Senior Scientist, iPSC Models & High-Content Imaging

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

Holiday and personal days

Medical leave and health benefits

Job summary

Neurocrine Biosciences seeks a collaborative scientist to develop iPSC-derived cellular and disease models, including mono-, co-, and tri-culture systems, and to build robust cell-based assays for drug discovery. You will lead the high-content imaging platform (Operetta) and drive quantitative data analysis and interpretation.

The role emphasizes independent experimental design, training, and cross-functional collaboration to advance therapeutic programs.

Qualifications

• BS/BA and 6+ years of experience; OR MS/MA and 4+ years of experience, OR PhD or equivalent and 2+ years of relevant experience; may include postdoc experience
• iPSC & Complex Cellular Models: Strong expertise with iPSC-derived cell models, including development, optimization, characterization, and use of complex multicellular systems. Experience with neuron, astrocyte, and microglia co- or tri-culture models is highly preferred, along with the ability to apply these approaches to cellular models across therapeutic areas
• High-Content Imaging & Data Analysis: Strong experience with HCI platforms and development of image-analysis pipelines, including segmentation, classification, phenotypic quantification, and analysis of large imaging datasets. Experience with Revvity Operetta and Harmony is strongly preferred. Experience with CellProfiler, Spotfire, Prism, or similar tools is desirable
• Cell-Based & Functional Assays: Strong experience developing and optimizing robust cell-based assays. Experience with live-cell imaging, calcium imaging, MEA, or other functional readouts is preferred.
• Cellular & Molecular Characterization: Experience with techniques such as flow cytometry, qRT-PCR, RNA-seq/transcriptomic analysis, immunocytochemistry/immunofluorescence, and protein-based assays is preferred
• Scientific Independence: Demonstrated ability to independently develop experimental strategies, execute complex studies, troubleshoot technical challenges, interpret results, and recommend next steps
• Communication and Leadership: Strong written and verbal communication skills, ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams, along with experience training and mentoring junior scientists

Responsibilities

• Lead the development, optimization, and characterization of iPSC-derived cellular and disease models, including mono-, co-, and tri-culture systems, assessing model robustness and reproducibility, cellular phenotype and function, and disease-relevant biology
• Develop and optimize cell-based assays and phenotypic readouts to evaluate therapeutics and support drug discovery programs
• Lead the high-content imaging platform (Operetta), including experimental design, image acquisition, instrument optimization, development of image-analysis workflows, quantitative data analysis, and interpretation and presentation of results
• Develop and optimize automated image-analysis pipelines, including segmentation, classification, feature extraction, and phenotypic profiling
• Apply advanced image analysis approaches when appropriate
• Provide training and technical support for the HCI instrumentation, image-analysis software, and associated data-analysis workflows
• Independently design and execute experimental plans, troubleshoot biological and technical challenges, analyze and interpret data, and communicate results and recommendations to project teams
• Evaluate and implement new cell models, assay technologies, imaging approaches, and analytical tools to expand the group's capabilities
• Work cross-functionally with other departments and scientific colleagues to support therapeutics testing, characterization, and program advancement

Skills

iPSC models

HCI platforms

Image analysis

Co-culture models

Cell-based assays

Data analysis

Communication & leadership

Education

PhD in related field

MS/MA in related field

BS/BA in related field

Tools

Operetta

Harmony

CellProfiler

Spotfire

Prism

Job description

Neurocrine Biosciences seeks a collaborative scientist to develop iPSC-derived cellular and disease models, including mono-, co-, and tri-culture systems, and to build robust cell-based assays for drug discovery. You will lead the high-content imaging platform (Operetta) and drive quantitative data analysis and interpretation.

The role emphasizes independent experimental design, training, and cross-functional collaboration to advance therapeutic programs.