Scientific Director, Oligonucleotide Chemistry Research

Neurocrine Biosciences • San Diego, CA

7d

About The Position

The Scientific Director, Oligonucleotide Chemistry Research is a highly motivated and accomplished chemist/biochemist with a proven track record of success in delivering multiple oligonucleotide-based candidate molecules to the clinical development candidate stage. The ideal candidate will be a leader in the field of siRNA chemistry and design, and a people leader with a passion for mentoring and empowering their team. The candidate will lead projects in a fast-paced environment and play a key role in providing strategic direction for next-generation oligonucleotide-based therapeutics for our three therapeutic areas of interest: neurology, neuroendocrinology, and neuroimmunology.

Requirements

• PhD (preferred) in chemistry or related field and 10+ years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry and prior managerial / functional management experience
• MS/MA degree and 13+ years of similar experience as noted above, OR
• BS/BA degree and 15+ years of similar experience as noted above
• Demonstrated scientific excellence in oligonucleotide/siRNA chemistry or related research, as evidenced by significant patents and/or publications in the field
• Excellent leadership skills and ability, typically leads multi-level teams and/or indirect teams
• Demonstrated delivery of multiple clinical candidate siRNA-based molecules
• Expert understanding of the drug discovery process
• Thorough understanding of developability and associated assays
• Experience and knowledge in protein bioconjugation and/or targeted delivery technologies is strongly preferred
• Overall strong work ethic and willingness to engage in projects across therapeutic areas
• Recognized as an internal thought leader with extensive technical and business expertise within a strategic organization
• Applies in-depth knowledge of own function, business / commercial / scientific expertise to solve critical issues successfully and innovatively
• Evaluates key business / scientific challenges and completes complex, ambiguous initiatives having cross-functional impact
• Sees broader picture, impact on multiple programs, teams and/or departments
• Ability to effectively interact with multiple functions across the organization, and effectively communicate results and strategies to staff and company executives
• Strong attention to detail; excellent written, oral and interpersonal communication skills
• Excellent problem solving and analytical thinking skills

Nice To Haves

• Experience and knowledge in protein bioconjugation and/or targeted delivery technologies is strongly preferred

Responsibilities

• Set scientific direction for siRNA platform chemistry and direct internal and external chemists tasked with designing, synthesizing and characterizing novel oligonucleotides, associated libraries, and oligonucleotide-based bioconjugates for eventual development candidate nomination
• Provide strategic direction, oversight and input for multiple siRNA-based projects including the chemistry strategy, bioconjugation strategy where applicable, and overall goals and timelines
• Help set scientific direction for use of siRNA, ASO, and associated oligonucleotide-based modalities
• Participate in and/or lead multiple discovery projects and project teams
• Drive the development and incorporation of novel technologies, methods and oligonucleotide modifications for optimal stability, potency and selectivity
• Collaborate seamlessly with the adjacent Bioconjugation team as well as the Peptide, Antibody and Small Molecule teams to achieve maximal synergy between the teams and platforms
• Collaborate closely with the broader research team by communicating results, sharing insights, making plans, and setting goals in an open and collaborative way to enable project success
• Anticipates potential issues and provides contingencies and resolutions to continuously improve that process
• Monitors and evaluates completion of work and projects of their direct reports to ensure a high-functioning team, and takes necessary action as needed
• Aid in the evaluation of external partnering opportunities
• Performs other duties as assigned

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees