Neurocrine Biosciences
TEMP - Scientist, Lead Generation Biology
Neurocrine Biosciences, San Diego, California, United States, 92101
About the Role
Integral member of the In Vitro Neurobiology-Pharmacology team, supporting multiple early/late-stage drug discovery projects across novel targets. Brings expertise in a broad range of assay technologies using both iPSC-derived and rodent primary cellular platforms. Proficient with diverse automated systems and instrumentation. Actively contributes to enhancing research quality and driving process efficiency within a collaborative and fast-paced environment. Your Contributions (Include, But Are Not Limited To):
Assay Development:
Designs and develops novel biophysical and cell-based assays using mammalian cell lines (e.g., HEK-293, SH-SY5Y), human iPSC-derived neurons, astrocytes, and microglia, rodent primary cells, and human/rodent whole blood
Assay Execution:
Conducts routine assays to support lead identification and optimization across various therapeutic modalities including small molecules, antibodies, and peptides
Mechanism of Action (MOA) Studies:
Leads experimental work to investigate compound MOA
Data Analysis & Reporting:
Analyzes, interprets, and communicates experimental results; ensures timely and accurate documentation
Assay Monitoring:
Tracks assay performance, implements troubleshooting, and ensures data reliability
Core Technical Skills: Aseptic cell culture
Mammalian cell transfections
Molecular biology (qPCR, Western Blot)
Flow cytometry (FACS)
ELISA, cytokine release, and reporter cell assays
Calcium flux, AlphaLISA, NanoBRET, and phagocytosis assays
High-content imaging
Continuous Improvement:
Actively contributes to enhancing lab workflows, increasing process efficiency, and ensuring high research quality
Additional Responsibilities:
Supports other team functions and projects as needed in a dynamic and collaborative environment
Requirements
BS/BA degree in scientific field and 2+ years of neurobiology/in vitro pharmacology experience; Preferred experience includes: iPSC-derived cellular systems, rodent primary cell culture, and related assay development, liquid handling automation and LIMS systems
MS/MA degree in scientific field and some relevant industry experience
PhD in biology or related field preferred and experience with neurobiology, cell-based in vitro assays, development and optimization of in vitro biological assays is required. Preferred experience includes: iPSC-derived cellular systems, rodent primary cell culture, and related assay development, liquid handling automation and LIMS systems
Collaborative and highly motivated
Must be comfortable working with radioisotopes
Working knowledge of primary cell culture, especially CNS (human iPSC-derived neurons/astrocytes/microglia cellular systems, rodent primary cells (neurons, astrocytes microglia), human and rodent whole blood) and related in vitro assay development, liquid handling automation and LIMS systems
Recognizes fundamental anomalies in data points and identifies issues in experiments / processes
Begins to understand how to think outside of the technical process and consider the impact decisions will have on the broader scientific goals
Strong knowledge of one scientific discipline
Good knowledge of scientific principles, methods and techniques
Good knowledge and demonstrated ability working with a variety of laboratory equipment/tools
Ability to work as part of a team
Strong computer skills
Good communications, problem-solving, analytical thinking skills
Detail oriented
Ability to meet deadlines
Good project management skills
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.
Integral member of the In Vitro Neurobiology-Pharmacology team, supporting multiple early/late-stage drug discovery projects across novel targets. Brings expertise in a broad range of assay technologies using both iPSC-derived and rodent primary cellular platforms. Proficient with diverse automated systems and instrumentation. Actively contributes to enhancing research quality and driving process efficiency within a collaborative and fast-paced environment. Your Contributions (Include, But Are Not Limited To):
Assay Development:
Designs and develops novel biophysical and cell-based assays using mammalian cell lines (e.g., HEK-293, SH-SY5Y), human iPSC-derived neurons, astrocytes, and microglia, rodent primary cells, and human/rodent whole blood
Assay Execution:
Conducts routine assays to support lead identification and optimization across various therapeutic modalities including small molecules, antibodies, and peptides
Mechanism of Action (MOA) Studies:
Leads experimental work to investigate compound MOA
Data Analysis & Reporting:
Analyzes, interprets, and communicates experimental results; ensures timely and accurate documentation
Assay Monitoring:
Tracks assay performance, implements troubleshooting, and ensures data reliability
Core Technical Skills: Aseptic cell culture
Mammalian cell transfections
Molecular biology (qPCR, Western Blot)
Flow cytometry (FACS)
ELISA, cytokine release, and reporter cell assays
Calcium flux, AlphaLISA, NanoBRET, and phagocytosis assays
High-content imaging
Continuous Improvement:
Actively contributes to enhancing lab workflows, increasing process efficiency, and ensuring high research quality
Additional Responsibilities:
Supports other team functions and projects as needed in a dynamic and collaborative environment
Requirements
BS/BA degree in scientific field and 2+ years of neurobiology/in vitro pharmacology experience; Preferred experience includes: iPSC-derived cellular systems, rodent primary cell culture, and related assay development, liquid handling automation and LIMS systems
MS/MA degree in scientific field and some relevant industry experience
PhD in biology or related field preferred and experience with neurobiology, cell-based in vitro assays, development and optimization of in vitro biological assays is required. Preferred experience includes: iPSC-derived cellular systems, rodent primary cell culture, and related assay development, liquid handling automation and LIMS systems
Collaborative and highly motivated
Must be comfortable working with radioisotopes
Working knowledge of primary cell culture, especially CNS (human iPSC-derived neurons/astrocytes/microglia cellular systems, rodent primary cells (neurons, astrocytes microglia), human and rodent whole blood) and related in vitro assay development, liquid handling automation and LIMS systems
Recognizes fundamental anomalies in data points and identifies issues in experiments / processes
Begins to understand how to think outside of the technical process and consider the impact decisions will have on the broader scientific goals
Strong knowledge of one scientific discipline
Good knowledge of scientific principles, methods and techniques
Good knowledge and demonstrated ability working with a variety of laboratory equipment/tools
Ability to work as part of a team
Strong computer skills
Good communications, problem-solving, analytical thinking skills
Detail oriented
Ability to meet deadlines
Good project management skills
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.