Scientific Director, Neurodegenerative Disease

Neurocrine Biosciences • San Diego, CA

1d • $195,700 - $267,000

About The Position

Neurocrine is seeking an experienced and strategic Scientific Director, Neurodegenerative Disease to provide senior scientific leadership across discovery and translational biology programs within the Neurology Therapeutic Area, with a primary focus on Alzheimer’s Disease and related neurodegenerative disorders. This individual will serve as a subject matter expert in neurodegeneration, neuroinflammation, and microglial biology, helping shape scientific strategy from early target discovery through preclinical development and translational planning. In this role, you will help advance internal research programs, identify and assess novel therapeutic opportunities, and support external innovation efforts, including scientific due diligence for partnering and licensing opportunities. This is a high-impact opportunity for a scientific leader who brings deep expertise, strong cross-functional leadership, and a passion for translating complex biology into innovative drug discovery strategies.

Requirements

• PhD, MD, or equivalent advanced degree in Neuroscience, Immunology, Cell Biology, Pharmacology, or a related scientific discipline with 7+ years’ experience industry and/or translational research experience in biotechnology or pharmaceutical drug discovery, with scientific leadership experience in neurodegeneration-focused programs
• OR MS/MA in biology or similar discipline and 10+ years’ experience
• OR BS/BA in biology or similar discipline and 12+ years’ experience
• Deep expertise in Alzheimer’s Disease and related neurodegenerative disorders, including disease biology, target validation, and translational preclinical strategy
• Strong background in microglial biology, neuroinflammation, and CNS innate immune pathways, with hands-on and strategic experience in relevant preclinical assays and disease models
• Demonstrated success advancing programs from target discovery through preclinical candidate support in a matrixed, cross-functional environment

Nice To Haves

• Direct experience with translational endpoints such as pharmacodynamic biomarkers, disease-relevant readouts, omics-based profiling, and patient-derived systems
• Familiarity with emerging therapeutic approaches for neurodegenerative disease, including biologics, small molecules, gene-modifying strategies, or immune-modulating approaches
• Experience integrating findings from human genetics, clinical literature, translational datasets, and preclinical pharmacology to prioritize targets and programs
• Demonstrated success contributing to or leading early research portfolio expansion through novel target ideation or external innovation assessment

Responsibilities

• Provide scientific leadership across discovery and translational biology efforts for Neurology programs focused on Alzheimer’s Disease and related neurodegenerative disorders
• Serve as an internal expert in neurodegeneration, neuroinflammation, and microglial biology, contributing to portfolio strategy, target identification, and program direction
• Lead translational research strategies that connect disease biology to pharmacology, biomarkers, preclinical models, and proof-of-concept studies
• Oversee the design, application, and interpretation of in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo assays and disease-relevant model systems supporting neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation programs
• Partner cross-functionally with Biology, Pharmacology, Translational Sciences, Biomarkers, DMPK, Toxicology, Project Leadership, Clinical Development, and Business Development to advance programs and inform decision-making
• Evaluate internal and external scientific opportunities, including target biology, platform capabilities, translational relevance, and competitive differentiation
• Interpret complex datasets across multiple modalities and communicate strategy, data, and recommendations clearly to senior leadership, governance teams, and external collaborators
• Mentor scientists and contribute to a collaborative, innovative, and scientifically rigorous research environment

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: Director
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees