At AbbVie, Preclinical Safety (PCS) is responsible for all aspects of Safety Pharmacology, Toxicology, Pathology, and Comparative Medicine. We partner with Discovery teams to select and investigate new targets and lead molecules, and work with project teams to develop and execute non-clinical safety development plans that support projects from pre-IND through registration and post-marketing phases. The Department of Safety Pharmacology in PCS at AbbVie has an opening for postdoctoral fellow position to investigate the mechanisms of Troponin release and distinguish between non-lethal, stress-induced Troponin release versus cardiotoxic, cell death-mediated release. This postdoctoral position will be based at Lake County, Illinois. The assignment is expected to be two years minimally and up to three years.

Key responsibilities:

The development of high sensitivity Troponin assays has called in to question whether any/all Troponin release is clinically relevant. This position will focus on characterizing the mechanisms of Troponin release resulting from cardiomyocyte cell death as well as non-lethal, stress-induced events in both cardiovascular models (acutely instrumented and conscious telemetry implanted) as well as in-vitro (cell culture, Western blotting, biochemical assays, etc.)/ex-vivo (isolated tissue) systems.  Ultimately these studies will aim to help PCS distinguish between manageable and concerning Troponin release in future pre-clinical studies of investigational compounds.

• Work with in vitro and in vivo teams within Safety Pharmacology and Integrative Toxicology and Pathology to design, carry out, and analyze data.
• Conduct relevant literature searches for current theories and protocols.
• Collaborate internally and externally with subject matter experts.
• Optimize, troubleshoot, and validate existing and new technologies within Abbvie.
• Present and report data at internal and external meetings and publish in top-tier journals.

• Successful completion and defense of a Ph.D with a background in biology, physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, or related field with a preferred background in cardiovascular biology.
• Recent graduate from accredited and nationally ranked university.
• Demonstrated skills in in vitro and in vivo experimentation (large animal experience is preferred)
• Record of scientific publications in reputable journals
• Demonstrated ability to learn, understand and master new technologies.

Application requirements:

• Curriculum Vitae
• A narrative on why your academic training qualifies you for this position and why you have an interest in this position.
• Three letters of recommendation, preferably one from your PI and at least one from a member of your thesis committee.
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Key AbbVie Competencies:

• Builds strong relationships within and outside a team to enable higher performance.
• Learns fast and grasps the “essence” of a result and can change course quickly when indicated.
• Raises the bar and is never satisfied with the status quo.
• Creates a learning environment, open to suggestions and experimentation for improvement.
• Embraces the ideas of others, nurtures innovation and manages innovation to reality.