Senior Scientist, Purification (Neurotoxin & Biologics Process Science)

About AbbVie
AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines 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, eye care, virology, women's health and gastroenterology, in addition to products and services across its Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com . Follow @abbvie on Twitter , Facebook , Instagram , YouTube and LinkedIn .

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What Your New Manager Wants You To Know
The Scientist, purification will be an instrumental team member of the Biologics Development Process Sciences Department, based in Irvine, CA. The primary role of the scientist, purification is to execute of all aspects of purification process development, process scale up and operation of high-throughput equipment (Tecan liquid handling system). Particularly, the position is responsible for independently plan, design, and execute the experiments and develop processes to support the purification of natural and recombinant proteins from bacterial cell cultures at small and intermediate scale during various stages of development.

This hands-on position is responsible for the development of experimental methods, techniques and processes by applying quality by design (QbD), scientific and/or engineering principles and statistical process design/analysis to develop robust purification processes. The scientist in this position is expected to possess a clear understanding and in-depth knowledge and experience including but not limited to: chromatography processes, resins screening via high-throughput liquid handling system, ultrafiltration/diafiltration, process characterization and optimization, process scale up, scale down model qualifications and validation. This incumbent also conducts research in the area of purification sciences in support of innovative process/product development both for new biological entity and life-cycle management of the product. The ability to demonstrate a significant level of hands on experience in several of these areas is expected. Additional responsibilities include data analysis, troubleshooting process and equipment, participation in project teams, lab inventory and organization, maintaining detailed records of batches and experiments.

This position also requires a desire and ability to work as an integral part of a team and supporting drug discovery teams as well as demonstrate a high degree of flexibility, creativity, and initiative applied to the various duties and aspects of position.

Furthermore, the position requires the individual to work with regulated Select Agents and Toxins access (i.e. Biosafety level 2 and biosafety level 3 laboratories). Access to and use of select agents is regulated by federal policies. Therefore, the candidate must conduct all work activities in compliance with AbbVie internal and applicable regulatory requirements including health screening and background checks. AbbVie internal requirements include compliance with ethics, environmental health and safety, financial, human resources, and general business policies, requirements and objectives.

You Will
• Have hands on laboratory bench work to develop and prepare biologics products candidates for various groups with tight timelines.
• Independently operate and have sound knowledge of Tecan liquid handling (Evo/Fluent), AKTA pure, AKTA Ready chromatography systems and tangential flow filtration system. Position requires proficient knowledge and hands on experience of clarification equipment as well.
• Experience in the purification technologies and down-stream process development, process characterization, biochemical techniques and DOEs is required.
• Conduct routine down-stream purification operations relating to Tecan liquid handling (Evo/Fluent), AKTA chromatography system prep: assembly/disassembly, in process sampling and media/buffer/reagent prep and able to troubleshoot operational and equipment issues.
• Willing to work with and handle potent neurotoxins and in-process samples that contain neurotoxin and neurotoxin expressing organisms. Ability to perform all operation and manipulation under a biosafety laminar flow hood.
• Follow study protocols and execute experiments independently (or minimal supervision) at small scales and large scale.
• Demonstrate technical competence in executing purification experiments utilizing detailed knowledge of standard analytical techniques in purification process development and data analysis.
• Author and edit development batch records and associated standard operating procedures. Compile experimental batch records and documents/inventory for in-process samples in the inventory system.
• Additional responsibilities are lab supply inventory and organization. Individual will evaluate lab equipment and procure the necessary supplies to ensure continual successful lab operations.
• Assist purification team in tech transfer for process developed at small scale to early stage process development laboratory (internally or externally).
• Complete training consistent with safety, technical, operational, process, and other skill/ knowledge requirements for the position. Maintain all training to current status. Support safety program and ensure safety in all routine and new operations by strictly following SOPs.

Qualifications

You Bring

• PhD in Biological Science, Biochemistry, Protein Chemistry, Biochemical/Chemical Engineering or a related Life Science field with 1-2 years of relevant industrial experience or MS with 4+ years or BS with 7+ years of related work experience.
• Hands-on experience in the operation of purification AKTA chromatography system and Tecan liquid handling (Evo/Fluent), are required.
• Extended knowledge of chemical principles applicable to protein purification.
• Demonstrate success in technical proficiency, scientific creativity, collaboration with others and independent thought

Job Type
Standard

Schedule
Full-time

Equal Employment Opportunity
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 or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.