Associate Scientific Director, Translational Medicine - Neurology

Neurocrine Biosciences; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 174,000 - 237,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement savings plan with company-m

Paid vacation

Medical, dental & vision coverage

Fortune Best Places to Work

Job summary

Neurocrine Biosciences seeks an Associate Scientific Director, Translational Medicine to drive translational strategies for neurology programs from research to late clinical development. You will lead biomarker efforts, interact with FDA/EMA, and guide data-driven decisions with cross-functional teams.

The role requires expertise in translational science, biomarker platforms, and regulatory interactions, with a strong strategic impact on IND packages and development plans.

Qualifications

• BS/BA in Biology, Chemistry, or related field with 8+ years or MS with 6+ years or PharmD/PhD with 5+ years.
• Extensive knowledge in experimental medicine and biomarker development.
• Ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams and make data-driven decisions.

Responsibilities

• Establish translational plans and align biomarker strategies with program goals.
• Provide disease biology expertise to cross-functional teams.
• Contribute to study design and regulatory document sections (IB, IND).
• Collaborate with external experts and CROs to validate biomarkers for their intended use.
• Lead biomarker data delivery and timing with internal teams and CROs.

Skills

Biomarker development

Translational medicine

Cross-functional collaboration

Data-driven decisions

Regulatory interactions

Education

Master’s in Biology, Chemistry, or related science field

PharmD or PhD

Tools

Bioanalytical methods validation

Job description

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 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

Associate Scientific Director, Translational Medicine will drive the translational strategy for neurology programs from research through late clinical development. Collaborate with cross functional teams to evaluate therapeutic targets, build translatable biomarker strategies, and establish robust clinical development plans. Lead clinical biomarker efforts through vendor selection, method development/validation, integration into clinical protocols, execution of sample testing at CROs, and biomarker data analysis/interpretation. The individual will have a strong strategic role on project teams responsible for translating preclinical research into clinical programs through influencing IND data packages, interacting with the FDA/EMA, building relationships with KOLs.

Your Contributions

• Establishes translational plans for designated programs and participate with senior management to align biomarker strategies to program goals to enable data-driven decisions
• Provides disease biology expertise to clinical study teams and functional areas such as regulatory, clinical development, and clinical operations
• Provides input to study design, protocol concepts/protocols preparation, statistical analysis plans, and reporting within assigned programs to yield high value mechanistic insight for future critical decisions
• Collaborates with external opinion leaders. internal clinicians, research scientists and clinical operations to ensure appropriate biomarkers are incorporated within clinical studies validated appropriately for their intended use
• Support identification and development of novel biomarker platforms
• Engage with CROs to develop and validate clinical biomarker assays in a fit-for-purpose manner
• Manages clinical biomarker data delivery and analysis and associated timelines by working with relevant internal functions and CROs
• Reviews and interprets scientific knowledge of competitor landscape (molecule/indication)
• Participate with team members to prepare abstracts, manuscripts, and presentations for external meetings as well as author biomarker sections of regulatory documents (IB, IND sections)
• Remains up-to-date with current information on biomarker regulations, guidelines, and practices and therapeutic area knowledge and ensures consistent best practice across all activities
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

• BS/BA degree in Biology, Chemistry, or related science field AND 8+ years of relevant experience OR Master’s in Biology, Chemistry, or related science field AND 6+ years of related experience OR PharmD or PhD AND 5+ years of related experience
• Strong knowledge of several areas within experimental medicine and biomarker development with deep expertise in at least one area
• Ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams
• Skill in evaluating data and data quality from multiple sources
• Capable of making data-driven decisions that impact project/program success
• Recognized as an emerging thought leader with technical expertise in the field
• Experience in immunoassay development and GxP-based biomarker platform deployment
• Working knowledge of FDA guidance on bioanalytical method validation and related regulatory aspects
• Understanding of biomarker assay validation and lab certification levels to support the intended purpose of clinical assay
• Strong grasp of FDA’s BEST resource with specific knowledge around surrogate endpoints
• Extensive experience working with CROs to support clinical assay development and sample testing
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Experience with regulatory filings and interactions
• Demonstrated expertise in Translational Science
• Passion and tenacity to advance patient-focused research

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.

Compensation

The annual base salary we reasonably expect to pay is $173,600.00-$237,000.00. 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

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.

We are a top place to work. Neurocrine Biosciences was named one of the FORTUNE Best Workplaces in Biopharma™ 2025. We were also named a Great Place to Work® Certified company.

OUR VALUES

• PASSION: We are driven and love what we do. We are committed to our goals and to making a difference.
• INTEGRITY: We do the right thing for patients and our community. We take accountability. We speak up.
• COLLABORATION: We trust one another. We are inclusive. We are respectful. We are transparent. Together we succeed.
• INNOVATION: We seek and create optimal solutions.
• TENACITY: We do not quit. We adapt. We accomplish what others cannot.

Come join our team during this exciting time of growth and opportunities!