Sr. Scientist, Mass Spectrometry & Biologics Characterization
Neurocrine Biosciences
Summary
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.
Job description
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
Benefits
- Retirement savings plan
- Company match
- Paid vacation
- Paid holiday
- Paid personal days
- Paid caregiver leave
- Paid parental leave
- Paid medical leave
- Health benefits
- Medical insurance
- Prescription drug coverage
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Annual bonus
- Equity based long term incentive program
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.