Principal Scientist, Medicinal Chemistry

Neurocrine Biosciences; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 157,000 - 214,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement plan match

Job summary

Neurocrine Biosciences is seeking a highly experienced Medicinal Chemistry Lead to devise strategy on discovery projects and mentor teams across multiple sites in San Diego.

You will guide complex small molecule synthesis, data analysis, and lead optimization to advance compounds toward preclinical milestones, while representing chemistry on cross-functional teams and collaborating with IP and publications groups.

Qualifications

• BS/BA in Chemistry and 12+ years of experience in medicinal chemistry and drug discovery, OR MS/MA in Chemistry and 10+ years of experience, OR PhD in Organic or Medicinal Chemistry with 8+ years of relevant experience.
• Advanced knowledge of complex organic synthesis, parallel synthesis, data analysis, lab automation, and purification in lead optimization.
• Thorough understanding of medicinal chemistry and multi-parameter optimization of drug-like compounds and current literature.
• Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills; ability to lead and mentor small teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead projects and initiatives in rapid optimization of lead molecules using modern technology such as automated synthesis and purification.
• Distill multidimensional data into clear hypotheses and experimental directions.
• Research external IP and plan patent strategy in collaboration with IP team.
• Mentor lab personnel and ensure safe laboratory practices; supervise lab work and provide professional development guidance.
• Plan, manage and lead cross-functional teams; communicate results to project teams and management.

Skills

Complex organic synthesis

Parallel synthesis

Data analysis

Lab automation

Purification

Team leadership

Communication skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Drug development knowledge

Education

BS/BA in Chemistry

MS/MA in Chemistry

PhD in Organic or Medicinal Chemistry

Tools

Automated synthesis systems

Purification techniques

Job description

Who We Are

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

Responsible for devising the medicinal chemistry strategy on projects. Leads or co‑leads multidisciplinary project teams to advance discovery programs to key milestones. Provides expertise in medicinal chemistry principles, complex small molecule synthesis, purification, and data analysis across multiple projects and outside of direct team. Supervises and mentors both internal direct reports and external CROs towards hypothesis driven chemistry strategies as well as mentoring and influencing chemistry outside of direct group. Monitors and evaluates completion of tasks and projects.

Your Contributions

• Leads projects and initiatives in the rapid optimization of lead molecules utilizing modern technology available to medicinal chemists such as automated synthesis and purification and novel chemistry
• 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 and collaborates with internal IP team to plan patent strategy
• Contributes substantively to patent and publication preparation and planning
• Responsible for designing, planning, and conducting synthesis of analogs and analog libraries
• Participates in a multidisciplinary team committed to the continuous improvement of the lead optimization process as well as the expeditious identification and progression of development compounds as well communicating results to the project or program team, or to management
• Plans and manages projects.
• Represents Medicinal Chemistry on cross‑functional teams and may lead cross‑functional teams.
• Maintains accountability for deliverables and progress for projects as well as development of internal teams
• Independently designs, plans and executes activities towards the goals of one or more Medicinal Chemistry projects to support lead generation through pre‑clinical activities
• Creates and implements novel ideas in Medicinal Chemistry
• Provides effective supervision of lab work and lab personnel and guidance for their professional development as well as ensuring safe laboratory practices
• Builds and enhances internal and external professional relationships and collaborations
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

• BS/BA in Chemistry AND 12+ years of experience in medicinal chemistry and drug discovery OR MS/MA in Chemistry AND 10+ years of experience in medicinal chemistry and drug discovery OR PhD or equivalent in Organic Chemistry or Medicinal Chemistry AND 8+ years of relevant experience in medicinal chemistry and drug discovery
• Advanced knowledge of most 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 multi parameter optimization of drug‑like compounds and a well‑developed understanding of current literature
• Excellent interpersonal skills with strong oral and written communication abilities
• Excellent laboratory and productivity skills, and the ability to lead and mentor small teams of chemists in these skills
• Demonstration of strong cross‑functional understanding related to drug development and the identification of high quality candidate compounds
• Excellent communication skills and ability to collaborate in a matrix environment are required
• Strong track record of innovation demonstrated through patents and publications and development candidates is necessary
• Assimilates data and research findings outside of Neurocrine for application to new scientific projects and ideas
• Maintains broad knowledge of scientific principles and theories and possesses intellectual mastery of multiple scientific areas
• Applies understanding of the team's place in the larger organization, and discusses changes, progress, and issues as they relate to other areas
• Sees broader picture, impact on multiple programs, teams and/or departments and the company
• Ability to work as part of and lead multiple teams
• Excellent project management, strong project leadership skills, typically leads small team and/or indirect teams
• Excellent computer, presentation, communications, problem‑solving and analytical thinking skills
• Ability to meet multiple deadlines across a variety of projects/programs, with a high degree of accuracy and efficiency

Compensation

The annual base salary we reasonably expect to pay is $156,900.00-$214,000.00. 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.

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.

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.

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.