Principal Research Scientist II, Biologics CMC Developability

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.

The Biologics CMC Developability (BCD) team is an integral part of Biologics CMC Drug Product Development group at AbbVie. The BCD team conducts biophysical, physicochemical, and forced degradation developability assessments of discovery-stage biologic drug candidates to identify liabilities and platform suitability, helping in the selection of lead candidates for pipeline advancement. We have an exciting opportunity for a motivated scientific leader to join the AbbVie Biologics CMC Developability team based in Worcester, MA.

• Champions advanced biophysics and automation workflows for Biologics CMC Developability screening
• Leads Genetic Medicine AAV characterization and Developability assessment to enable CMC Development
• Designs and implements advanced Biophysics assays for Developability screening of discovery-stage biologics including new modalities, helping select suitable candidate molecules for drug pipeline development
• Leads an Automation team (including a Senior Scientist) for high-throughput, miniaturized, data-capturing biophysical and physicochemical developability screening of Biologics
• Genetic Medicine AAV: Establishes characterization methods and Biologics CMC drug product development selection criteria for new Genetic Medicine modalities such as AAV. Assists in formulation screening and drug product platform development for new genetic medicine AAV modalities
• Leads a team of Senior Scientists for Biologics CMC developability screening of new biologic modalities including complex discovery biologic constructs
• Advances scientific expertise within function. Identifies emerging scientific trends from multiple internal and external sources and assesses relevance. Proactively advises and shares knowledge and expert opinions with subordinates, peers, and senior management. Mentors and trains functional colleagues
• Discipline expert and contact, drives functional performance by designing and implementing studies aimed at new or improved products

• Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemical Engineering or equivalent with 8 years of related work experience; Master’s Degree Science, PharmD, or equivalent with 14 years of related work experience
• Proven ability to innovate with a history of new or improved product releases
• Expertise in biophysical and physicochemical characterization of biologics and genetic medicine AAV modalities. Extensive hands-on experience with diverse biologic drug formats
• Detailed knowledge of protein structure, biophysical characterization, protein purification, developability and formulation screening of biologics and genetic medicine modalities
• Extensive experience in protein and genetic medicine biophysical and biochemical characterization techniques, including chromatography (size-exclusion, ion exchange and hydrophobic interaction chromatography), differential scanning calorimetry & fluorimetry, dynamic light scattering, UV-VIS and fluorescence spectroscopy, imaged capillary isoelectric focusing, capillary electrophoresis, particle and viscosity measurements, mass spectrometry, analytical ultracentrifugation, genetic medicine AAV characterization
• Detailed knowledge and track record of genetic medicine AAV characterization, formulation and drug product development
• Prior experience in high-throughput automation and innovation. Strong interest and background in state-of-art instrumental techniques relevant to biologics and genetic medicine developability screening and drug product development
• Interacts well with diverse groups within function and maintains strong working relationships with internal and external collaborators
• Demonstrated track record of independent thinking, creativity, and scientific accomplishment including recent publication track record
• Experienced external presenter at Biologics and Genetic Medicine conferences
• Manage responsibility for multiple projects; self-motivated
• Prior experience in leading a team and mentorship of junior scientists
• Team player with excellent collaboration and communication skills

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

• 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. 

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