Senior Scientist, Tissue Culture

Neurocrine Biosciences • San Diego, CA

47d • Onsite

About The Position

Neurocrine Biosciences is a leading biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing treatments for neurological, psychiatric, endocrine, and immunological disorders. The company is seeking a collaborative and highly motivated scientist to join its Research team. The primary role will involve developing and characterizing physiologically relevant iPSC-derived cellular and disease models, including mono-, co-, and tri-culture systems. The scientist will also establish cell-based assays to support the evaluation and characterization of molecules for a broad range of biological questions. The successful candidate will possess strong high-content imaging (HCI) expertise, including assay development, optimization of image acquisition, and quantitative data analysis, and will serve as a technical expert for the HCI platform. Experience developing complex multicellular models, particularly neuron, astrocyte, and microglia co- or tri-culture 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.
• 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.
• Cell-Based & Functional Assays: Strong experience developing and optimizing robust cell-based assays.
• 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 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.
• 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.

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