Senior Scientist II, Biologics Drug Product Development

AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines and solutions that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas – immunology, oncology, neuroscience, and eye care – and products and services in our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and Tik Tok.

Background of Biologics Drug Product Development

The Biologics Drug Product Development (BIO DPD) team develops antibody drug conjugates (ADC) and other biologics by state-of-the-art formulation and analytical technologies. We create valuable intellectual property through new formulation compositions, cost effective manufacturing processes and prepare and defend CMC (Chemistry, Manufacturing and Control) regulatory content.

We are looking for a highly motivated person to support Developability assessments for candidate molecules across a range of modalities. The candidate will support early-stage assessment of candidates coming out of the Discovery pipeline. In this role, the candidate will be part of a global team and will work closely with scientists from multiple functional areas, including Discovery, Analytical, and Process R&D.

Your Responsibilities:

• Characterization of Oligonucleotides (siRNA, mRNA), monoclonal antibodies, Antibody-Conjugates (various payloads), novel multi-specifics, and gene therapies via LCMS and physiochemical assessments
• Employ modern LC-MS instruments and techniques to understand degradation pathways and gain insight into therapeutic biologic molecules and assess their quality
• Experience evaluating the stability (chemical & physical) of biologics against solution conditions (pH, ionic strength, temperature, light, etc.) using standard analytical approaches
• Compilation and assessment of analytical data regarding function and stability of molecules to support candidate screening in a high throughput manner. Elucidation of structure and impurity/variant characterization of protein and oligonucleotide-based drug materials.
• Ability to build and manage strategic alignments with key stakeholders, revise and improve business workflows, manage project timelines and resources.  Contribute to development of CMC development path for assigned discovery projects together with clients from various discovery and development functions with an emphasis on collaboration, quality and with a sense of urgency.
• Operate in a matrix team environment, aligning across and executing shared departmental and divisional strategies.  Additionally, the candidate has communication skills, confidence and experience to influence strategic outcomes with stakeholders and matrix teams as needed.
• Data review, documentation and preparation of technical memos and reports.
• Mentor junior staff on troubleshooting equipment and experimental problems
• Provision of scientific expertise and engagement in cross-functional teams within AbbVie. Takes initiative to develop independent research ideas and pursues scientific questions that may arise during candidate selection/ nomination screening studies.  Presents data at internal and external professional conferences and prepares manuscripts for publication in peer reviewed journals or patent applications.

• Bachelor’s Degree with 12+ years’ experience, Masters with 10+ years’ experience, or a PhD with 4+ years experience with a degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, (structural) biology or related field
• At least 4 years of experience in comprehensive LCMS characterization of oligonucleotides and therapeutic antibodies in an industry setting are beneficial
• Experience with characterization of genetic medicines, including AAVs and LNPs, is highly desired
• Deep understanding of biologics characterization by LC/ESI-HR-MS (e.g. peptide Mapping, intact mass analysis) and insights into the causes of protein degradation
• Knowledge of functional excipient degradation pathways is a plus
• Experience in determination of PTM and chemical modifications and their influence on the molecule’s function and structure
• Additional robotics expertise and protein analytical experience (e.g. SEC, IEX, HIC, CE) is beneficial 
• Highly motivated, self-driven and results-oriented person with excellent communication and presentation skills
• High degree of flexibility in adapting to different projects and people; embraces the ideas of others, nurtures innovation and manages innovation to reality
• Excellent team player with the ability to build strong networks with peers

Key AbbVie Competencies:

• Builds strong relationships with peers and cross functionally with partners outside of teams to enable higher performance.
• Learns fast, grasps the "essence" and can change course quickly where 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.

Level and compensation will be commensurate with experience.

An equal opportunity employer. AbbVie welcomes and encourages diversity in our workforce.

Applicable only to applicants applying to a position in any location with pay disclosure requirements under state or local law: ​

• This is an on-site opportunity located at AbbVie Bioresearch Center (ABC) in Worcester, MA. 
• The compensation range described below is the range of possible base pay compensation that the Company believes in good faith it will pay for this role at the time of this posting based on the job grade for this position. Individual compensation paid within this range will depend on many factors including geographic location, and we may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This range may be modified in the future.​
• We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick), medical/dental/vision insurance and 401(k) to eligible employees.​
• This job is eligible to participate in our short-term incentive programs. ​
• This job is eligible to participate in our long-term incentive programs​

Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, incentive, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole and absolute discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole and absolute discretion, consistent with applicable law. 

AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives and serving our community.  Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled. 

US & Puerto Rico only - to learn more, visit https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/equal-employment-opportunity-employer.html

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