Senior Scientist, Analytical Development (Large Molecule)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement plan with company match

Paid vacation and holidays

Health benefits

Job summary

Neurocrine Biosciences is seeking an analytical lead focused on peptides and bioconjugates to support drug substance and drug product development from preclinical through commercialization.

You will develop, qualify/validate and transfer analytical methods, and work to ensure regulatory readiness while aligning with cGMP principles. Strong collaboration and hands‑on lab execution are essential to success.

Qualifications

• BS/BA in Analytical Chemistry/Cell & Molecular Biology with 12+ years in analytics/pharma development
• MS/MA in Analytical Chemistry with 10+ years in analytics/pharma development
• PhD in Analytical Chemistry or related field with 4+ years experience

Responsibilities

• Lead analytical development and characterization for peptides/bioconjugates.
• Develop, qualify, validate and transfer analytical methods.
• Serve as analytical lead on cross‑functional teams and support CMC/process/formulation.
• Design, execute and document lab work adhering to safety and GMP.
• Apply literature and regulatory guidance to inform strategies.
• Support method transfer and external testing with CROs.
• Communicate findings clearly across the organization.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Analytical chemistry

Bioconjugates

Capillary electrophoresis

iCIEF

LC (RP, SEC, IEX)

Mass spectrometry

Method transfer

CMC development

Cross-functional collaboration

Regulatory knowledge

Education

BS/BA in Analytical Chemistry/Cell & Molecular Biology

MS/MA in Analytical Chemistry

PhD in Analytical Chemistry

Tools

LC-MS

SDS-PAGE

ELISA

Capillary electrophoresis

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 an analytical lead with a focus on peptides and bioconjugates, supporting drug substance and drug product development from preclinical through commercialization. The successful candidate will develop, establish, qualify/validate, and transfer analytical methods used to characterize and control raw materials, in-process materials, intermediates, drug substance, and drug product. The individual will independently conduct laboratory studies for the characterization of drug candidates, support formulation and process development, and contribute to CMC development and regulatory activities. Work will be conducted in alignment with cGMP principles, safety requirements, and applicable regulatory expectations.

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

• Lead analytical development and characterization activities for peptides, antibodies, and bioconjugates, using techniques such as capillary electrophoresis, iCIEF, LC (e.g., RP, SEC, IEX), mass spectrometry, and other relevant characterization technologies
• Independently develop, optimize, qualify, validate, and transfer analytical methods in support of programs from preclinical development through commercialization
• Serve as an analytical lead on cross-functional project teams and maintain accountability for analytical deliverables supporting CMC, process development, formulation development, and manufacturing activities
• Independently design, execute, analyze, and interpret laboratory work while ensuring appropriate documentation and safe laboratory practices
• Apply scientific expertise and develop innovative analytical approaches to address complex characterization and method-development challenges
• Support analytical method transfer, external testing, manufacturing activities, and interactions with contract laboratories and other external partners
• Leverage scientific literature, ICH and other regulatory guidance, and practical experience to inform analytical development and CMC strategies
• Contribute to departmental scientific capabilities, best practices, policies, and strategies
• Build effective internal and external scientific relationships and collaborate across functions
• Clearly communicate and present scientific findings, conclusions, and recommendations to audiences across the organization
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements:

• BS/BA in Analytical Chemistry/Cell & Molecular Biology or related discipline and 12+ years of experience in the analytical/pharmaceutical development field. Experience in method transfer and validation in Analytical Chemistry; OR MS/MA in Analytical Chemistry or related discipline and 10+ years of experience; OR PhD in Analytical Chemistry or related discipline and 4+ years of relevant experience; may include postdoc experience
• Demonstrated experience in analytical development and characterization of peptides, antibodies, bioconjugates, and/or other complex modalities
• Strong hands-on experience in analytical method development, optimization, qualification/validation, and transfer
• Proficiency with relevant analytical characterization techniques, including capillary electrophoresis, iCIEF, and LC (e.g., RP, SEC, IEX)
• Additional experience with LC-MS, peptide mapping, SDS-PAGE, ELISA, cell-based potency assays, and glycoprotein/carbohydrate characterization is a plus
• Experience supporting drug substance and/or drug product development, including process development, formulation development, process characterization, or stability programs
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills, with demonstrated ability to work effectively on cross-functional teams
• Strong scientific problem-solving and data interpretation skills, with the ability to independently investigate complex analytical challenges
• Working knowledge of cGMP expectations applicable to analytical development of drug substance and drug product
• Knowledge of applicable FDA, EMA, and ICH regulatory expectations and guidance

EEO Statement

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 & Bonus

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

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.

Company Highlights

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. 2025 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.

Join Us

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