What are the responsibilities and job description for the Scientist, Gene Therapy - Capsid Engineering position at Neurocrine Biosciences?
Who We Are :
At Neurocrine Biosciences, we pride ourselves on having a strong, inclusive, and positive culture based on our shared purpose and values. We know what it takes to be great, and we are as passionate about our people as we are about our purpose - to relieve suffering for people with great needs, but few options.
What We Do :
Neurocrine Biosciences is a leading neuroscience-focused, biopharmaceutical company with a simple purpose : to relieve suffering for people with great needs, but few options. We are dedicated to discovering and developing life-changing treatments for patients with under-addressed neurological, neuroendocrine, and neuropsychiatric disorders. The company’s diverse portfolio includes FDA-approved treatments for tardive dyskinesia, chorea associated with Huntington’s disease, 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 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 (Formerly Twitter) and Facebook. (
- in collaboration with AbbVie)
About the Role :
We are seeking a highly motivated scientist to contribute to gene therapy development as part of the global community of investigators in the Cell & Gene Therapy (CGT) group within Neurocrine’s Biologics team. The successful candidate will work at the cutting edge of gene therapy delivery platform and technology and contribute to CGT Delivery programs. Working with our Collaboration Partners and internal colleagues in Research, CMC, and Business Development, the individual will participate in work on new and existing programs.
This is an excellent career development opportunity in Gene Therapy space, based in San Diego, CA.
Your Responsibilities (include, but are not limited to) :
Design, develop, and optimize plasmid AAV library constructs, disease area cargo constructs and AAV library production using variety of methods
Design and execute molecular biology and in vitro experiments in support of AAV capsid and cargo engineering platform
Design and conduct tissue sample processing techniques to extract RNA, DNA, cDNA synthesis and proteins from vertebrate models such as mice and NHPs
Optimizes and performs NGS library preps and implements next-generation sequencing methodologies for capsid and cargo profiling
Conduct comprehensive biodistribution analysis, vector genome quantification utilizing techniques such as RT-PCR, ddPCR. Design and optimize probes, assays protocols for ddPCR, qPCR, RT-PCR
Maintain good lab practices. keeps contemporaneous and detailed records of experiments and protocols in electronic notebooks
Prepare data summaries and present results to peers and colleagues at Neurocrine. Be able to present data as appropriate at scientific meetings at the National and International level
Collaborative attitude is a MUST. The successful candidate is expected to maintain positive attitude and is expected to help cross functional teams as needed
Requirements :
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in biology, life sciences or related discipline, and experience in the biotech / pharmaceutical industry / academia. Backgrounds in neuroscience, virology, and / or sequencing technologies are a plus. Level of position offered will depend on candidate’s qualifications and relevance of expertise required for this role
Knowledge of AAV biology, AAV capsid and cargo engineering approaches. Experience with molecular biology techniques such as PCR, digital PCR, gel electrophoresis, western blot / ELISA, plasmid design, cloning and sequencing
Experience with AAV production preferred, including plasmid transfection, cell material processing, and purification by ultracentrifugation (CsCl UC, IUC)
Knowledge of NGS library preparation, library purification, protocol optimization and basic data analysis
Experience with cell culture in vitro techniques such as cell passage of adherent and suspension cells, sterile technique, media preparation, cell lysis, and material processing
Ability to multitask and meet multiple deadlines across a variety of projects / programs, with a high degree of accuracy and efficiency
Excellent critical analysis skills and ability to assess data and research findings outside of Neurocrine for application to new scientific projects
Advanced knowledge and demonstrated ability to work with a variety of laboratory equipment / tools
Neurocrine Biosciences is an EEO / AA / Disability / Vets employer.
We are committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace, 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 $86,200.00-$125,050.00. 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 20% 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.
Salary : $86,200 - $125,050
