TEMP - Scientist, Lead Generation Biology

Neurocrine Biosciences•San Diego, CA

12d•$43 - $63

About The Position

We are seeking a highly-motivated, collaborative and experienced drug hunter who will become an integral member of the growing in vitro pharmacology team. The successful candidate will support and lead multiple drug discovery project teams. As an integral member of the pharmacology team, candidate will support lead optimization campaigns and multiple new target screening efforts in the context of multidisciplinary project teams. The candidate will work on a broad range of assay technologies/platforms and a wide variety of automated equipment in a collaborative and dynamic work environment. Contributes to process efficiency and research quality. The work is fast-paced and process-oriented in an environment where efficiency and continuous improvement are integral goals.

Requirements

BS/BA degree in scientific field and 2+ years of in vitro pharmacology experience
MS/MA degree in scientific field and some relevant industry experience
PhD in biology or related field preferred and some experience with cell culture and cell-based in vitro assays, development and optimization of in vitro biological assays is required
Collaborative and highly motivated
Must be comfortable working with radioisotopes
Working knowledge of primary cell culture, especially CNS, and related assay development, liquid handling automation and LIMS systems, GPCRs and related in vitro assays
Embody Neurocrine’s core values of Passion, Collaboration, Tenacity, Innovation, and Integrity
Practical experience with a broad range of in vitro biological assays (including GPCRs, kinases, and ion channels) and tissue culture
Outstanding experimental design, problem-solving, and data analysis skills
Ability to effectively multitask and advance various projects simultaneously without compromising data quality or reproducibility
Able to independently plan, perform and develop basic experiments
Applies independent thinking to solve moderate problems
Takes direction regarding experiments or lab processes and learns to apply independent thinking to suggest resolution to technical issues
Selects appropriate methods and techniques in performing
Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment toward timely execution of shared team deliverables
Enthusiasm for developing an expanding technical and theoretical knowledge base
Excellent communication (written and verbal), time management, organizational and interpersonal skills to ensure operational excellence of daily laboratory needs
Extensive experience in development, optimization and execution of a broad range of in vitro biological assays is essential, including GPCR, kinases and ion channels, preferably in the CNS space
Ability to rapidly learn new assays, process data and meet deadlines
Recognizes fundamental anomalies in data points and identifies issues in experiments / processes
Good knowledge of scientific principles, methods and technique
Good knowledge and demonstrated ability working with a variety of laboratory equipment/tools
Ability to work as part of a team with good communication, problem-solving & analytical thinking skills
Detail oriented with strong computer skills
Good communications, problem-solving, analytical thinking skills
Good project management skills

Nice To Haves

primary cell culture, especially CNS, and related assay development, liquid handling automation and LIMS systems, GPCRs and related in vitro assays
primary cell culture, especially CNS, and related assay development, liquid handling automation and LIMS systems, GPCRs and related in vitro assays
Experience using modern automation, inventory systems, data analysis and informatics systems is beneficial
Experience with electrophysiology based assays is an added asset, but not essential

Responsibilities

Develops robust biochemical and cell-based assays, supporting the drug discovery process, and rapidly delivering robust SAR data
Designs, optimizes, validates, executes & analyzes in vitro pharmacology assays under minimal supervision to generate high quality, reproducible results
Perform routine assays to support lead identification & optimization
Develop, optimize, and perform deep dive explorations of MOA
Responsible for data analysis, reporting and presentation to internal/external teams
Experience with cell/tissue culture of recombinant and/or primary cells
Provides recommendations to improve on process efficiency and research quality
Performs MOA studies, such as neurite outgrowth, electrophysiology, MEA, and immunostaining
Critical analysis and insightful interpretation of biochemical, cell-based functional, and binding assay data to identify lead compounds & contribute to understanding of potency & MoA
Tracks and documents assay performance
Continually provides recommendations to improve on process efficiency and research quality
Responsible for documenting protocols in an electronic laboratory notebook and regularly presenting clear written & verbal data summaries
Other duties as assigned