TEMP - Scientist, Lead Generation Biology

About the Role

We are seeking a highly‑motivated, collaborative and experienced drug hunter who will become an integral member of the growing in vitro pharmacology team. The successful candidate will support and lead multiple drug discovery project teams, contributing to lead optimization campaigns and new target screening efforts and working across a broad range of assay technologies and automated equipment.

• Develop robust biochemical and cell‑based assays, supporting the drug discovery process, and rapidly delivering robust SAR data.
• Design, optimize, validate, execute, and analyze in vitro pharmacology assays under minimal supervision to generate high‑quality, reproducible results.
• Perform routine assays to support lead identification and optimization.
• Develop, optimize, and perform deep‑dive explorations of mechanism of action (MOA).
• Analyze data, report findings, and present results to internal and external teams.
• Handle cell/tissue culture of recombinant and/or primary cells.
• Recommend improvements to process efficiency and research quality.
• Conduct MOA studies such as neurite outgrowth, electrophysiology, MEA, and immunostaining.
• Provide critical analysis of biochemical, cell‑based functional, and binding assay data to identify lead compounds and inform potency and MOA understanding.
• Track and document assay performance.
• Document protocols in an electronic laboratory notebook and present clear written and verbal data summaries.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• BS/BA in a scientific field with 2+ years of in‑vitro pharmacology experience; or MS/MA with relevant industry experience; or PhD in biology or related field (preferred) with experience in cell culture and assay development.
• Preferred experience in primary cell culture, especially CNS, assay development, liquid‑handling automation, LIMS systems, and GPCR or related in‑vitro assays.
• Comfortable working with radioisotopes.
• Collaboration, motivation, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong experimental design, problem‑solving, and data‑analysis skills.
• Ability to multitask and advance multiple projects without compromising data quality.
• Independent planning, performing, and developing basic experiments.
• Ability to apply independent thinking to solve moderate problems and suggest resolution to technical issues.
• Select appropriate methods and techniques for experiments.
• Experience with modern automation, inventory systems, data analysis, and informatics systems is beneficial.
• Electrophysiology‑based assay experience is an asset but not essential.
• Strong communication (written and verbal), time‑management, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Extensive experience in developing, optimizing, and executing broad in‑vitro assays (GPCRs, kinases, ion channels), preferably in the CNS space; quick learner who identifies data anomalies; good knowledge of scientific principles; familiarity with laboratory equipment; strong computer and project management skills.

Pay: $43.17 – $62.55 per hour, depending on location, complexity, responsibilities, and experience.

Neurocrine Biosciences is an EEO/Disability/Vets employer. We are committed to building a workplace of belonging, respect, and empowerment.