Associate General Counsel, Investigations | Ethics & Compliance

Neurocrine Biosciences • San Diego, CA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Neurocrine Biosciences is seeking an accomplished Associate General Counsel, Ethics & Compliance Investigations to lead its enterprise Ethics & Compliance investigations program. This leadership role will set the strategy and standards for investigations, oversee the Ethics & Compliance Hotline and complex, high-risk matters, and translate investigation findings and trends into meaningful organizational improvements. The role serves as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, partnering across Legal, Human Resources, Compliance, and the business to develop the Internal Investigations function and strengthen a culture of integrity, accountability, and ethical conduct.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• 10+ years of progressively responsible legal experience, including significant experience conducting and overseeing internal compliance investigations within the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, or another highly regulated industry.
• Active license to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction is required.
• Deep expertise leading corporate Ethics & Compliance investigations programs in highly regulated environments, including Hotline governance, risk-based triage, complex investigations, case management, and program governance.
• Extensive knowledge of healthcare compliance requirements, including the Anti-Kickback Statute, False Claims Act, FDA regulatory requirements, FCPA, and other applicable healthcare laws and regulations.
• Exceptional investigative and business judgment, with the ability to assess sensitive allegations, develop investigation strategies, evaluate evidence, conduct root cause analysis, and communicate objective, well-supported conclusions.
• Demonstrated ability to advise and influence senior leaders, governance committees, and Boards while maintaining independence, credibility, discretion, and sound judgment.
• Proven people leadership and cross-functional influence, including developing experienced professionals, leading through change, building consensus, and managing outside counsel and external investigation resources.

Responsibilities

• Set the strategy and operating standards for Neurocrine’s enterprise Ethics & Compliance investigations program, ensuring matters are addressed objectively, consistently, and effectively.
• Advise senior leaders on complex legal, regulatory, reputational, and employee-relations matters and provide the Compliance Committee and Board with insights into emerging risks and investigation trends.
• Translate investigation findings and root causes into meaningful improvements to policies, controls, training, processes, and overall compliance program effectiveness.
• Develop and continuously strengthen investigation governance, policies, methodologies, documentation standards, quality assurance processes, and investigative best practices.
• Ensure investigations are conducted consistently, objectively, confidentially, and in accordance with Company policies, applicable laws, and regulatory expectations.
• Oversee the Ethics & Compliance Hotline and other reporting channels, including case intake, risk assessment, triage, prioritization, escalation, and assignment.
• Establish metrics and service standards to monitor investigation timeliness, quality, resolution, and overall program effectiveness.
• Lead or oversee sensitive investigations involving potential violations of the Code of Conduct, Company policies, healthcare laws, anti-corruption requirements, privacy requirements, and other legal or regulatory obligations.
• Develop investigation strategies; oversee interviews, evidence collection and analysis; prepare executive-level findings and recommendations; and manage outside counsel and external advisors as appropriate.
• Partner with Human Resources, Legal, Compliance, and business leaders on corrective actions, remediation plans, and appropriate disciplinary recommendations.
• Conduct root cause analyses and use investigation findings and trends to strengthen controls, policies, procedures, training, and broader compliance program effectiveness.
• Develop investigation metrics, dashboards, and trend analyses for executive leadership, the Compliance Committee, and the Board, translating emerging risks into proactive program enhancements.
• Oversee investigation technologies and case management processes and support audits, regulatory inspections, government inquiries, and investigations as appropriate.
• Lead, coach, mentor, and develop the Internal Investigations team while establishing clear priorities, performance expectations, and development plans.
• Foster a high-performing culture grounded in integrity, accountability, collaboration, sound judgment, and continuous improvement.

Benefits

• Retirement savings plan (with company match)
• Paid vacation, holiday and personal days
• Paid caregiver/parental and medical leave
• Health benefits to include medical, prescription drug, dental and vision coverage

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree