Principal Scientist, Medicinal Chemistry

Role Summary

Responsible for devising the medicinal chemistry strategy on projects. May lead or co-lead multi-disciplinary project teams to advance discovery programs to key milestones. Provides expertise in medicinal chemistry principles, complex small molecule synthesis, purification, and data analysis. Supervises and mentors both internal direct reports and external CROs towards hypothesis driven chemistry strategies. Monitors and evaluates completion of tasks and projects. Contributes to development of policies and department strategies.

Responsibilities

• Leads projects and initiatives in the rapid optimization of lead molecules utilizing modern technology available to medicinal chemists such as automated synthesis and purification
• Distills complicated, multidimensional data to clear hypotheses and new experimental directions
• Imports new principles/concepts to develop useful new experimental approaches
• Researches external intellectual property relevant to project(s) and areas of pursuit
• Contributes substantively to patent and publication preparation
• Responsible for designing, planning, and conducting synthesis of analog libraries as well communicates results to the project or program team
• Participates in a multidisciplinary team committed to the continuous improvement of the lead optimization process as well as the expeditious identification of development compounds
• Plans and manages projects. Represents Medicinal Chemistry on cross-functional teams. Maintains accountability for deliverables and progress for projects
• Independently designs, plans and executes activities towards the goals of one or more Medicinal Chemistry projects to support lead generation through pre-clinical activities
• Supervises laboratory work and/or lab personnel and ensures safe laboratory practices
• Creates and implements novel ideas in Medicinal Chemistry
• Provides effective supervision of laboratory personnel and guidance for their professional development
• Builds and enhances internal and external professional relationships
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• BS/BA in Chemistry and 10+ years of experience in chemistry, parallel synthesis, lab automation, and purification in the optimization of lead compounds OR
• MS/MA in Chemistry preferred and 8+ years of industrial experience OR
• PharmD or PhD in Chemistry preferred and 5+ years of industrial experience
• Advanced knowledge of complex organic synthesis, parallel synthesis, data analysis, lab automation, and purification in the optimization of lead compounds
• Thorough understanding of medicinal chemistry and a well-developed understanding of current literature
• Excellent interpersonal skills with strong oral and written communication abilities
• Excellent laboratory and productivity skills
• Demonstration of cross-functional understanding related to drug development
• Excellent communication skills and ability to collaborate in a matrix environment
• Strong track record of innovation demonstrated through patents and publications
• Assimilates data and research findings outside of Neurocrine for application to new scientific projects
• Maintains broad knowledge of scientific principles and theories and possesses intellectual mastery of one or more scientific areas
• May develop an understanding of other areas and related dependencies
• Advanced knowledge and demonstrated ability working with a variety of laboratory equipment/tools
• Ability to work as part of and lead multiple teams
• Exhibits leadership skill and ability, typically leads lower levels and/or indirect teams
• Excellent computer skills
• Excellent communications, problem-solving, analytical thinking skills
• Sees broader picture, impact on multiple programs, teams and/or departments
• Ability to meet multiple deadlines across a variety of projects/programs, with a high degree of accuracy and efficiency
• Excellent project management skills

Education

• Not specified beyond degrees and preferred advanced degrees; see qualifications above