Sr. Scientist, Neurotoxin & Biologics Process Sciences (Purification)

We develop, manufacture, and market a portfolio of leading aesthetics brands and therapeutical products. Our aesthetics portfolio includes facial injectables, body contouring, plastics, skin care, and more. The therapeutics portfolio includes eye care, and novel technology of drug delivery, sustained release of therapeutics.

With our own research and development function focused on driving innovation, we're committed to providing the most comprehensive science-based product offering available.

Joining the Abbvie, Irvine, CA based team will inspire you to aim high with your ambition.  As a member of the Neurotoxin Research & Development team, you will be responsible for supporting  iconic brands  in the Industry.

AbbVie is recruiting for a Sr. Scientist, Purification position in the Department of Neurotoxin & Biologics Process Sciences (NBPS), at its Irvine, CA site.

The Sr. Scientist, Purification will be an instrumental team member of the NBPS group. The primary roles of this position are to independently plan, design, and execute the experiments and develop processes to support the purification of natural and recombinant proteins (including neurotoxins) from bacterial cultures at small and pilot scales during various stages of development. This hands-on position is responsible for designing and executing all aspects of purification studies from high-through-put screening, process development, process characterization, process scale-up/down, and providing technical support for cGMP manufacturing, quality, and regulatory activities.

The candidate must have in-depth knowledge and experience including chromatography processes, ultrafiltration/diafiltration, process optimization, process scale up, scale down model qualifications and validation. Some experience of high-through-put equipment such as Tecan liquid handling system is desired. This incumbent also conducts research in purification sciences in support of innovative process/product development both for new biological entity and life-cycle management of the product. The successful candidate is required to have proven experience of technology transfer to the global manufacturing network (internal or external) including documentation and know-how. The incumbent will represent department and participate in CMC/project team meetings, prepare research reports and present findings in the multidisciplinary team environment. 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. The incumbent will exhibit leadership skills that results in good performance and career development of junior staff and possess excellent communication (oral and written) and interpersonal skills.

The position requires the individual to work with and in areas requiring select agents 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’s internal and applicable regulatory requirements. AbbVie internal requirements include compliance with ethics, environmental health and safety, financial, human resources, and general business policies, requirements, and objectives.

Qualifications

The position requires a Ph.D. level education preferably in Biological Sciences or biochemical/chemical engineering with 4+ years, M.S. with 8+ years of relevant industrial experience, or B.S. with 10+ years of relevant industrial experience. Experiences in the purification technology, downstream process development, process characterization, biochemical techniques, as well as statistical experiment design/data analysis skills are highly desired. Proficiency in purification equipment (such as AKTA systems), bioprocess related software/application, computer operations, and GMP regulations is required. Experience in developing novel manufacturing technologies is highly desirable. Working knowledge of characterization techniques used to evaluate critical quality attributes of the process is required.

Other qualifications: Proven ability to work independently as well as in team environment, multitask and ensure flexibility in a dynamic environment required. Excellent oral and written communication skills required as is experience with documentation of experimental plans, analyzing data and generating high quality technical reports. The successful candidate is required to consistently deliver on commitments and respond to internal or external customers' needs in a timely and courteous manner. Motivated to work in a team environment and an awareness to drive continuous improvements required. This position is located in Irvine, CA and may require <5% travel.

Key Leadership Competencies:

• Builds strong relationships with peers and cross-functionally with partners outside of team 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