Responsibilities

• Leads discovery biology platform capabilities that support Neurocrine’s early research portfolio, including assay development, routine cellular and biochemical SAR assays, SPR and other biophysical approaches, and fit-for-purpose screening workflows
• Oversees the development, optimization, validation, and implementation of robust assay systems to generate high-quality, reproducible pharmacology data across multiple target classes and therapeutic modalities
• Has a proven scientific-track record in the pathophysiology underlying immunology, neurodegenerative, neuropsychiatric, and/or endocrine disorders
• Partners closely with therapeutic areas, protein engineering, chemistry, translational science, DMPK, and other cross-functional R&D teams to align assay strategies, experimental workflows, and data generation with discovery program needs
• Leads and manages a laboratory organization responsible for timely execution of discovery assays, data quality, platform performance, and continuous improvement of experimental capabilities
• Evaluates, implements, and advances new technologies, assay formats, instrumentation, and workflow improvements that enhance the quality, efficiency, scalability, and impact of discovery biology platforms
• Mentors, develops, and trains scientists and technical staff with expertise in assay development, cellular and biochemical pharmacology, biophysics, screening technologies, data interpretation, and related discovery biology disciplines
• Contributes scientific expertise to cross-functional project teams by providing guidance on assay feasibility, pharmacology data generation, screening cascade design, and interpretation of discovery biology results
• Establishes and manages external collaborations with contract research organizations, technology providers, and academic or industry partners to supplement internal capabilities and support discovery program objectives
• Possesses an in-depth understanding of the competitive drug development environment

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in biological sciences preferably related to behavioral neuroscience, pharmacology or biopsychology and 12+ years of pharmaceutical/biotech experience; with a strong research background in neuroscience, molecular and cellular biology, and/or biochemistry
• Master's degree in biological sciences preferably related to behavioral neuroscience, pharmacology or biopsychology and 10+ years of related experience
• PharmD or PhD and 8+ years of related experience
• Maintains deep knowledge of state-of-the-art discovery biology, assay development, pharmacology screening, SAR-supporting assay cascades, biophysical methods, and platform technologies relevant to early drug discovery
• Applies scientific and technical expertise to guide the development, optimization, validation, and execution of robust cellular, biochemical, and biophysical assays across multiple target classes and therapeutic modalities
• Requires in-depth knowledge of discovery biology operations, assay strategy, data quality expectations, laboratory workflows, business priorities, and the company’s research goals
• Demonstrated ability to translate discovery program needs into practical assay strategies, scalable workflows, and executable tactical plans
• Ability to lead multiple platform areas and work closely with therapeutic area biology, chemistry, translational science, DMPK, automation, informatics, and other cross-functional partners
• Strong leadership, mentoring, and people-development skills, with experience supervising scientists and technical staff and/or leading matrixed project or platform teams
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, analytical thinking, collaboration, and influencing skills

Preferred

• Experience evaluating and implementing new technologies, assay formats, instrumentation, automation, or data-analysis workflows to improve discovery biology capabilities is preferred

Benefits

• Benefits offered include a retirement savings plan (with company match), paid vacation, holiday and personal days, paid caregiver/parental and medical leave, and health benefits to include medical, prescription drug, dental and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans.