Protein Engineering Scientist, Gene Therapy Engineering

Protein Engineering Scientist, Gene Therapy Engineering

Join Neurocrine Biosciences and apply for the Protein Engineering Scientist, Gene Therapy Engineering role.

At Neurocrine Biosciences, we pride ourselves on a strong, inclusive, and positive culture based on our shared purpose and values. We are passionate about our people and our purpose—to relieve suffering for people with great needs.

Neurocrine Biosciences is a leading neuroscience‑focused, biopharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering and developing life‑changing treatments for patients with under‑addressed neurological, neuroendocrine, and neuropsychiatric disorders. Our portfolio includes FDA‑approved therapies for tardive dyskinesia, chorea associated with Huntington’s disease, classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia, endometriosis, and uterine fibroids, as well as a robust pipeline of mid‑ to late‑phase clinical candidates. We relentlessly pursue medicines that ease the burden of debilitating diseases and disorders, because you deserve brave science.

Perform protein engineering to advance the development of novel gene therapies. Design and perform protein variants and conduct in vitro screening for improved tropism and other critical attributes. Work with our collaboration partners and internal colleagues in research, CMC, and business development on new and existing programs.

• Design, produce, and screen novel protein modifications of differing biological modalities to advance gene therapy programs.
• Apply rational structural and computational approaches in protein engineering for improved attributes aligning with program goals.
• Design and execute molecular biology and in‑vitro experiments in support of gene therapy programs.
• Independently recommend alternatives, research new methods and techniques, and proactively seek out senior personnel to discuss potential solutions.
• Prepare data summaries and present results to peers and colleagues at Neurocrine.
• Provide training and/or supervision to junior staff, as needed.
• Other tasks as assigned.

• BS/BA degree in biology and 2+ years of relevant experience OR
• MS/MA degree in biology and some relevant industry experience preferred OR
• PhD or equivalent and some relevant experience
• Knowledge of protein engineering, including structural analysis and application of computational approaches.
• Expertise in molecular biology, including techniques such as PCR, digital PCR, gel electrophoresis, western blot/ELISA, plasmid design, cloning, and sequencing.
• Experience in cell culture work, especially AAV or antibody production, including plasmid transfection, cell material processing, and purification.
• Programming proficiency is strongly preferred, especially in Python.
• Familiarity with protein engineering tools, such as PyMol, Mol Star, and Alpha Fold; experience with ML applications such as Diff Dock, Boltz Gen, etc. are a plus.
• Backgrounds in neuroscience and/or sequencing technologies are a plus.
• 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.
• Ability to work as part of teams.
• Excellent computer skills.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to meet multiple deadlines across a variety of projects/programs, with a high degree of accuracy and efficiency.

Neurocrine Biosciences is an EEO/Disability/Vets employer.

The annual base salary we reasonably expect to pay is $89,800.00‐$. 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.