Sr. Scientist, Mass Spectrometry & Biologics Characterization
Neurocrine Biosciences Inc.
October 15, 2026
Full-time
On-site
US CA San Diego
$130,800 - $179,000 USD yearly
Clinical Research and Development
Who We Are:
Neurocrine Biosciences is a leading biopharmaceutical company with a simple purpose: to relieve suffering for people with great needs. We are dedicated to discovering, developing and commercializing life-changing treatments for patients with under-addressed neurological, psychiatric, endocrine and immunological disorders. The company's diverse portfolio includes FDA-approved treatments for tardive dyskinesia, chorea associated with Huntington's disease, classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia, hyperphagia in Prader-Willi syndrome, endometriosis* and uterine fibroids*, as well as a robust pipeline including multiple compounds in mid- to late-phase clinical development across our core therapeutic areas. For more than three decades, we have applied our unique insight into neuroscience and the interconnections between brain and body systems to treat complex conditions. We relentlessly pursue medicines to ease the burden of debilitating diseases and disorders, because you deserve brave science. For more information, visit neurocrine.com , and follow the company on LinkedIn , X , Facebook and YouTube . ( *in collaboration with AbbVie )
About the Role:
Our dynamic team is seeking a motivated, collaborative, and experienced Senior Scientist to support biologics characterization for analytical development team. The qualified individual will work closely with team members to design, develop, and execute assays to deliver robust and high-quality data to drive decision-making. The position requires a dedicated mass spectrometry expertise supporting modality-agnostic characterization, developability assessment, and advanced method development from preclinical research through early development. Along with that, the position requires excellent scientific, technical and laboratory skills, strong organizational and communications skills, and enthusiasm for contributing to a fast-paced organization focused on discoveries of novel and differentiated therapeutic candidates.
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Your Contributions (include, but are not limited to):
Develop and implement advanced mass spectrometry methods applicable across modalities and development stages, with particular emphasis on native MS, top-down MS, and advanced structural characterization
Lead, develop, and perform large molecule analytical and characterization assays, including identity testing by intact mass and/or subunit analysis, glycan profiling, primary structure and PTM analysis by peptide mapping, and other mass spectrometric techniques necessary to provide critical data for decision-making processes
Provide fit-for-purpose characterizations for various discovery-stage programs such as pre-engineering and active engineering efforts
Support Lead Optimization production activities through high-throughput intact mass analysis of stable pools and clones, providing molecular identity and early semi-quantitative N-glycan profiling as additional data for cell-line selection.
Perform manual and automated sample injections acquire LC-MS data, analyze data, draft report and document experiment in ELN, support stakeholders including discovery biology, protein engineering and lead optimization
Perform routine maintenance of HPLC and MS systems, prepare mobile phases, execute calibration and cleaning procedures, coordinate regular preventative maintenance troubleshooting under the supervision of team leaders
Execute sample preparation workflows, such as buffer exchange, immunoprecipitation, reduction and alkylation, enzymatic digestion
Manage sample receiving, testing and storage, maintain and track consumables including columns, buffer solutions, enzymes and chemicals
Track and document assay performance
Provides recommendations to improve process efficiency and research quality
Present key research findings to cross-functional team members to guide project strategy
Leverage literature, ICH/Regulatory guidance, and practical experience to perform this work and collaborate on CMC analytical development strategies
Other duties as assigned
Requirements:
BS/BA degree in chemistry or closely related field and 12+ years of pharmaceutical industry experience, focusing on separation method development OR
MS/MA degree in chemistry or closely related field preferred and 10+ years of pharmaceutical industry experience noted above OR
PhD in chemistry or closely related field and 4+ years of applicable experience
Expert knowledge and understanding in protein analytical method development for identification and quantitation, including physicochemical and MS-based methods
Expert knowledge and understanding in native MS, top-down MS, and other MS-based methods including but not limited to intact and subunit MS, glycan profiling, and bottom-up MS
Good knowledge and demonstrated ability working with large molecule separation methods including reversed-phased HPLC, analytical SEC, and CE-SDS
Solid understanding of mass spectrometry operating principles, including ionization, ion transfer, gas-phase fragmentation, and mass analyzers
Hands-on experience on high-resolution TOF and/or orbitrap mass analyzers, including routine maintenance and troubleshooting
Working knowledge of protein chemistry, amino acid composition, primary structure, post-translational modifications, higher-order structure and protein-protein interactions
Knowledge of cross-functional understanding related to drug development
Excellent laboratory and productivity skills
Excellent interpersonal skills with strong oral and written communication abilities
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Excellent problem solving and critical thinking skills
Collaborative and highly motivated
Detail oriented
Ability to meet deadlines
Good project management skills
#LI-DM1
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.
_
The annual base salary we reasonably expect to pay is $130,800.00-$179,000.00. Individual pay decisions depend on various factors, such as primary work location, complexity and responsibility of role, job duties/requirements, and relevant experience and skills. In addition, this position offers an annual bonus with a target of 30% of the earned base salary and eligibility to participate in our equity based long term incentive program. Benefits offered include a retirement savings plan (with company match), paid vacation, holiday and personal days, paid caregiver/parental and medical leave, and health benefits to include medical, prescription drug, dental and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans.
Neurocrine Biosciences is a leading biopharmaceutical company with a simple purpose: to relieve suffering for people with great needs. We are dedicated to discovering, developing and commercializing life-changing treatments for patients with under-addressed neurological, psychiatric, endocrine and immunological disorders. The company's diverse portfolio includes FDA-approved treatments for tardive dyskinesia, chorea associated with Huntington's disease, classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia, hyperphagia in Prader-Willi syndrome, endometriosis* and uterine fibroids*, as well as a robust pipeline including multiple compounds in mid- to late-phase clinical development across our core therapeutic areas. For more than three decades, we have applied our unique insight into neuroscience and the interconnections between brain and body systems to treat complex conditions. We relentlessly pursue medicines to ease the burden of debilitating diseases and disorders, because you deserve brave science. For more information, visit neurocrine.com , and follow the company on LinkedIn , X , Facebook and YouTube . ( *in collaboration with AbbVie )
About the Role:
Our dynamic team is seeking a motivated, collaborative, and experienced Senior Scientist to support biologics characterization for analytical development team. The qualified individual will work closely with team members to design, develop, and execute assays to deliver robust and high-quality data to drive decision-making. The position requires a dedicated mass spectrometry expertise supporting modality-agnostic characterization, developability assessment, and advanced method development from preclinical research through early development. Along with that, the position requires excellent scientific, technical and laboratory skills, strong organizational and communications skills, and enthusiasm for contributing to a fast-paced organization focused on discoveries of novel and differentiated therapeutic candidates.
_
Your Contributions (include, but are not limited to):
Develop and implement advanced mass spectrometry methods applicable across modalities and development stages, with particular emphasis on native MS, top-down MS, and advanced structural characterization
Lead, develop, and perform large molecule analytical and characterization assays, including identity testing by intact mass and/or subunit analysis, glycan profiling, primary structure and PTM analysis by peptide mapping, and other mass spectrometric techniques necessary to provide critical data for decision-making processes
Provide fit-for-purpose characterizations for various discovery-stage programs such as pre-engineering and active engineering efforts
Support Lead Optimization production activities through high-throughput intact mass analysis of stable pools and clones, providing molecular identity and early semi-quantitative N-glycan profiling as additional data for cell-line selection.
Perform manual and automated sample injections acquire LC-MS data, analyze data, draft report and document experiment in ELN, support stakeholders including discovery biology, protein engineering and lead optimization
Perform routine maintenance of HPLC and MS systems, prepare mobile phases, execute calibration and cleaning procedures, coordinate regular preventative maintenance troubleshooting under the supervision of team leaders
Execute sample preparation workflows, such as buffer exchange, immunoprecipitation, reduction and alkylation, enzymatic digestion
Manage sample receiving, testing and storage, maintain and track consumables including columns, buffer solutions, enzymes and chemicals
Track and document assay performance
Provides recommendations to improve process efficiency and research quality
Present key research findings to cross-functional team members to guide project strategy
Leverage literature, ICH/Regulatory guidance, and practical experience to perform this work and collaborate on CMC analytical development strategies
Other duties as assigned
Requirements:
BS/BA degree in chemistry or closely related field and 12+ years of pharmaceutical industry experience, focusing on separation method development OR
MS/MA degree in chemistry or closely related field preferred and 10+ years of pharmaceutical industry experience noted above OR
PhD in chemistry or closely related field and 4+ years of applicable experience
Expert knowledge and understanding in protein analytical method development for identification and quantitation, including physicochemical and MS-based methods
Expert knowledge and understanding in native MS, top-down MS, and other MS-based methods including but not limited to intact and subunit MS, glycan profiling, and bottom-up MS
Good knowledge and demonstrated ability working with large molecule separation methods including reversed-phased HPLC, analytical SEC, and CE-SDS
Solid understanding of mass spectrometry operating principles, including ionization, ion transfer, gas-phase fragmentation, and mass analyzers
Hands-on experience on high-resolution TOF and/or orbitrap mass analyzers, including routine maintenance and troubleshooting
Working knowledge of protein chemistry, amino acid composition, primary structure, post-translational modifications, higher-order structure and protein-protein interactions
Knowledge of cross-functional understanding related to drug development
Excellent laboratory and productivity skills
Excellent interpersonal skills with strong oral and written communication abilities
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Excellent problem solving and critical thinking skills
Collaborative and highly motivated
Detail oriented
Ability to meet deadlines
Good project management skills
#LI-DM1
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.
_
The annual base salary we reasonably expect to pay is $130,800.00-$179,000.00. Individual pay decisions depend on various factors, such as primary work location, complexity and responsibility of role, job duties/requirements, and relevant experience and skills. In addition, this position offers an annual bonus with a target of 30% of the earned base salary and eligibility to participate in our equity based long term incentive program. Benefits offered include a retirement savings plan (with company match), paid vacation, holiday and personal days, paid caregiver/parental and medical leave, and health benefits to include medical, prescription drug, dental and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans.