Principal Scientist, Medicinal Chemistry
Neurocrine Biosciences
August 23, 2026
Remote friendly (San Diego, CA)
United States
Clinical Research and Development
About The Role
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 internal direct reports and external CROs toward hypothesis-driven chemistry strategies; monitors and evaluates completion of tasks and projects. Contributes to development of policies and department strategies.
Your Contributions (include, but are not limited to)
- Lead projects for rapid optimization of lead molecules using modern technology (e.g., automated synthesis and purification)
- Distill multidimensional data into clear hypotheses and new experimental directions
- Import new principles/concepts to develop experimental approaches
- Research external intellectual property relevant to project(s)
- Contribute substantively to patent and publication preparation
- Design, plan, and conduct synthesis of analog libraries; communicate results to team
- Participate in multidisciplinary continuous improvement of lead optimization and identification of development compounds
- Plan and manage projects; represent Medicinal Chemistry on cross-functional teams; maintain accountability for deliverables/progress
- Independently design, plan, and execute medicinal chemistry activities supporting lead generation through pre-clinical activities
- Supervise laboratory work/lab personnel and ensure safe laboratory practices
- Create and implement novel medicinal chemistry ideas; provide guidance for professional development
Requirements
- BS/BA Chemistry + 8+ years relevant industrial experience (10+ preferred) OR MS/MA preferred + 6+ years (8+ preferred) OR PharmD/PhD preferred + 4+ years (5+ preferred)
- Advanced knowledge of complex/parallel organic synthesis, data analysis, lab automation, and purification
- Thorough medicinal chemistry knowledge and understanding of current literature
- Strong oral/written communication; excellent interpersonal skills
- Strong lab/productivity skills; cross-functional drug-development understanding
- Track record of innovation via patents/publications
- Advanced knowledge/ability with laboratory equipment/tools; excellent computer skills; project management; leadership
Benefits
- Annual bonus with target of 30% of earned base salary; eligibility for equity long-term incentive program
- Retirement savings plan (company match), paid vacation/holidays/personal days, caregiver/parental and medical leave; medical/prescription/dental/vision coverage
Application instructions
- Apply even if your experience/qualifications don’t line up exactly with the job description.
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 internal direct reports and external CROs toward hypothesis-driven chemistry strategies; monitors and evaluates completion of tasks and projects. Contributes to development of policies and department strategies.
Your Contributions (include, but are not limited to)
- Lead projects for rapid optimization of lead molecules using modern technology (e.g., automated synthesis and purification)
- Distill multidimensional data into clear hypotheses and new experimental directions
- Import new principles/concepts to develop experimental approaches
- Research external intellectual property relevant to project(s)
- Contribute substantively to patent and publication preparation
- Design, plan, and conduct synthesis of analog libraries; communicate results to team
- Participate in multidisciplinary continuous improvement of lead optimization and identification of development compounds
- Plan and manage projects; represent Medicinal Chemistry on cross-functional teams; maintain accountability for deliverables/progress
- Independently design, plan, and execute medicinal chemistry activities supporting lead generation through pre-clinical activities
- Supervise laboratory work/lab personnel and ensure safe laboratory practices
- Create and implement novel medicinal chemistry ideas; provide guidance for professional development
Requirements
- BS/BA Chemistry + 8+ years relevant industrial experience (10+ preferred) OR MS/MA preferred + 6+ years (8+ preferred) OR PharmD/PhD preferred + 4+ years (5+ preferred)
- Advanced knowledge of complex/parallel organic synthesis, data analysis, lab automation, and purification
- Thorough medicinal chemistry knowledge and understanding of current literature
- Strong oral/written communication; excellent interpersonal skills
- Strong lab/productivity skills; cross-functional drug-development understanding
- Track record of innovation via patents/publications
- Advanced knowledge/ability with laboratory equipment/tools; excellent computer skills; project management; leadership
Benefits
- Annual bonus with target of 30% of earned base salary; eligibility for equity long-term incentive program
- Retirement savings plan (company match), paid vacation/holidays/personal days, caregiver/parental and medical leave; medical/prescription/dental/vision coverage
Application instructions
- Apply even if your experience/qualifications don’t line up exactly with the job description.