Sr. Scientist, Protein and Antibody Bioconjugation

Neurocrine Biosciences • San Diego, CA

3d

About The Position

We seek a Bioconjugation Sr. Scientist to join our Bioconjugates Research Group. The successful candidate will contribute to the design, generation, and characterization of novel bioconjugate modalities, including antibody-peptide conjugates (APC), antibody-oligonucleotides conjugates (AOC), and antibody-drug conjugates (ADC). Your expertise in protein and antibody conjugation will enable you to have a significant impact on Neurocrine’s pipeline of innovative therapeutics.

Requirements

• BS/BA degree in biology and 4+ years of relevant industry experience OR MS/MA degree in biology and 3+ years of relevant industry experience OR PhD or equivalent and some relevant experience
• In-depth knowledge of modern protein bioconjugation (peptide, protein, and antibody) purification, and analytical characterization
• Hands-on experience with antibody conjugates with various payload classes, including peptides, oligonucleotides, and small molecules. Experience with different conjugation strategies, such as stochastic vs site-specific conjugation, is an advantage
• Strong background in analytical characterization of bioconjugates, specifically RP-HPLC, LC-MS
• Proficiency in purification techniques for antibodies and antibody conjugates such as RP-HPLC, FPLC-AKTA, size-exclusion (SEC), ion exchange (IEX), tangential flow filtration (TFF)
• Independently design and implement conjugation and purification strategies applying stay-of-the-art knowledge in the field
• Strong publication record of accomplishment
• Understanding of peptide, siRNA, and protein structure and associated biophysical techniques to assess structure, stability, and behavior in solution is desirable
• Experience in formulation strategies for conjugate molecules is a plus
• Excellent interpersonal skills with strong oral and written communication abilities
• Assimilates data and research findings outside of Neurocrine and applies them to new scientific projects
• Prioritizes teamwork above all else
• Must be able to work independently with supervision as needed
• Understands the team’s role within the larger organization and can discuss changes, progress, and issues in relation to other areas
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex scientific data clearly to diverse audiences
• Demonstrates strong problem-solving and analytical thinking skills, showing a proactive attitude towards exploring new approaches
• Maintains a comprehensive knowledge of principles and theories, providing solutions to a wide range of complex problems
• Able to meet multiple deadlines across various projects/programs with a high degree of accuracy and efficiency
• High attention to detail and commitment to data integrity, reproducibility, and quality documentation

Nice To Haves

• Experience with different conjugation strategies, such as stochastic vs site-specific conjugation, is desirable
• Understanding of peptide, siRNA, and protein structure and associated biophysical techniques to assess structure, stability, and behavior in solution is desirable
• Experience in formulation strategies for conjugate molecules is a plus

Responsibilities

• Carry out laboratory functions, plan and design experiments, and apply technical knowledge and skills to achieve project goals in a precise and timely manner
• Design, synthesize, and characterize antibody conjugates using state-of-the-art bioconjugation methods, purification processes, and biophysical techniques
• Optimized conjugation protocols using novel chemistries and techniques for a variety of bioconjugates modalities such as peptide-antibody (APC), oligonucleotides-antibody (AOC) and small molecule antibody (ADC) conjugates. Experience with different conjugation strategies, such as stochastic vs site-specific conjugation, is desirable
• Identify and troubleshoot critical issues within conjugation processes, resolving them promptly to ensure consistent progress and quality
• Collaborate cross-functionally with chemists and other teams to design and establish linker-payload biologic SAR (structure-activity relationships), supporting scientific discovery and project progression
• Tracks progress against the timelines of ongoing projects, ensuring timely delivery of results and providing regular updates to project teams and stakeholders
• Effective communication of scientific rationale, results, and interpretation at project, team and departmental meetings, contributing to strategic discussions
• Establish and maintain excellent working relationships with critical collaborators throughout the company
• Maintains accurate and well-organized lab notebooks and batch records to document all experimental procedures and findings, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and internal standards
• Represents our function in cross-functional meetings and contributes to decision-making at the program level, driving strategy, execution, and delivery of critical milestones.
• Communicate scientific rationale, data, and interpretations effectively in project, team, and departmental meetings
• Contribute to project and platform strategy, including proposing new technologies, approaches, or areas of exploration

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 in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees