Exec Director, API Synthetic Development
Neurocrine Biosciences
June 30, 2026
Remote friendly (San Diego, CA)
United States
Operations
Responsibilities:
- Direct the route selection, design, and scale-up of pharmaceutical ingredient (API) processes (including instruments and equipment) from lab through pilot and manufacturing scale.
- Manage the science and engineering for development/implementation/maintenance of processing technologies and products to improve cost effectiveness and product quality.
- Independently conduct synthesis and process development for preclinical/clinical candidates, including lab experimentation for compound preparation.
- Plan and implement development of new process formulas; establish operating equipment specifications; advise on manufacturing and process equipment changes.
- Liaison with Research and/or Commercial to ensure processes/designs fit customer needs.
- Select, develop, and evaluate personnel to ensure efficient department operations.
- Support off-site synthesis and collaboration with scale-up/manufacturing contractors.
- Document work and perform tasks safely per company/department guidelines.
Your Contributions (include):
- Drive strategic vision and direction for API Development.
- Lead multiple groups; contribute to strategic planning and cohesive functional direction.
- Negotiate and interact with executive management, vendors, regulatory bodies, and external stakeholders.
Requirements/Qualifications:
- BS/BA in Chemistry (or similar) and 16+ years of pharmaceutical/process development leadership OR MS (14+ years) OR PhD (12+ years).
- Thorough understanding of organic and process chemistry and current literature.
- Manufacturing expertise in Chemical Development.
- Strong cGMP knowledge for API manufacturing.
- Track record managing multiple programs, resources, and staff.
- Extensive CRO/CMO experience (lead and team member).
- Self-motivated, detail-oriented, decisive; ability to learn quickly and think independently.
Skills:
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Excellent managerial skills and experience developing reports.
- Ability to influence and lead others.
- Direct the route selection, design, and scale-up of pharmaceutical ingredient (API) processes (including instruments and equipment) from lab through pilot and manufacturing scale.
- Manage the science and engineering for development/implementation/maintenance of processing technologies and products to improve cost effectiveness and product quality.
- Independently conduct synthesis and process development for preclinical/clinical candidates, including lab experimentation for compound preparation.
- Plan and implement development of new process formulas; establish operating equipment specifications; advise on manufacturing and process equipment changes.
- Liaison with Research and/or Commercial to ensure processes/designs fit customer needs.
- Select, develop, and evaluate personnel to ensure efficient department operations.
- Support off-site synthesis and collaboration with scale-up/manufacturing contractors.
- Document work and perform tasks safely per company/department guidelines.
Your Contributions (include):
- Drive strategic vision and direction for API Development.
- Lead multiple groups; contribute to strategic planning and cohesive functional direction.
- Negotiate and interact with executive management, vendors, regulatory bodies, and external stakeholders.
Requirements/Qualifications:
- BS/BA in Chemistry (or similar) and 16+ years of pharmaceutical/process development leadership OR MS (14+ years) OR PhD (12+ years).
- Thorough understanding of organic and process chemistry and current literature.
- Manufacturing expertise in Chemical Development.
- Strong cGMP knowledge for API manufacturing.
- Track record managing multiple programs, resources, and staff.
- Extensive CRO/CMO experience (lead and team member).
- Self-motivated, detail-oriented, decisive; ability to learn quickly and think independently.
Skills:
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Excellent managerial skills and experience developing reports.
- Ability to influence and lead others.