Principal Scientist, Medicinal Chemistry

Who We Are:

Neurocrine Biosciences is a leading biopharmaceutical company with a simple purpose: to relieve suffering for people with great needs. We are dedicated to discovering, developing and commercializing life-changing treatments for patients with under-addressed neurological, psychiatric, endocrine and immunological disorders. The company's diverse portfolio includes FDA-approved treatments for tardive dyskinesia, chorea associated with Huntington's disease, classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia, hyperphagia in patients with Prader-Willi syndrome, endometriosis* and uterine fibroids*, as well as a robust pipeline including multiple compounds in mid- to late-phase clinical development across our core therapeutic areas. For more than three decades, we have applied our unique insight into neuroscience and the interconnections between brain and body systems to treat complex conditions. We relentlessly pursue medicines to ease the burden of debilitating diseases and disorders, because you deserve brave science. For more information, visit neurocrine.com, and follow the company on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and YouTube. (*in collaboration with AbbVie)

About the Role:
Responsible for devising the medicinal chemistry strategy on projects. May lead or co-lead multi-disciplinary project teams to advance discovery programs to key milestones. Provides expertise in medicinal chemistry principles, complex small molecule synthesis, purification, and data analysis. Supervises and mentors both internal direct reports and external CROs towards hypothesis driven chemistry strategies. Monitors and evaluates completion of tasks and projects. Contributes to development of policies and department strategies.

Your Contributions (include, but are not limited to):

• Leads projects and initiatives in the rapid optimization of lead molecules utilizing modern technology available to medicinal chemists such as automated synthesis and purification
• Distills complicated, multidimensional data to clear hypotheses and new experimental directions
• Imports new principles/concepts to develop useful new experimental approaches
• Researches external intellectual property relevant to project(s) and areas of pursuit
• Contributes substantively to patent and publication preparation
• Responsible for designing, planning, and conducting synthesis of analog libraries as well communicates results to the project or program team
• Participates in a multidisciplinary team committed to the continuous improvement of the lead optimization process as well as the expeditious identification of development compounds
• Plans and manages projects. Represents Medicinal Chemistry on cross-functional teams. Maintains accountability for deliverables and progress for projects
• Independently designs, plans and executes activities towards the goals of one or more Medicinal Chemistry projects to support lead generation through pre-clinical activities
• Supervises laboratory work and/or lab personnel and ensures safe laboratory practices
• Creates and implements novel ideas in Medicinal Chemistry
• Provides effective supervision of laboratory personnel and guidance for their professional development
• Builds and enhances internal and external professional relationships
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements:

• BS/BA in Chemistry and 8+ years of relevant industrial experience (10+ preferred) OR
• MS/MA in Chemistry preferred and 6+ years of relevant industrial experience (8+ preferred) OR
• PharmD or PhD in Chemistry preferred and 4+ years of relevant industrial experience (5+ preferred)
• Advanced knowledge of any or all of the following: complex organic synthesis, parallel synthesis, data analysis, lab automation, and purification in the optimization of lead compounds
• Thorough understanding of medicinal chemistry and a well-developed understanding of current literature
• Excellent interpersonal skills with strong oral and written communication abilities
• Excellent laboratory and productivity skills
• Demonstration of cross-functional understanding related to drug development
• Excellent communication skills and ability to collaborate in a matrix environment are required
• Strong track record of innovation demonstrated through patents and publications is necessary
• Assimilates data and research findings outside of Neurocrine for application to new scientific projects
• Maintains broad knowledge of scientific principles and theories and possesses intellectual mastery of one or more scientific areas
• May develop an understanding of other areas and related dependencies
• Advanced knowledge and demonstrated ability working with / recommending a variety of laboratory equipment/tools
• Ability to work as part of and lead multiple teams
• Exhibits leadership skill and ability, typically leads lower levels and/or indirect teams
• Excellent computer skills
• Excellent communications, problem-solving, analytical thinking skills
• Sees broader picture, impact on multiple programs, teams and/or departments
• Ability to meet multiple deadlines across a variety of projects/programs, with a high degree of accuracy and efficiency
• Excellent project management skills

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Neurocrine Biosciences is an EEO/Disability/Vets employer.


We are committed to building a workplace of belonging, respect, and empowerment, and we recognize there are a variety of ways to meet our requirements. We are looking for the best candidate for the job and encourage you to apply even if your experience or qualifications don't line up to exactly what we have outlined in the job description.

The annual base salary we reasonably expect to pay is $130,800.00-$179,000.00. Individual pay decisions depend on various factors, such as primary work location, complexity and responsibility of role, job duties/requirements, and relevant experience and skills. In addition, this position offers an annual bonus with a target of 30% of the earned base salary and eligibility to participate in our equity based long term incentive program. 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.