Scientific Director, Bioconjugation Development

Neurocrine Biosciences

US CA San Diego Onsite Research And Development Group

About this role

Who We Are:

Neurocrine Biosciences is a leading biopharmaceutical company with a simple purpose: to relieve suffering for people with great needs. We are dedicated to discovering, developing and commercializing life-changing treatments for patients with under-addressed neurological, psychiatric, endocrine and immunological disorders. The company's diverse portfolio includes FDA-approved treatments for tardive dyskinesia, chorea associated with Huntington's disease, classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia, hyperphagia in patients with Prader-Willi syndrome, 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 more than 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, Facebook and YouTube. (*in collaboration with AbbVie)

About the Role:

Set the long-term scientific vision for bioconjugation development, shaping portfolio strategy for next-generation antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), antibody-peptide conjugates (APCs), antibody-oligonucleotide conjugates (AOCs), and related targeted delivery platforms. This leadership role drives innovation in conjugation technologies, linker-payload design, manufacturability, and product development, while strengthening external scientific engagement and ensuring deep product understanding, CMC excellence, and regulatory credibility remain central to organizational decision-making. By guiding functional development and aligning bioconjugation strategy with business priorities, you will have broad impact on both current programs and future platform development.

Your Contributions (include, but are not limited to):

Lead teams driving strategic bioconjugation development initiatives across the portfolio
Establish long-term scientific vision for ADC, APC, AOC, and emerging bioconjugate modalities, influencing enterprise strategy
Lead design and execution of departmental strategies and policies for bioconjugate process development
Maintain strategic oversight of functional deliverables
Drive cross-functional initiatives with department-wide impact across discovery, manufacturing, quality, and regulatory functions
Develop and oversee enterprise-level risk management strategies for bioconjugate products, platforms, and manufacturing processes
Manage external manufacturing partnerships strategically
Lead innovation initiatives across bioconjugation technologies, linker chemistries, payloads, and targeted delivery platforms
Guide strategic direction of multiple development programs from candidate selection through commercialization
Influence enterprise-level decision making
Develop functional capabilities and leadership talent in bioconjugation development
Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements:

BS/BA in chemistry, biochemistry, biology, or similar scientific discipline and 12+ years of relevant experience OR
MS/MA in chemistry, biochemistry, biology, or similar scientific discipline and 10+ years of relevant experience OR
PhD in chemistry, biochemistry, biology, or similar scientific discipline or equivalent and 8+ years of relevant experience
Expert in bioconjugate development strategies including site-specific conjugation technologies, DAR control, and late stage/commercial bioconjugate development
Extensive experience with bioconjugate manufacturing, technology transfer, and commercialization
Comprehensive regulatory knowledge for bioconjugate therapeutics
Advanced cross-functional leadership across discovery, CMC, quality, regulatory, and external partner organizations
Guides enterprise-level bioconjugation development initiatives and platform strategies
Demonstrates strategic execution excellence in advancing complex programs
Drives the strategic direction of the functional area
Broad scientific mastery guiding organizational leadership
Widely recognized scientific authority in bioconjugation, conjugation chemistry, or related disciplines
Deep understanding of business strategy and corporate objectives
Communicates scientific direction across the organization
Translates strategy into actionable plans
Leads multiple teams effectively
Mentors mid-level leaders
Exceptional communication and influence skills
Develops long-term organizational vision
Strong executive-level project leadership
Shapes organizational practices strategically
Influences external stakeholders

#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 $185,600.00-$253,000.00. 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 35% 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.