Scientist II, Analytical Development

Neurocrine Biosciences; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 111,000 - 151,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement plan with company match

Paid vacation

Holidays and personal days

Parental/m caregiving leave

Health benefits: medical, prescription

Job summary

Neurocrine Biosciences in San Diego seeks an Analytical Project Leader to drive analytical chemistry research and develop/validate assays for APIs and drug products used in preclinical and clinical studies. You will perform testing, characterization of substances, and ensure cGMP compliance across projects.

Role requires strong team leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and ability to manage investigations, write regulatory sections, and mentor junior staff.

Qualifications

• BS/BA or higher in chemistry or closely related field with 5+ years in pharma analytical chemistry.
• Extensive hands-on experience in pharmaceutical analysis and method development/validation for APIs and dosage forms.
• Previous supervisory/project management experience preferred.
• Proven ability to work in a cross-functional team and communicate complex results clearly.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements for drug product commercialization and cGMP.

Responsibilities

• Act as analytical project leader for assigned programs supporting API/drug product manufacturing.
• Develops and validates test methods for drug substances, intermediates and final products.
• Supports chemical development and formulation development activities.
• Performs preformulation work and collaborates with Pharmaceutical Sciences.
• Leads investigations for out-of-specification and out-of-trend results and documents regulatory-ready analytical sections.

Skills

Analytical chemistry

Project management

Supervisory experience

Communication

Problem solving

Education

BS/BA chemistry

MS/MA chemistry

PhD in chemistry

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.

About the Role:

Analytical project leader responsible in performing analytical chemistry research to develop assays based on new and existing methodologies. Responsible for all analytical activities for an assigned project(s) to support manufacturing of API and drug products intended for use in preclinical and clinical studies (all phases). Develops, establishes and validates testing methodology used to control raw materials, production intermediates and final products. Establishes, validates and documents new or existing compound specific methods. Conducts testing of analytical samples for the laboratory area, the separation and characterization of drug candidates, develops assays in support of new formulations, and other analytical methods of development. Conducts work in the spirit of cGMP, with a focus on safety and regulatory requirements.

Your Contributions:

• Act as an analytical project leader
• Responsible for all analytical activities for assigned project(s) to support manufacturing of API and drug products intended for use in preclinical and clinical studies (all phases)
• Develops and validates test methods at NBI for drug substances (API), intermediates and drug product
• Supports chemical development and formulation development
• Preformulation collaboration to Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Tests and provides a complete characterization of toxicology supplies
• Structural characterization of drug substance molecules, identification of impurities/degradants in API and drug product
• Audits and selects contract service providers (CSP) to conduct GMP analytical testing for Neurocrine projects
• Analytical technology transfer to CSP
• Overviews GMP analytical testing of clinical supplies by CSPs
• Facilitates and leads investigations for out of specification and out of trend results
• Prepares of the analytical sections of regulatory documents, protocols and reports
• Provides training and/or supervision to junior staff, as needed
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements:

• BS/BA degree in chemistry or closely related field AND 5+ years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, focusing on analytical chemistry.
• Extensive hands‑on experience in pharmaceutical analysis, methods development/validation for various active ingredients and/or dosage forms.
• Previous supervisory and/or project management experience is preferred.
• OR MS/MA degree in chemistry or closely related field AND 3+ years of similar experience noted above
• OR PhD or equivalent in chemistry or closely related field AND some relevant experience; may include postdoc experience
• Must be able to build excellent working relationships & maintain confidentiality regarding intellectual property and proprietary endeavors of the company
• Ability to creatively solve complex problems in a team environment
• Demonstration of cross‑functional understanding related to drug development
• Effectively see projects to completion
• Understands how to effectively negotiate, persuade, and influence
• Extensive knowledge of pharmaceutical analysis, methods development/validation for various active ingredients and/or dosage forms
• A working knowledge of regulatory requirements for drug product commercialization, NDA preparation and cGMP, including knowledge of quality assurance/ quality control practices and issues
• Must have working knowledge of ICH and FDA guidance for analytical method validation, stability, and CTD
• Demonstrates solid level of understanding project / group goals and methods
• Consistently recognizes anomalous and inconsistent results and interprets experimental outcomes
• Able to explain the process behind the data and implications of the results
• Strong knowledge of one or more scientific disciplines, becoming expert in one discipline
• Strong knowledge of scientific principles, methods and techniques
• Strong knowledge and demonstrated ability working with a variety of laboratory equipment/tools
• Ability to work as part of a team; may train lower levels
• Ability to leading teams
• Excellent computer skills
• Strong communications, problem‑solving, analytical thinking skills
• Detail oriented yet can see broader picture of scientific impact on team
• Ability to meet multiple deadlines, with a high degree of accuracy and efficiency
• Strong project management skills
• Effective report writing and oral presentations skills are required
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required

EEO Statement:

#LI-LS1 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.

Salary & Benefits:

The annual base salary we reasonably expect to pay is $110,800.00-$151,000.00. In addition, this position offers an annual bonus with a target of 20% of the earned base salary and eligibility to participate in our equity based long term incentive program.

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

Company Culture:

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. Fortune Media IP Limited. All rights reserved. Used under license.

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!