Senior Scientist, Tissue Culture

Neurocrine Biosciences • San Diego, CA

44d • $130,800 - $179,000

About The Position

Neurocrine Biosciences is seeking a collaborative and highly motivated scientist to join their Research team. The primary role will be to develop and characterize physiologically relevant iPSC-derived cellular and disease models, including mono-, co-, and tri-culture systems, and establish cell-based assays to support the evaluation and characterization of molecules to answer a broad range of biological questions. The successful candidate will have strong high-content imaging (HCI) expertise including assay development, image acquisition optimization and quantitative data analysis, and will serve as a technical expert for our HCI platform. Experience developing complex multicellular models, particularly neuron, astrocyte and microglia co- or triculture systems is highly preferred.

Requirements

• BS/BA and 6+ years of experience; OR MS/MA and 4+ years of experience, OR PhD or equivalent and 2+ years of relevant experience; may include postdoc experience
• iPSC & Complex Cellular Models: Strong expertise with iPSC-derived cell models, including development, optimization, characterization, and use of complex multicellular systems. Experience with neuron, astrocyte, and microglia co- or tri-culture models is highly preferred, along with the ability to apply these approaches to cellular models across therapeutic areas
• High-Content Imaging & Data Analysis: Strong experience with HCI platforms and development of image-analysis pipelines, including segmentation, classification, phenotypic quantification, and analysis of large imaging datasets. Experience with Revvity Operetta and Harmony is strongly preferred. Experience with CellProfiler, Spotfire, Prism, or similar tools is desirable
• Cell-Based & Functional Assays: Strong experience developing and optimizing robust cell-based assays. Experience with live-cell imaging, calcium imaging, MEA, or other functional readouts is preferred.
• Cellular & Molecular Characterization: Experience with techniques such as flow cytometry, qRT-PCR, RNA-seq/transcriptomic analysis, immunocytochemistry/immunofluorescence, and protein-based assays is preferred
• Scientific Independence: Demonstrated ability to independently develop experimental strategies, execute complex studies, troubleshoot technical challenges, interpret results, and recommend next steps.
• Communication and Leadership: Strong written and verbal communication skills, ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams, along with experience training and mentoring junior scientists

Nice To Haves

• Experience developing complex multicellular models, particularly neuron, astrocyte and microglia co- or triculture systems is highly preferred.
• Experience with Revvity Operetta and Harmony is strongly preferred.
• Experience with CellProfiler, Spotfire, Prism, or similar tools is desirable
• Experience with live-cell imaging, calcium imaging, MEA, or other functional readouts is preferred.
• Experience with techniques such as flow cytometry, qRT-PCR, RNA-seq/transcriptomic analysis, immunocytochemistry/immunofluorescence, and protein-based assays is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development, optimization, and characterization of iPSC-derived cellular and disease models, including mono-, co-, and tri-culture systems, assessing model robustness and reproducibility, cellular phenotype and function, and disease-relevant biology
• Develop and optimize cell-based assays and phenotypic readouts to evaluate therapeutics and support drug discovery programs
• Lead the high-content imaging platform (Operetta), including experimental design, image acquisition, instrument optimization, development of image-analysis workflows, quantitative data analysis, and interpretation and presentation of results
• Develop and optimize automated image-analysis pipelines, including segmentation, classification, feature extraction, and phenotypic profiling. Apply advanced image analysis approaches when appropriate
• Provide training and technical support for the HCI instrumentation, image-analysis software, and associated data-analysis workflows
• Independently design and execute experimental plans, troubleshoot biological and technical challenges, analyze and interpret data, and communicate results and recommendations to project teams.
• Evaluate and implement new cell models, assay technologies, imaging approaches, and analytical tools to expand the group's capabilities
• Work cross-functionally with other departments and scientific colleagues to support therapeutics testing, characterization, and program advancement

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