Postdoctoral Research Scientist, Endocrine Disease Modeling (CAH)

Neurocrine Biosciences • San Diego, CA

13d

About The Position

The Postdoctoral Research Scientist in Endocrine Disease Modeling will participate in developing and characterizing novel preclinical models of 21-hydroxylase deficiency (Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia, CAH) at Neurocrine Biosciences. Working with internal colleagues across Research, Translational Sciences, and Drug Discovery, the individual will contribute to building innovative, tunable animal models to evaluate emerging therapeutics targeting HPA axis dysregulation.

Requirements

• Ph.D. degree in endocrinology, neuroscience, physiology, pharmacology, molecular biology, or related life sciences discipline, with experience in the biotech/pharmaceutical industry OR prior postdoctoral experience in academia
• Strong in vivo experience working with rodent models of disease
• Experience with genetic or molecular modulation approaches, including siRNA, AAV-based gene delivery, or related technologies would be prefer
• Experience with endocrine hormone quantification methods (e.g., immunoassays, LC-MS/MS)
• Knowledge of adrenal biology, steroidogenesis, or HPA axis regulation preferred
• Experience with transcriptomic approaches, including bulk or single-cell RNA sequencing, a plus
• Experience with immunohistochemistry and tissue-based analyses
• Behavioral phenotyping experience (stress paradigms, sleep analysis, qEEG) a plus
• Experience in advanced experimental technologies and their application in drug discovery
• Excellent critical analysis skills
• Ability to assimilate internal and external research findings for application to new scientific projects
• Maintains broad knowledge of scientific principles and possesses intellectual depth in one or more scientific areas
• Advanced knowledge and demonstrated ability working with a variety of laboratory equipment and analytical tools
• Ability to work effectively as part of cross-functional teams
• Excellent computer skills
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and analytical thinking skills
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines across projects/programs with a high degree of accuracy and efficiency

Responsibilities

• The primary role is to initiate and conduct a novel research project focused on developing postnatal and tunable mouse models of impaired steroidogenesis
• Design and execute in vivo studies utilizing genetic (siRNA-mediated knockdown, AAV-based rescue strategies) and pharmacologic approaches to model CAH
• Characterize endocrine phenotypes through hormonal profiling of HPA and gonadal axis markers
• Conduct molecular and transcriptomic analyses (including single-cell RNA sequencing) to define HPA axis remodeling
• Perform immunohistochemical and structural analyses of adrenal, pituitary, and hypothalamic tissues
• Evaluate behavioral phenotypes related to stress and sleep architecture in disease models
• Assess therapeutic modulation of ACTH signaling pathways using MC2 receptor antagonists, CRFR1 antagonists, and related approaches
• Prepare data summaries and present results to peers and colleagues at Neurocrine

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 in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans

What This Job Offers

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