Senior Scientist, Medicinal Chemistry
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. What We Do: Neurocrine Biosciences is a leading neuroscience-focused, biopharmaceutical company with a simple purpose: to relieve suffering for people with great needs. 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, classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia, 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 and Facebook. (*in collaboration with AbbVie) About the Role: Initiates the design, synthesis, purification and characterization of bioactive compounds through the use of techniques such as column chromatography (e.g., high performance liquid chromatography), nuclear magnetic resonance and parallel or combinatorial synthesis. Facilitates the design of new bioactive compounds by interacting with other chemists regarding biochemical, molecular biochemical and pharmacological topics. Monitors and evaluates completion of tasks and projects. Prepares technical reports, summaries, protocols, and quantitative analyses. Responsible for the communication and presentation of results and recommendations to the project leads in order to facilitate effective decision making. _ Your Contributions (include, but are not limited to): Independently designs synthetic routes, understand medicinal chemistry concepts, and interpret biological data to generate testable hypotheses Practice state-of-art organic synthesis techniques to synthesize, purify, and isolate novel compounds for testing in both in vitro and in vivo assays Designs, plans and conducts synthesis of intermediates and analog libraries as well communicates results to the project or program team Plays key role, and may lead, in the rapid optimization of lead molecules utilizing modern technology available to medicinal chemists such as automated synthesis and purification Recommends continuous improvements of the lead optimization process as well as the expeditious identification of development compounds Other duties as assigned Requirements: BS/BA degree in Synthetic Organic Chemistry or related field and 8+ years of experience in the industry, demonstrating success in utilizing -parallel synthesis, lab automation, and purification—to optimize lead compounds is preferred OR Master's degree in Synthetic Organic Chemistry or related field and 5+ years’ experience in the industry OR PhD in Synthetic Organic Chemistry or equivalent and 3+ experience in the industry Skilled in the art of organic synthesis and familiar with modern synthetic methods Demonstrated success in producing results, executing on synthetic routes to target molecules, analytical data interpretation, and troubleshooting reactions/purifications Increasingly independent ability to design synthetic routes, understand medicinal chemistry concepts, and interpret biological data such that s/he is able to generate testable hypotheses Good communication skills and a naturally collaborative style are necessary for effective drug discovery team participation Skilled in multi-step synthesis, purification, and characterization of organic compounds Expertise with HPLC, NMR, MS instrumentation Proficient with SciFinder, Chemdraw, and other chemistry-related software Strong knowledge of the fundamentals of Medicinal Chemistry and analog design Demonstrates solid level of understanding project / group goals and methods Consistently recognizes anomalous and inconsistent results and interprets experimental outcomes Able to explain the process behind the data and implications of the results Strong knowledge of one or more scientific disciplines, becoming expert in one discipline Strong knowledge of scientific principles, methods and techniques Strong knowledge and demonstrated ability working with a variety of laboratory equipment/tools Ability to work as part of a team; may train lower levels Excellent computer skills Strong communications, problem-solving, analytical thinking skills Detail oriented yet can see broader picture of scientific impact on team Ability to meet multiple deadlines, with a high degree of accuracy and efficiency Strong project management skills #LI-LS1 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 $110,800.00-$151,000.00. 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 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. We are a top place to work. Neurocrine Biosciences was named one of the FORTUNE Best Workplaces in Biopharma™ 2025. We were also named a Great Place to Work® Certified company. ©2025 Fortune Media IP Limited. All rights reserved. Used under license. OUR VALUES: PASSION: We are driven and love what we do. We are committed to our goals and to making a difference. INTEGRITY: We do the right thing for patients and our community. We take accountability. We speak up. COLLABORATION: We trust one another. We are inclusive. We are respectful. We are transparent. Together we succeed. INNOVATION: We seek and create optimal solutions. TENACITY: We do not quit. We adapt. We accomplish what others cannot. Come join our team during this exciting time of growth and opportunities! Apply To This Job