Scientific Director, Lead Generation Biology
Neurocrine Biosciences
August 12, 2026
Remote friendly (San Diego, CA)
United States
Marketing
About The Role
Responsible for lead generation biology platforms that support Neurocrine’s early research portfolio. Oversees broad assay development, routine cellular and biochemical pharmacology assays for SAR, SPR and other biophysical/binding approaches, and fit-for-purpose screening workflows across therapeutic areas, target classes, and drug modalities.
Leads a laboratory organization to deliver robust, high-quality pharmacology data through scalable, reproducible, well-characterized experimental workflows, partnering with therapeutic areas, protein engineering, chemistry, and other cross-functional R&D teams.
Your Contributions (include, but are not limited to)
- Lead discovery biology platform capabilities: assay development; cellular/biochemical SAR assays; SPR/biophysical approaches; fit-for-purpose screening workflows
- Oversee development, optimization, validation, and implementation of robust assay systems for reproducible pharmacology data
- Proven record in pathophysiology underlying immunology, neurodegenerative, neuropsychiatric, and/or endocrine disorders
- Partner cross-functionally (therapeutic areas, protein engineering, chemistry, translational science, DMPK, automation, informatics)
- Lead/manage laboratory execution, data quality, platform performance, and continuous improvement
- Evaluate/implement new technologies, assay formats, instrumentation, and workflow improvements
- Mentor and train scientists/technical staff
- Provide assay feasibility guidance, screening cascade design input, and interpretation
- Establish/manage external collaborations (CROs, technology providers, academic/industry partners)
- Represent platform capabilities in forums/meetings; stay current via conferences/publications
Requirements
- BS in biological sciences (behavioral neuroscience/pharmacology/biopsychology) + 12+ years pharma/biotech OR MS + 10+ years OR PharmD/PhD + 8+ years
- Deep knowledge of discovery biology, assay development, SAR-supporting assay cascades, biophysical methods, and early drug discovery platforms
- Experience developing/optimizing/scaling assays across cellular, biochemical, and biophysical modalities (including SPR)
- Strong leadership, communication, problem-solving, analytical thinking, and collaboration
- Preferred: experience evaluating/implementing new technologies, automation, or data-analysis workflows
Benefits (as stated)
- Annual bonus target 35% of earned base salary; equity long-term incentive eligibility
- Retirement savings plan (company match); paid vacation/holidays/personal days; paid caregiver/parental and medical leave; medical/prescription/dental/vision coverage
Compensation (as stated)
- Annual base salary: $188,700.00–$257,000.00
Responsible for lead generation biology platforms that support Neurocrine’s early research portfolio. Oversees broad assay development, routine cellular and biochemical pharmacology assays for SAR, SPR and other biophysical/binding approaches, and fit-for-purpose screening workflows across therapeutic areas, target classes, and drug modalities.
Leads a laboratory organization to deliver robust, high-quality pharmacology data through scalable, reproducible, well-characterized experimental workflows, partnering with therapeutic areas, protein engineering, chemistry, and other cross-functional R&D teams.
Your Contributions (include, but are not limited to)
- Lead discovery biology platform capabilities: assay development; cellular/biochemical SAR assays; SPR/biophysical approaches; fit-for-purpose screening workflows
- Oversee development, optimization, validation, and implementation of robust assay systems for reproducible pharmacology data
- Proven record in pathophysiology underlying immunology, neurodegenerative, neuropsychiatric, and/or endocrine disorders
- Partner cross-functionally (therapeutic areas, protein engineering, chemistry, translational science, DMPK, automation, informatics)
- Lead/manage laboratory execution, data quality, platform performance, and continuous improvement
- Evaluate/implement new technologies, assay formats, instrumentation, and workflow improvements
- Mentor and train scientists/technical staff
- Provide assay feasibility guidance, screening cascade design input, and interpretation
- Establish/manage external collaborations (CROs, technology providers, academic/industry partners)
- Represent platform capabilities in forums/meetings; stay current via conferences/publications
Requirements
- BS in biological sciences (behavioral neuroscience/pharmacology/biopsychology) + 12+ years pharma/biotech OR MS + 10+ years OR PharmD/PhD + 8+ years
- Deep knowledge of discovery biology, assay development, SAR-supporting assay cascades, biophysical methods, and early drug discovery platforms
- Experience developing/optimizing/scaling assays across cellular, biochemical, and biophysical modalities (including SPR)
- Strong leadership, communication, problem-solving, analytical thinking, and collaboration
- Preferred: experience evaluating/implementing new technologies, automation, or data-analysis workflows
Benefits (as stated)
- Annual bonus target 35% of earned base salary; equity long-term incentive eligibility
- Retirement savings plan (company match); paid vacation/holidays/personal days; paid caregiver/parental and medical leave; medical/prescription/dental/vision coverage
Compensation (as stated)
- Annual base salary: $188,700.00–$257,000.00