Postdoc - Postdoctoral Research Fellow: Delivery of Targeted Protein Degrader Initiative

AbbVie is a global, research-based biopharmaceutical company with a mission to use expertise of dedicated people and unique approach to innovation and to develop advanced therapies that address some of the world's most complex and serious diseases. The Postdoctoral Program is designed for true investigational and experimental research. Participants will be mentored by renowned industry scientists and collaborators at AbbVie and focused on delivering cutting-edge advancements in discovery, development new treatment modalities. The enriching training program offers a balance of structured learning and work experience which fosters a learning environment to advance individual development with accessibility to high-level knowledge building across the drug development continuum.

To be successful, we need outstanding individuals willing to challenge themselves to find the best solutions for our patients. The AbbVie Postdoctoral Program is one way we are doing just that.

Through our Postdoctoral Program, we are hiring postdocs from key academic institutions for preferred areas of science in the U.S., while providing a unique opportunity for participants to build a solid career foundation in the pharmaceutical industry while building the AbbVie brand as an employer of choice for scientific talent. Participants in the Postdoctoral Program play an integral part in our continued success and will help us to further grow as a leader in our industry. The successful candidate will conduct novel and impactful research over a 2-3-year period. High-impact publications and presentations at scientific meetings are expected outcomes along with the opportunity to gain valuable experience working within a top-tier biopharmaceutical company. This assignment is expected to be for two years minimally and no more than three years.

Post-doc: Project Overview and Aim

Targeted protein degradation (TPD) is an exciting new area in drug discovery and development. It uses heterobifunctional small molecule "degraders" to achieve knockdown of target proteins within cells with potential applications in developing breakthrough therapeutic modalities in oncology, immunology, CNS and other diseases. However, much work remains to translate this R&D endeavor into a successful treatment for patients. Among challenges facing development scientists are stability, in vivo drug delivery and biodistribution.

Most degrader molecules occupy a differentiated chemical space that presents unique challenges to effective systemic delivery, particularly via oral route. Based on the available database, feasibility of oral delivery depends on a range of physicochemical and biological parameters. Depending on PK/PD of the individual molecules, modification of the rate/kinetics of drug input may also be required for efficacy and safety, adding to the challenges. Therefore, it can be highly beneficial to investigate effective delivery approaches for enabling and/or enhancing systemic absorption of degraders through fundamental understanding of the physical, chemical and biological barriers to absorption of this new chemical modality.

The aim of this project is to develop rational formulation approaches to (1) enable, (2) enhance and/or (3) modify oral and non-oral absorption where necessary based on understanding of the primary absorption barriers of the degraders.

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Specific aims will include:

1. Understand absorption barriers associated with degraders for different target ligands and proteins based on evaluation of structure-property-absorption relationship using available internal and external database
2. Select at least 2 tool compounds with different drug delivery challenges
3. Design and test formulation approaches to achieve, improve and/or modify drug delivery
   
   • Conduct physicochemical and biopharmaceutical characterization and in vitro, in-situ and in vivo studies
4. Test the applicability of the study findings to internal degrader candidates
5. Propose a systematic approach for overcoming delivery obstacles of degraders

Basic Qualifications

• Successful completion and defense of a PhD in pharmaceutics, chemistry or chemical engineering or in the related fields with a demonstrated interest in drug development research. Minimum graduate school GPA 3.5. Graduate of accredited and nationally ranked university.
• Understanding of basic principles with hands-on experience in experimental techniques of physicochemical and biopharmaceutical characterization.
• Excellent problem-solving skills including critical and analytical thinking.
• Demonstrated scientific writing skills and strong verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to independently design and execute experiments, interpret data, and identify appropriate follow-up strategies.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and project management skills.
• Proven track record of teamwork, adaptability, innovation, initiative, and integrity. Global mindset to thrive in a diverse culture and environment.
• Ability to multitask and work within timelines.
• Work authorization in the United States

Preferred Qualifications:

• Fundamental knowledge in pharmaceutical sciences, physical chemistry, organic chemistry, analytical chemistry and biochemistry.
• Record of publication of at least two high-quality papers in a top-tier review journal(s)
• Provide three letters of recommendation including thesis advisor

• For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com . Follow @abbvie on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn. At AbbVie, we value bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds to develop new and innovative solutions for patients. As an equal opportunity employer, we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, (including pregnancy), physical
• Apply: http://k.rfer.us/ABBVIEKzICba