop Biologics products. Works with the R&D team to design and implement a robust strategy for the growth of the Biologics drug development. Design in vitro and in vivo strategies for development of Biologics and conduct and manage in vitro and in vivo studies to measure potency and efficacy. Monitors the latest developments in the Biologics Therapy space for opportunities to in-license or acquire technologies. Prepares detailed data reports and present results to peers, colleagues, and collaborators. Presents data as appropriate at scientific meetings at the National and International level

  • Other duties as assigned

Requirements:
  • BS/BA and 8+ years of experience in the biotech/pharmaceutical industry identifying and developing cell-based disease models capable of miniaturization for drug screening purposes. Experience with primary neurons and iPSC-derived neurons, and their use in assay development, is beneficial. Experience assessing the pharmacological efficacy and MOA of small molecule drug candidates OR

  • MS/MA degree in biology, life sciences or related discipline and 6+ years of experience in the biotech/pharmaceutical industry identifying and developing cell-based disease models capable of miniaturization for drug screening purposes. Experience with primary neurons and iPSC-derived neurons, and their use in assay development, is beneficial. Experience assessing the pharmacological efficacy and MOA of small molecule drug candidates OR

  • PhD or equivalent and 4+ years of relevant experience; may include postdoc experience, Gene Therapy positions will require a PhD in Pharmacology, Neuroscience, Endocrinology, Physiology, or closely related discipline

  • Gene Therapy position will require a minimum of 5 years of experience in the biopharmaceutical industry

  • Advanced tissue culture techniques, protein expression and purification and analysis

  • Working knowledge of NGS (next generation sequencing) technologies, their implementation, and data analysis & relevant statistical tests

  • Gene manipulation techniques, including cloning, and use of gene expression manipulation technologies (ASO, siRNA, miRNA, AAV transduction)

  • Tissue handling techniques for detection of gene and protein expression, including fixation, sectioning, IHC, histological staining, ISH

  • Knowledge of protein structure function relationships

  • Ability to utilize bioinformatics software for protein and gene analyses

  • GTX - Highly proficient in capsid and cargo design and engineering, and methods for measuring drug properties. Strong understanding state-of-the-art methods and technologies used in the industry

  • Tissue handling techniques for detection of gene and protein expression, including fixation, sectioning, IHC, histological staining, ISH

  • MAbs/bi specifics - expertise in antibody protein structure & function, ability to apply protein engineering principles to mAb drug design. Practical experience with affinity determination methods, and execution of antibody optimization campaigns using directed evolution screening platforms. Knowledge of immunogenicity assays, and state-of-the-art antibody technologies

  • Proven strong track record in advanced experimental technologies and their utilization in the drug discovery process

  • Expertise with identifying and developing cell-based disease models capable of miniaturization for drug screening purposes

  • Experience with primary neurons and iPSC-derived neurons, and their use in assay development, is beneficial

  • Experience assessing the pharmacological efficacy and MOA of drug candidates

  • Excellent critical analysis skills

  • Assimilates data and research findings outside of Neurocrine for application to new scientific projects

  • Maintains broad knowledge of scientific principles and theories and possesses intellectual mastery of one or more scientific areas

  • Develops an understanding of other areas and related dependencies

  • Advanced knowledge and demonstrated ability working with / recommending a variety of laboratory equipment/tools

  • Strong ability to work as part of and lead multiple teams

  • Excellent leadership skills and ability, typically leads multi-level teams and/or indirect teams

  • Excellent computer skills

  • Excellent communications, problem-solving, analytical thinking skills

  • Sees broader picture, impact on multiple programs, teams and/or departments

  • Ability to meet multiple deadlines across a variety of projects/programs, with a high degree of accuracy and efficiency

  • Excellent project management skills

#LI-DM1

Neurocrine Biosciences is an EEO/AA/Disability/Vets employer.

We are committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace, and we recognize there are a variety of ways to meet our requirements. We are looking for the best candidate for the job and encourage you to apply even if your experience or qualifications don't line up to exactly what we have outlined in the job description.

_

The annual base salary we reasonably expect to pay is $150,700.00-$218,500.00. Individual pay decisions depend on various factors, such as primary work location, complexity and responsibility of role, job duties/requirements, and relevant experience and skills. In addition, this position offers an annual bonus with a target of 30% of the earned base salary and eligibility to participate in our equity based long term incentive program. Benefits offered include a retirement savings plan (with company match), paid vacation, holiday and personal days, paid caregiver/parental and medical leave, and health benefits to include medical, prescription drug, dental and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans.

 

Job Summary
Start Date
As soon as possible
Employment Term and Type
Regular, Full Time
Required Education
Bachelor's Degree
Required Experience
8+ years
Email this Job to Yourself or a Friend
Indicates required fields