TEMP - Scientist, Lead Generation Biology

About the role

We are seeking a highly-motivated, collaborative and experienced drug hunter who will become an integral member of the growing in vitro pharmacology team. The successful candidate will support and lead multiple drug discovery project teams. As an integral member of the pharmacology team, candidate will support lead optimization campaigns and multiple new target screening efforts in the context of multidisciplinary project teams. The candidate will work on a broad range of assay technologies/platforms and a wide variety of automated equipment in a collaborative and dynamic work environment. Contributes to process efficiency and research quality.

Responsibilities

• Develops robust biochemical and cell-based assays, supporting the drug discovery process, and rapidly delivering robust SAR data
• Designs, optimizes, validates, executes & analyzes in vitro pharmacology assays under minimal supervision to generate high quality, reproducible results
• Performs routine assays to support lead identification & optimization
• Develop, optimize, and perform deep dive explorations of MOA
• Provides recommendations to improve on process efficiency and research quality
• Tracks and documents assay performance
• Continually provides recommendations to improve on process efficiency and research quality
• Documents protocols in an electronic laboratory notebook and regularly presents clear written & verbal data summaries

Requirements

• BS/BA degree in scientific field and 2+ years of in vitro pharmacology experience; Preferred experience includes: primary cell culture, especially CNS, and related assay development, liquid handling automation and LIMS systems, GPCRs and related in vitro assays
• OR MS/MA degree in scientific field and some relevant industry experience
• OR PhD in biology or related field preferred and some experience with cell culture and cell-based in vitro assays, development and optimization of in vitro biological assays is required
• Preferred experience includes: primary cell culture, especially CNS, and related assay development, liquid handling automation and LIMS systems, GPCRs and related in vitro assays
• Collaborative and highly motivated
• Must be comfortable working with radioisotopes
• Working knowledge of primary cell culture, especially CNS, and related assay development, liquid handling automation and LIMS systems, GPCRs and related in vitro assays
• Embody Neurocrine’s core values of Passion, Collaboration, Tenacity, Innovation, and Integrity
• Practical experience with a broad range of in vitro biological assays (including GPCRs, kinases and ion channels) and tissue culture
• Outstanding experimental design, problem-solving, and data analysis skills
• Able to effectively multitask and advance various projects simultaneously without compromising data quality or reproducibility
• Able to independently plan, perform and develop basic experiments
• Applies independent thinking to solve moderate problems
• Takes direction regarding experiments or lab processes and learns to apply independent thinking to suggest resolution to technical issues
• Selects appropriate methods and techniques in performing
• Experience using modern automation, inventory systems, data analysis and informatics systems is beneficial
• Experience with electrophysiology based assays is an added asset, but not essential
• Able to work independently as well as in a team environment toward timely execution of shared team deliverables
• Enthusiasm for developing an expanding technical and theoretical knowledge base
• Excellent communication (written and verbal), time management, organizational and interpersonal skills to ensure operational excellence of daily laboratory needs

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in development, optimization and execution of a broad range of in vitro biological assays is essential, including GPCR, kinases and ion channels, preferably in the CNS space
• Extensive experience in rapid learning new assays, process data and meeting deadlines
• Good knowledge of scientific principles, methods and techniques
• Good knowledge and demonstrated ability working with a variety of laboratory equipment/tools
• Good communications, problem-solving, analytical thinking skills
• Good project management skills

Benefits

The pay you should reasonably expect to receive is $43.17 - $62.55 per hour. Decisions depend on various factors, such as primary work location, complexity and responsibility of role, job duties/requirements, and relevant experience and skills.