Sr. Scientist, Mass Spectrometry & Biologics Characterization

Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc.; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. in San Diego seeks a Senior Scientist to support biologics characterization for analytical development.

You will design, develop, and execute MS-based assays to deliver robust data for decision-making across preclinical to early development, collaborating with biology and engineering colleagues. The role emphasizes native and top-down MS, glycan profiling, intact mass and peptide mapping, plus routine LC-MS/HPLC operation, data analysis, and ELN documentation to

Qualifications

• BS/BA in chemistry or closely related field with 12+ years pharma experience OR
• MS/MA in chemistry with 10+ years pharma experience OR
• PhD in chemistry with 4+ years applicable experience
• Expert in protein analytical method development for identification and quantitation
• Expert in native MS, top-down MS and MS-based methods including intact and subunit MS

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement MS methods across modalities and development stages, focusing on native and top-down MS
• Lead and perform large molecule analytical assays including identity testing and glycan profiling
• Provide characterizations for discovery-stage programs and support lead optimization with MS data
• Operate LC-MS/HPLC systems, acquire and analyze data, document experiments in ELN
• Present research findings to cross-functional teams to guide project strategy

Skills

Mass spectrometry

Protein analytical method development

HPLC/SEC/CE-SDS

Data analysis

Education

BS/BA in chemistry

MS/MA in chemistry

PhD in chemistry

Tools

LC-MS

ELN

HPLC

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:

Our dynamic team is seeking a motivated, collaborative, and experienced Senior Scientist to support biologics characterization for analytical development team. The qualified individual will work closely with team members to design, develop, and execute assays to deliver robust and high-quality data to drive decision-making. The position requires a dedicated mass spectrometry expertise supporting modality-agnostic characterization, developability assessment, and advanced method development from preclinical research through early development. Along with that, the position requires excellent scientific, technical and laboratory skills, strong organizational and communications skills, and enthusiasm for contributing to a fast-paced organization focused on discoveries of novel and differentiated therapeutic candidates.

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

• Develop and implement advanced mass spectrometry methods applicable across modalities and development stages, with particular emphasis on native MS, top-down MS, and advanced structural characterization
• Lead, develop, and perform large molecule analytical and characterization assays, including identity testing by intact mass and/or subunit analysis, glycan profiling, primary structure and PTM analysis by peptide mapping, and other mass spectrometric techniques necessary to provide critical data for decision-making processes
• Provide fit-for-purpose characterizations for various discovery-stage programs such as pre-engineering and active engineering efforts
• Support Lead Optimization production activities through high-throughput intact mass analysis of stable pools and clones, providing molecular identity and early semi-quantitative N-glycan profiling as additional data for cell-line selection.
• Perform manual and automated sample injections acquire LC-MS data, analyze data, draft report and document experiment in ELN, support stakeholders including discovery biology, protein engineering and lead optimization
• Perform routine maintenance of HPLC and MS systems, prepare mobile phases, execute calibration and cleaning procedures, coordinate regular preventative maintenance troubleshooting under the supervision of team leaders
• Execute sample preparation workflows, such as buffer exchange, immunoprecipitation, reduction and alkylation, enzymatic digestion
• Manage sample receiving, testing and storage, maintain and track consumables including columns, buffer solutions, enzymes and chemicals
• Track and document assay performance
• Provides recommendations to improve process efficiency and research quality
• Present key research findings to cross-functional team members to guide project strategy
• Leverage literature, ICH/Regulatory guidance, and practical experience to perform this work and collaborate on CMC analytical development strategies
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements:

• BS/BA degree in chemistry or closely related field and 12+ years of pharmaceutical industry experience, focusing on separation method development OR
• MS/MA degree in chemistry or closely related field preferred and 10+ years of pharmaceutical industry experience noted above OR
• PhD in chemistry or closely related field and 4+ years of applicable experience
• Expert knowledge and understanding in protein analytical method development for identification and quantitation, including physicochemical and MS-based methods
• Expert knowledge and understanding in native MS, top-down MS, and other MS-based methods including but not limited to intact and subunit MS, glycan profiling, and bottom-up MS
• Good knowledge and demonstrated ability working with large molecule separation methods including reversed-phased HPLC, analytical SEC, and CE-SDS
• Solid understanding of mass spectrometry operating principles, including ionization, ion transfer, gas-ph