Principal Scientist, Analytical Development

Neurocrine Biosciences; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 131,000 - 179,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company match

Paid vacation

Medical, dental and vision benefits

Parental and caregiver leave

Retirement savings plan

Job summary

Neurocrine Biosciences is seeking an analytical lead to drive development and characterization of oligonucleotide and antibody-oligo conjugate (AOC) products from preclinical through commercialization. You will use IP-RP, AEX, LC-MS and MS/MS to establish robust analytical methods and control strategies.

The role requires deep analytical chemistry expertise, strong communication, and the ability to work across interdisciplinary teams within a GMP environment.

Qualifications

• BS/BA in Analytical Chemistry/Biochemistry or related discipline; 15+ years in analytical/pharmaceutical development.
• Experience with oligos and/or bioconjugate compounds and biologics process development.
• Knowledge of cGMP requirements for drug substance and drug product.
• Strong knowledge of regulatory requirements (FDA/ICH) and cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Lead analytical development for oligos and/or antibody oligo conjugate (AOC) characterization using IP-RP, AEX, LC-MS, MS/MS.
• Develop, qualify and transfer analytical methods under cGMP to support preclinical through commercialization.
• Represent Analytical development on cross-functional teams and manage deliverables for CMC regulatory documents.
• Train personnel, ensure safe laboratory practices, and support external vendor collaborations.

Skills

Analytical Chemistry

Biochemistry

Interpersonal skills

Oral and written communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

BS/BA in Analytical Chemistry/Biochemistry

MS/MA in Analytical Chemistry or related

PhD in Analytical Chemistry or related

Tools

LC

LC-MS

Capillary Electrophoresis

MS/MS

IE

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:

This position will serve as the analytical lead for multiple projects, with a focus on oligonucleotides and/or bioconjugates. Guide analytical activities related to drug substance and drug product development from preclinical through commercial phase. Develop, establish, and validate/qualify testing methods used to control raw materials, in process, intermediates, drug substance, and drug products. Contribute to the development and implementation of control strategies, with special emphasis on advancing innovation in analytical techniques and platforms. Responsible for keeping work in compliance with cGMP, safety, and regulatory requirements. Participates in analysis and evaluation of material and products at all stages of development process. Monitors and evaluates completion of tasks and projects.

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

• Lead analytical development activities for analysis and characterization of oligos and/or antibody oligo conjugate (AOC) utilizing IP-RP, AEX, LC-MS, MS/MS, SEC techniques
• Lead analytical methods development and qualification involving process validation and the validation of analytical methods within cGMP compliance in support of preclinical through commercialization
• Represent Analytical development on cross-functional teams.
• Maintain accountability for analytical deliverables and progress on CMC and manufacturing plans for all development projects
• Conduct laboratory work independently and/or train lab personnel within the company and at external vendors
• Ensure safe laboratory practices
• Create and implement novel concepts and techniques to support analytical activities with Chemical and Product Development Support off-site analytical transfers, manufacturing support, and interaction with contractors
• Authorize analytical related CMC regulatory documents and lead the supporting work
• Leverage literature, ICH/ Regulatory guidance, and practical experience to perform this work and influence CMC strategies
• Contribute to development of policies and department strategies
• Build and enhance internal and external professional relationships
• Support career development and technical growth of team members
• Present finding at varying levels across the company
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements:

• BS/BA in Analytical Chemistry/Biochemistry or related discipline and 15+ years of experience in the analytical/pharmaceutical development field.
• Experience in method transfer in Analytical Chemistry OR MS/MA in Analytical Chemistry or related discipline and 13+ years of experience OR PhD in Analytical Chemistry or related discipline and 7+ years of relevant experience; may include postdoc experience
• Expert knowledge and understanding of analytical chemistry, bioanalysis, and a thorough understanding of bioprocess as well as formulation development
• Experience and expertise with oligos and/or bioconjugate compounds, including biologics upstream and downstream process development, formulation of injectable and intramuscular biologics, process characterization
• Excellent interpersonal skills with strong oral and written communication abilities
• Excellent laboratory and productivity skills
• Proficient in characterization of oligos and/or antibody oligo conjugate (AOC) using various modern technologies. They may include but are not limited to LC (RP, SEC, IE), LC-MS, Capillary Electrophoresis, MS/MS
• Method development, validation, qualification, and transfer experience in Analytical Development
• Comprehensive understanding of cGMP requirements in drug substance and drug product
• Expert knowledge of cross-functional understanding related to drug development
• Knowledge of FDA, EMA, WHO, and ICH regulatory requirements

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.

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.

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!