Associate Scientist, Animal Care
Neurocrine Biosciences
Summary
Supports preclinical research and drug discovery programs through routine animal care, colony management, and in vivo research activities under the guidance of experienced scientists and animal care professionals. Assists with maintaining research animal colonies, performing established experimental procedures, and collecting and documenting scientific data to support research studies. Collaborates with scientists, veterinarians, and animal care staff to ensure animal welfare, accurate documentation, and timely study execution in accordance with institutional policies and regulatory requirements.
Job description
About the Role
Supports preclinical research and drug discovery programs through routine animal care, colony management, and in vivo research activities under the guidance of experienced scientists and animal care professionals. Assists with maintaining research animal colonies, performing established experimental procedures, and collecting and documenting scientific data to support research studies. Collaborates with scientists, veterinarians, and animal care staff to ensure animal welfare, accurate documentation, and timely study execution in accordance with institutional policies and regulatory requirements.
Your Contributions (include, but are not limited to)
- Supports routine animal care and colony management activities for preclinical research programs under established procedures and supervision
- Assists with maintaining genetically engineered mouse colonies, including breeding activities, weaning, identification, and colony record management
- Performs routine animal handling, monitoring, and husbandry-related procedures in accordance with approved protocols and animal welfare guidelines
- Collects and processes biological samples, including tissue samples for genotyping, using established laboratory procedures
- Performs routine laboratory techniques, including DNA extraction, PCR, and/or qPCR assays, under guidance and according to established protocols
- Assists with in vivo pharmacology studies, including animal preparation, dosing, sample collection, and study monitoring, as trained and authorized
- Supports compound administration using approved dosing techniques and routes under appropriate supervision
- Assists with surgical procedures and perioperative activities, including animal preparation, monitoring, and post-procedure care, as trained and authorized
- Monitors animal health and welfare, accurately records observations, and promptly communicates concerns to appropriate scientific and veterinary personnel
- Maintains accurate and timely documentation of colony activities, experimental procedures, sample collection, and research data
- Supports routine laboratory and animal facility operations, including equipment preparation, supply organization, inventory management, and maintenance of clean work areas
- Collaborates with scientists, colony management, veterinary personnel, and animal care staff to support research activities and study timelines
- Follows established standard operating procedures, institutional animal care requirements, laboratory safety practices, and applicable regulatory guidelines
- Identifies and communicates unexpected observations, procedural deviations, or technical issues to supervisors or experienced team members
- Participates in training and develops technical proficiency in animal care, laboratory procedures, and preclinical research techniques
- Performs other duties as assigned
Requirements
- Foundational understanding of scientific principles, laboratory practices, and established research methods
- Ability to perform routine scientific and technical activities under supervision and according to established protocols
- Developing analytical thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to recognize unexpected results and escalate issues appropriately
- Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills and the ability to maintain accurate scientific records
- Basic understanding of data collection, documentation practices, and research data integrity
- Ability to follow written instructions, standard operating procedures, and applicable safety requirements
- Effective written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
- Ability to work collaboratively with scientists, technical staff, and cross-functional team members
- Ability to prioritize assigned tasks and meet established timelines with guidance
- Willingness to learn new techniques and develop scientific and technical proficiency
- Foundational knowledge of laboratory animal care, handling, and research procedures
- Familiarity with rodent colony management, breeding, identification, and recordkeeping practices
- Academic or practical exposure to in vivo research techniques, animal handling, and biological sample collection
- Familiarity with molecular biology techniques, including DNA extraction, PCR, and qPCR, preferred
- Understanding of animal welfare principles and applicable institutional animal care requirements
- Familiarity with IACUC-approved protocols and laboratory animal research regulations preferred
- Exposure to animal dosing, tissue collection, necropsy, or surgical support procedures preferred
- Ability to learn and perform established animal care and laboratory procedures following appropriate training
- Commitment to animal welfare, scientific integrity, and compliance with established research protocols
Benefits
- 401(k) Matching
- Paid Vacation
- Holiday & Personal Days
- Paid Caregiver/Parental Leave
- Medical, Dental & Vision
- Prescription Drug Coverage
- Annual Bonus
- Equity Long-Term Incentive
Company overview
Neurocrine Biosciences is a leading neuroscience-focused biopharmaceutical company founded in 1992 and headquartered in San Diego, California. The company specializes in discovering and developing life-changing treatments for patients with under-addressed neurological, neuroendocrine, and neuropsychiatric disorders. Neurocrine's diverse portfolio includes FDA-approved treatments for tardive dyskinesia, chorea associated with Huntington's disease, classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia, endometriosis, and uterine fibroids. Their flagship product, INGREZZA (valbenazine), was the first FDA-approved treatment for adults with tardive dyskinesia. The company maintains a robust pipeline with multiple compounds in mid- to late-phase clinical development across core therapeutic areas, including Parkinson's disease, Tourette syndrome, and major depressive disorder. Neurocrine operates with a purpose to relieve suffering for people with great needs, applying unique insights into neuroscience and the interconnections between brain and body systems to treat complex conditions. The company is publicly traded on NASDAQ under the symbol NBIX and has established strategic collaborations with major pharmaceutical partners including AbbVie.