Scientist II, Analytical Development

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

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus (target 20%)

Health benefits

Retirement savings plan

Job summary

Neurocrine Biosciences is seeking a Scientist II to lead analytical development activities for small molecule drug substances from preclinical through commercial phases. You will work with cross-functional teams to support development, tech transfer and regulatory submissions, ensuring cGMP compliance and robust methods.

The role requires a BS/BA in chemistry with 4 years of pharma analytics experience or higher degrees with related experience, strong problem-solving and communication skills,

Qualifications

• BS/BA in chemistry or closely related field with 4 years of pharma analytical experience.
• MS/MA in chemistry with 2 years of relevant experience or PhD in chemistry with related experience.
• Experience in analytical method development/validation for active ingredients and/or dosage forms.
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead analytical development to support research, tech transfer and commercialization of drug substances and products.
• Provide project management for analytical aspects of Chemical and Product Development projects.
• Evaluate material and product data across development stages.
• Monitor task and project progress and drive completion.
• Represent Analytical Chemistry on cross-functional teams.
• Support regulatory documentation and CMC aspects.
• Supervise lab staff and ensure safe lab practices.
• Collaborate with CROs/CDMOs and external partners.

Skills

Analytical method development

Cross-functional collaboration

Project management

Strong communication

Team leadership

Education

BS/BA in chemistry

MS/MA in chemistry

PhD in chemistry

Tools

Analytical instruments

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:

Responsible for analytical development activities for small molecule drug substances from preclinical through commercial phase. This role is laboratory-focused, requiring deep expertise in analytical chemistry and strong problem-solving skills. With supervision, the scientist II independently provides support to analytical activities including development, execution, validation, transfer and troubleshooting of methods used to control raw materials, in-process, intermediates and final products. While also participate overseeing analytical work performed at external CROs and CDMOs. Conducts work in compliance with cGMP, safety, and regulatory requirements. The position works cross-functionally with teams across CMC, Technical Operations, Quality, Regulatory Affairs, Manufacturing, and external partners to support product development, manufacturing readiness, and regulatory submissions. The role also contributes to overall control strategy development and ensures scientific and technical alignment through all phases of product development.

Your Contributions:

• Responsible for analytical development to support research and development, tech transfer and commercialization of drug substance and drug product processes, as well as oversight of batch testing/release and regulatory document contribution through managerial and individual input
• Provides project management for analytical in support of Chemical and Product Development projects
• Provides analysis and evaluation of material and products at all stages of the development process
• Monitors and evaluates completion of tasks and projects
• Plans and manages projects
• Represents Analytical Chemistry on cross-functional teams
• Maintains accountability for analytical deliverables and progress on R&D and manufacturing plans for all development projects
• Independently designs, plans and executes activities towards the goals of one or more analytical chemistry projects to support pre-clinical through commercial activities
• Supervises laboratory work and/or lab personnel and ensures safe laboratory practices
• Performs analytical development and optimizes methods in support of preclinical through commercialization
• Creates and implements novel ideas and techniques to support analytical activities with Chemical and Product Development
• Provides support for off-site analytical transfers, manufacturing support and interaction with contractors
• Provides input into CMC regulatory documentation and supporting work
• Provides effective supervision of laboratory personnel and guidance for their professional development
• Contributes to development of policies and department strategies
• Builds and enhances internal and external professional relationships
• Effectively see projects to completion
• Understands how to effectively negotiate, persuade, and influence
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements:

• BS/BA degree in chemistry or closely related field and 4 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
• MS/MA degree in chemistry or closely related field and 2 years of similar experience noted above OR PhD or equivalent in chemistry or closely related field and some relevant experience; may include postdoc experience
• Demonstrates solid level of understanding project / group goals and methods
• 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
• 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
• 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
• #LI-LS1

NEUROCRINE BIOSCIENCES is an EEO/Disability/Vets employer.

Compensation & Benefits:

The annual base salary we reasonably expect to pay is $110,800.00-$151,000.00. 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 20% 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
• 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™ 2026. 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!