Principal Scientist, Medicinal Chemistry

Neurocrine Biosciences • San Diego, CA

4d • Onsite

About The Position

Neurocrine Biosciences is a leading biopharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering, developing, and commercializing life-changing treatments for patients with neurological, psychiatric, endocrine, and immunological disorders. The company has a diverse portfolio of FDA-approved treatments and a robust pipeline. This role is responsible for devising medicinal chemistry strategies, leading multidisciplinary project teams, and providing expertise in small molecule synthesis, purification, and data analysis. The position involves supervising and mentoring internal teams and external CROs, monitoring project progress, and contributing to the continuous improvement of the drug discovery process.

Requirements

• BS/BA in Chemistry AND 12+ years of experience in medicinal chemistry and drug discovery OR MS/MA in Chemistry AND 10+ years of experience in medicinal chemistry and drug discovery OR PhD or equivalent in Organic Chemistry or Medicinal Chemistry AND 8+ years of relevant experience in medicinal chemistry and drug discovery.
• Advanced knowledge of most or all of the following: complex organic synthesis, parallel synthesis, data analysis, lab automation, and purification in the optimization of lead compounds.
• Thorough understanding of medicinal chemistry and multi parameter optimization of drug-like compounds and a well-developed understanding of current literature.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with strong oral and written communication abilities.
• Excellent laboratory and productivity skills, and the ability to lead and mentor small teams of chemists in these skills.
• Demonstration of strong cross-functional understanding related to drug development and the identification of high quality candidate compounds.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to collaborate in a matrix environment are required.
• Strong track record of innovation demonstrated through patents and publications and development candidates is necessary.
• Assimilates data and research findings outside of Neurocrine for application to new scientific projects and ideas.
• Maintains broad knowledge of scientific principles and theories and possesses intellectual mastery of multiple scientific areas.
• Applies understanding of the team's place in the larger organization, and discusses changes, progress, and issues as they relate to other areas.
• Sees broader picture, impact on multiple programs, teams and/or departments and the company.
• Ability to work as part of and lead multiple teams.
• Excellent project management, strong project leadership skills, typically leads small team and/or indirect teams.
• Excellent computer, presentation, communications, problem-solving and analytical thinking skills.
• Ability to meet multiple deadlines across a variety of projects/programs, with a high degree of accuracy and efficiency.

Nice To Haves

• The company encourages candidates to apply even if their experience or qualifications don’t line up to exactly what is outlined in the job description.

Responsibilities

• Leads projects and initiatives in the rapid optimization of lead molecules utilizing modern technology available to medicinal chemists such as automated synthesis and purification and novel chemistry.
• Distills complicated, multidimensional data to clear hypotheses and new experimental directions.
• Imports new principles/concepts to develop useful new experimental approaches.
• Researches external intellectual property relevant to project(s) and areas of pursuit and collaborates with internal IP team to plan patent strategy.
• Contributes substantively to patent and publication preparation and planning.
• Responsible for designing, planning, and conducting synthesis of analogs and analog libraries.
• Participates in a multidisciplinary team committed to the continuous improvement of the lead optimization process as well as the expeditious identification and progression of development compounds.
• Communicates results to the project or program team, or to management.
• Plans and manages projects.
• Represents Medicinal Chemistry on cross-functional teams and may lead cross-functional teams.
• Maintains accountability for deliverables and progress for projects as well as development of internal teams.
• Independently designs, plans and executes activities towards the goals of one or more Medicinal Chemistry projects to support lead generation through pre-clinical activities.
• Creates and implements novel ideas in Medicinal Chemistry.
• Provides effective supervision of lab work and lab personnel and guidance for their professional development as well as ensuring safe laboratory practices.
• Builds and enhances internal and external professional relationships and collaborations.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• annual bonus with a target of 30% of the earned base salary
• eligibility to participate in our equity based long term incentive program
• 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