Principal Scientist, In Vitro Pharmacology

Crinetics is a pharmaceutical company based in San Diego, California, developing much-needed therapies for people with endocrine diseases and endocrine-related tumors. We were founded by a dedicated team of scientists with the simple belief that better therapies developed from rigorous innovation can lead to better lives. Our work continues to make a real difference in the lives of patients. We have a prolific discovery engine and a robust preclinical and clinical development pipeline. We are driven by science with a patient-centric and team-oriented culture. Crinetics is known for its inclusive workplace culture. We are also a dog-friendly workplace. This is an exciting time to join Crinetics as we shape our organization into the world’s premier fully integrated endocrine company from discovery to patients. Join our team as we transform the lives of others.

Position Summary:

We are seeking a highly motivated and collaborative Principal Scientist with experience in GPCR pharmacology and drug discovery to join our growing and dynamic in vitro pharmacology team. A successful candidate will be responsible for providing in vitro pharmacology leadership for lead optimization campaigns, mechanism of action studies, and new target efforts in endocrinology.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities:

These may include but are not limited to:

• Lead and manage a small team of junior scientists, promoting collaboration, efficiency, and innovative science.
• Design, develop, validate, and execute in vitro assays that support drug discovery programs.
• Conduct critical analysis and interpret data into meaningful understanding of small molecule ligand activity and mechanism of action.
• Demonstrate high level of initiative to oversee, troubleshoot, and accurately perform data analysis in an environment that values scientific integrity and quality.
• Conduct resource management to deliver critical in vitro pharmacology data to support multiple programs simultaneously.
• Lead and/or provide in vitro pharmacology leadership role on cross-functional program teams.
• Interpret and demonstrate effective written and oral communication of results to interdisciplinary teams.
• Participate in the strategic planning of departmental growth and organization.
• Lead external collaborations and outsourced studies.
• Identify and evaluate new research targets within therapeutic areas of interest.
• Author scientific publications and prepare technical reports to support regulatory submissions.
• Ensure compliance with company established practices and procedures, including laboratory notebooks, computer files, quality and regulatory guidelines, and safety standards.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

Required:

• Ph.D. in Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Biology, or related discipline with a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience. Applicants with BS or MS degrees must demonstrate a minimum of 18 years of significant and relevant experience.
• At least 7 years of experience with drug discovery and small molecule pharmacology at therapeutically relevant GPCRs or related field.
• Demonstrated technical proficiency in biochemical, cellular, and/or radioligand binding assay systems and ability to ensure highest quality of in vitro assay data.
• Ability to independently determine in vitro pharmacologic methods and procedures to achieve Program goals.
• Outstanding experimental design, problem-solving, and data analysis skills and the ability to independently establish in vitro pharmacologic approaches to achieve program goals.
• Demonstrated practical experience and deep understanding of in vitro pharmacological theory, models, mechanisms, and experimental design, particularly with GPCRs
• Must be independent and able to follow pre-established experimental designs, as well as develop new methods, protocols, and technologies based on existing literature.
• Strong work ethic and enthusiasm for a mix of laboratory work and management in a dynamic environment.
• Experience in management and daily supervision of scientific staff is highly preferred.
• Experience in program management/leadership desired.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Experience with writing reports and technical regulatory documents
• Must be detail-oriented, punctual, and reliable.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt to change.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

Physical Activities: On a continuous basis, sit at desk for a long period of time; intermittently answer telephone and write or use a keyboard to communicate through written means. Some walking and lifting up to 25 lbs. may be required. The noise level in the work environment is typically low to moderate. The physical demands described above are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions and responsibilities of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and responsibilities.

Laboratory Activities (if applicable): Biology and chemical laboratory environment experience needed. Environmental health and safety requirements also apply.

Travel:

You may be required to travel for up to 5% of your time.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Crinetics is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and employment applicants without regard to unlawful considerations of sex, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity and/or expression), pregnancy, race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, religion or similar philosophical beliefs, disability, marital and civil union status, age, genetic information, veteran status or any personal attribute or characteristic that is protected by applicable local, state or federal laws.

Salary Range

The salary range for this position is: $158,000 - $197,000.

In addition to your base pay, our total rewards program consists of a discretionary annual target bonus, stock options, ESPP, and 401k match. We also provide top-notch health insurance plans for employees (and their families) to include medical, dental, vision and basic life insurance, 20 days of PTO, 10 paid holidays, and a winter company shutdown.