Sr. Scientist, Immunology​/Neuroimmunology

Role Summary

As part of the Neuroimmunology Research Team, the individual will be a key player in the development of novel drugs and therapeutic approaches to target inflammation and disease progression in the autoimmune and neuroimmune spaces. The candidate is expected to independently identify novel targets with scientific conviction, leading the design and performance of assays to validate targets. The candidate will also lead cross-functional teams, working closely with colleagues in multiple departments to drive drug development through stage gates and support the broader neuroimmunology portfolio.

The candidate will possess a breadth of knowledge of immunology, inflammation, drug discovery and laboratory experience across both in vitro and in vivo model systems, exploring the cellular, molecular, and phenotypic underpinnings of inflammatory disorders.

• Independent proposal, identification, and validation of novel targets in the immunology space, strategically impacting target discovery and portfolio progression
• Utilize cutting edge knowledge, technology and assays to design and execute experiments for validation of new targets, and functional assessment of novel therapeutics
• Lead project groups, and work with cross-functional teams to drive project progression and therapeutic development
• Conduct and manage in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo experimental work to support new target discovery projects and assessment of novel therapeutics, both large and small molecule in approach
• Effectively convey novel target ideas, project visions and progress to wider functional teams and senior management
• Interact in a matrixed, dynamic environment to bring project teams together and progress novel therapeutics forward efficiently
• Generate and analyze cellular gene signatures to identify and validate targets/pathways in human and animal tissues
• Work with external collaborators and manage external opportunities
• Establish and lead external relationships with CROs to drive data delivery and external innovation
• Other duties as assigned

• PhD degree in Immunology, Neuroimmunology and/or related science discipline and some relevant experience; may include postdoc experience OR
• MS/MA degree in Biological Sciences preferably related to Immunology, Neuroimmunology, or Pharmacology and 2+ years of similar experience above OR
• BS/BA degree in Biology, Life Sciences or related discipline preferably related to immunology/neuroimmunology and 4+ years of experience in the biotech/pharmaceutical industry with exposure to drug discovery
• PhD in immunology/neuroimmunology with 0-3 years of relevant experience in industry, OR MS degree in an area related to immunology/neuroimmunology with 5+ years of experience in industry setting, OR BS degree in an area related to immunology/neuroimmunology with 8+ years of experience in industry setting
• Demonstrated expertise and scientific achievement in immunology and/or neuroimmunology fields
• Expertise in the isolation and culture of human and mouse blood/tissue-derived primary cells, such as PBMC, T cells, B cells, myeloid cells, splenocytes, stromal cells, etc.
• Expertise in culture of mammalian cell lines and reporter cell lines
• Experience in functional immune-based assays, such as cell proliferation, cytokine release, ADCC, MLR, immune cell co-culture, signaling pathway analysis
• Experience in core immunology lab techniques, such as high-parameter flow cytometry, MSD and ELISA, qPCR/Nanostring/RNA-seq, DNA/RNA/protein extraction, magnetic-based cell purification, multiplex bead arrays
• Demonstrated expertise in the use of in vivo studies and common autoimmune models in rodents, with CRO management as a plus
• Experience working with large molecule treatment modalities; small molecule experience is a plus
• Proven success managing internal/external lab personnel
• Assimilates data and research findings outside of Neurocrine for application to new scientific projects
• Strong attention to detail, excellent written and oral communication skills
• Proactive, innovative, with good problem-solving skills
• Ability to work in a cross functional team and matrix environment
• Ability to influence others with or without authority at all levels of the organization
• Excellent written, presentation, and verbal communication skills
• 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
• Ability to lead teams
• Excellent computer skills
• Strong communications, problem-solving, analytical thinking skills
• Detail oriented yet can see broader picture of…