Scientist I, Neuroscience Discovery Biology

Neurocrine Biosciences • San Diego, CA

4d • $89,800 - $123,000

About The Position

Neurocrine Biosciences is a leading biopharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering, developing, and commercializing life-changing treatments for patients with under-addressed neurological, psychiatric, endocrine, and immunological disorders. This role will conduct and analyze experiments to support the identification, validation, and characterization of novel therapeutic targets and drug candidates within the Neurology Therapeutic Area. The position involves independently executing experiments based on established study designs and protocols, with potential contributions to study design under guidance. Responsibilities include developing, optimizing, and applying in vitro and ex vivo assays and disease-relevant experimental models to characterize target biology, mechanism of action, and pharmacological activity. The role may also support the development and application of iPSC-derived cellular models, primary cell systems, ex vivo tissue assays, histology, imaging, and quantitative image analysis. The scientist will make detailed experimental observations, analyze and interpret data, troubleshoot technical issues, and communicate results effectively. With guidance, they will identify appropriate follow-up experiments and contribute to recommendations for advancing project objectives. The role also supports the development, optimization, and implementation of new assays, methodologies, and technologies, and works collaboratively with scientists and multidisciplinary drug discovery teams. Maintaining familiarity with relevant scientific literature and emerging methodologies is expected, with contributions to scientific publications, posters, and conference presentations possible.

Requirements

• BS/BA degree in Biology and 2+ years of relevant experience OR MS/MA degree in Biology and some relevant industry experience preferred
• Knowledge of basic chemical and biological principles
• Ability to follow complex instructions to perform detailed experimental procedures
• Understand and implement safe working practices in a laboratory environment
• Able to execute experiments efficiently and suggest small process improvements
• Able to recognize patterns or inconsistencies in data results
• Able to deduce meaningful results while conducting routine analyses or troubleshoot minor issues.
• Good knowledge of one scientific discipline
• Developing knowledge of scientific principles, methods and techniques
• Good knowledge and some experience working with discipline specific laboratory equipment/tools
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Good computer skills
• Developing communications, problem-solving, analytical thinking, planning and organization skills
• Detail oriented
• Understands importance of meeting deadlines

Nice To Haves

• iPSC-derived cellular models, including neurons, astrocytes, and/or microglia
• Functional cell-based assays such as phagocytosis, cellular activation, viability, cytokine release, or calcium signaling
• High-content imaging, immunofluorescence, confocal or live-cell imaging, and quantitative image analysis
• Microglial biology, neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, or related CNS biology
• Ex vivo tissue or brain-slice assays and/or histology
• Molecular and biochemical techniques such as flow cytometry, RT-qPCR, ELISA/MSD, or related methodologies
• Demonstrated ability to independently execute experiments, analyze data, troubleshoot routine experimental challenges, and communicate scientific findings effectively within a collaborative research environment.

Responsibilities

• Conducts and analyzes experiments to support the identification, validation, and characterization of novel therapeutic targets and drug candidates within the Neurology Therapeutic Area.
• Independently executes experiments based on established study designs and protocols and may contribute to the design and execution of studies with guidance from senior scientists.
• Develops, optimizes, and applies in vitro and ex vivo assays and disease-relevant experimental models to characterize target biology, mechanism of action, and pharmacological activity of novel therapeutic candidates.
• May support the development and application of iPSC-derived cellular models, primary cell systems, ex vivo tissue assays, histology, imaging, and quantitative image analysis.
• Makes detailed experimental observations, analyzes and interprets data, troubleshoots technical issues, and communicates results in an organized and timely manner.
• With guidance, identifies appropriate follow-up experiments and contributes to recommendations for advancing project objectives.
• Supports the development, optimization, and implementation of new assays, methodologies, and technologies to improve experimental capabilities, assay robustness, and reproducibility.
• Works collaboratively with scientists and multidisciplinary drug discovery teams to execute studies and address project needs.
• May coordinate defined experimental activities with internal collaborators or external research partners.
• Maintains familiarity with relevant scientific literature and emerging methodologies and applies this knowledge to experimental execution and data interpretation.
• Presents experimental results at internal meetings and may contribute to scientific publications, posters, and conference presentations.

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: Entry Level