Sr. Scientist / Principal Scientist, Biologics Characterization

Neurocrine Biosciences; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 128,000 - 186,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative biopharmaceutical company is seeking a highly motivated Sr. Scientist/Principal Scientist to specialize in analytical techniques for AAV gene therapies. This role involves developing and optimizing physicochemical and biophysical characterization methods, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and advancing preclinical biologics portfolios. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in biotech and analytical development, with a focus on gene therapy techniques. Join a forward-thinking organization dedicated to discovering life-changing treatments and making a significant impact in the field of neuroscience.

Benefits

Comprehensive Health Coverage

Retirement Plans

Paid Leave

Equity Options

Bonuses

Qualifications

• 8+ years of biotech experience in biologics, including gene therapy techniques.
• Proficiency in characterizing biologics using advanced analytical technologies.
• Effective communication skills, both written and oral.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize methods for assessing product quality of AAV gene therapies.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure progress on lead optimization.
• Analyze data and maintain comprehensive electronic lab notebooks.

Skills

Assay Development

Biologics Characterization

Gene Therapy Techniques

Data Analysis

Effective Communication

Education

PhD in Pharmacology

Master’s in Biology

BA/BS in Biochemistry

Tools

AUC

Mass Photometry

SEC

Chromatography

Electrophoresis

Mass Spectrometry

Light Scattering

Job description

Who We Are:

At Neurocrine Biosciences, we pride ourselves on having a strong, inclusive, and positive culture based on our shared purpose and values. We know what it takes to be great, and we are as passionate about our people as we are about our purpose - to relieve suffering for people with great needs.

What We Do:

Neurocrine Biosciences is a leading neuroscience-focused biopharmaceutical company with a simple purpose: to relieve suffering for people with great needs. We are dedicated to discovering and developing life-changing treatments for patients with under-addressed neurological, neuroendocrine, and neuropsychiatric disorders. Our portfolio includes FDA-approved treatments for tardive dyskinesia, chorea associated with Huntington's disease, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, endometriosis* and uterine fibroids*, and a pipeline with compounds in mid- to late-phase clinical development across core therapeutic areas. With over three decades of experience, we leverage neuroscience insights to treat complex conditions. We pursue medicines to ease the burden of debilitating diseases because you deserve brave science. For more information, visit neurocrine.com and follow us on LinkedIn, X, and Facebook. (*in collaboration with AbbVie)

About the Role:

The Analytical Development group in Biologics Lead Optimization seeks a highly motivated Sr. Scientist/Principal Scientist specializing in analytical techniques for characterizing AAV gene therapies and other biologics. The candidate should be proficient in assay development and characterization of rAAV gene therapies, collaborating with therapeutic, production, and CMC teams to advance our preclinical biologics portfolio. The ideal candidate will have biotech experience in biologics and analytical development, responsible for developing and executing analytical methods supporting research and preclinical studies, interfacing with CMC, and participating in analysis and evaluation at all development stages.

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

• Develop and optimize physicochemical and biophysical characterization methods for assessing product quality of AAV gene therapies and biologics, including particle size analysis, capsid distribution, aggregation, purity, charge heterogeneity, mass analysis, post-translational modifications, and thermodynamic analysis.
• Develop strategies to address challenges related to AAV genome integrity, capsid engineering, process development, cargo design, and capsid distribution.
• Represent analytical development in cross-functional teams, collaborating with analytical, drug product, process development, quality, and regulatory groups to ensure progress on lead optimization and manufacturing plans.
• Analyze data, generate plots, summarize results, and maintain comprehensive electronic lab notebooks.
• Maintain high productivity with detailed and accurate experiment documentation.
• Collaborate with team members to meet project goals and advance biologic candidates into the pipeline.
• Support analytical method transfers, manufacturing support, and interactions with CMC and external vendors.
• Build and maintain professional relationships internally and externally.
• Evaluate new analytical methods/instruments and make recommendations for their use.

Requirements:

• Principal Scientist Level: BA/BS in Biochemistry, Biology, or relevant discipline with 8+ years of biotech experience in biologics, including gene therapy techniques, OR Master’s/PhD with 6+ years of relevant experience. A PhD or equivalent, with 4+ years, may include postdoc experience. Gene therapy roles require a PhD in Pharmacology, Neuroscience, Endocrinology, Physiology, or related fields.
• Sr. Scientist Level: BA/BS with 4+ years of biotech experience, or Master’s/PhD with 3+ years. A PhD or equivalent, with relevant experience, may include postdoc experience. Gene therapy roles require a PhD in Pharmacology, Neuroscience, Endocrinology, Physiology, or related fields.
• Proficiency in characterizing biologics using technologies such as AUC, mass photometry, SEC, chromatography, electrophoresis, mass spectrometry, light scattering, and molecular analysis.
• Ability to independently plan and perform experiments, develop and transfer methods, interpret data, and solve technical challenges.
• Effective communication skills, both written and oral.
• Prior industry experience preferred.

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Neurocrine Biosciences is an EEO/Disability/Vets employer. We are committed to a workplace of belonging, respect, and empowerment, and encourage applicants even if qualifications don't exactly match.

The annual base salary range is $128,200 - $185,900, with potential bonuses, equity, and comprehensive benefits including retirement plans, paid leave, and health coverage.