Associate Scientist - Animal Care

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 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:

Supports preclinical research and drug discovery programs through routine animal care, colony management, and in vivo research activities under the guidance of experienced scientists and animal care professionals. Assists with maintaining research animal colonies, performing established experimental procedures, and collecting and documenting scientific data to support research studies. Collaborates with scientists, veterinarians, and animal care staff to ensure animal welfare, accurate documentation, and timely study execution in accordance with institutional policies and regulatory requirements.

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

• Supports routine animal care and colony management activities for preclinical research programs under established procedures and supervision
  Assists with maintaining genetically engineered mouse colonies, including breeding activities, weaning, identification, and colony record management
• Performs routine animal handling, monitoring, and husbandry-related procedures in accordance with approved protocols and animal welfare guidelines
  Collects and processes biological samples, including tissue samples for genotyping, using established laboratory procedures
• Performs routine laboratory techniques, including DNA extraction, PCR, and/or qPCR assays, under guidance and according to established protocols
• Assists with in vivo pharmacology studies, including animal preparation, dosing, sample collection, and study monitoring, as trained and authorized
• Supports compound administration using approved dosing techniques and routes under appropriate supervision
• Assists with surgical procedures and perioperative activities, including animal preparation, monitoring, and post-procedure care, as trained and authorized
• Monitors animal health and welfare, accurately records observations, and promptly communicates concerns to appropriate scientific and veterinary personnel
• Maintains accurate and timely documentation of colony activities, experimental procedures, sample collection, and research data
• Supports routine laboratory and animal facility operations, including equipment preparation, supply organization, inventory management, and maintenance of clean work areas
• Collaborates with scientists, colony management, veterinary personnel, and animal care staff to support research activities and study timelines
• Follows established standard operating procedures, institutional animal care requirements, laboratory safety practices, and applicable regulatory guidelines
• Identifies and communicates unexpected observations, procedural deviations, or technical issues to supervisors or experienced team members
• Participates in training and develops technical proficiency in animal care, laboratory procedures, and preclinical research techniques
• Performs other duties as assigned

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Animal Science, Pharmacology, or a related scientific discipline and 0–1 years of applicable experience OR
• 4+ years of applicable experience/training
• Foundational understanding of scientific principles, laboratory practices, and established research methods
• Ability to perform routine scientific and technical activities under supervision and according to established protocols
• Developing analytical thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to recognize unexpected results and escalate issues appropriately
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills and the ability to maintain accurate scientific records
• Basic understanding of data collection, documentation practices, and research data integrity
• Ability to follow written instructions, standard operating procedures, and applicable safety requirements
• Effective written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with scientists, technical staff, and cross-functional team members
• Ability to prioritize assigned tasks and meet established timelines with guidance
• Willingness to learn new techniques and develop scientific and technical proficiency
• Foundational knowledge of laboratory animal care, handling, and research procedures
• Familiarity with rodent colony management, breeding, identification, and recordkeeping practices
• Academic or practical exposure to in vivo research techniques, animal handling, and biological sample collection
• Familiarity with molecular biology techniques, including DNA extraction, PCR, and qPCR, preferred
• Understanding of animal welfare principles and applicable institutional animal care requirements
• Familiarity with IACUC-approved protocols and laboratory animal research regulations preferred
• Exposure to animal dosing, tissue collection, necropsy, or surgical support procedures preferred
• Ability to learn and perform established animal care and laboratory procedures following appropriate training
• Commitment to animal welfare, scientific integrity, and compliance with established research protocols

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.

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The hourly rate we reasonably expect to pay is $23.42-$31.92. 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 15% 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.