Senior Research Scientist I - Tissue Materials Science (Plastic Surgery)

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.

Senior Research Scientist I - Tissue Materials Science (Plastic Surgery) – Irvine, CA

What your manager wants you to know: “I’m looking for a strong biological scientist/biomedical engineer who is a team player ready to contribute to a dynamic, innovative, and scientifically oriented organization. Ideally, you’re not afraid to voice any concerns and influence others as the best science is done through active engagement.  If you enjoy science, innovation, and being in the lab and want to be part of a team that collaborates across multiple disciplines and functions to support the Allergan Aesthetics’ Medical Device franchises, I would be very interested in receiving your resume.  We can discuss what you can bring to the team and what you aspire to do in the future.”

Allergan Aesthetics, Device Biology R&D, is seeking a Senior Scientist I with a background in biological research/biomedical engineering who will provide highly skilled scientific and experimental support to R&D project teams for Pre-Concept, New Product Development, and/or Performance Teams supporting our Plastic Surgery/Regenerative Medicine franchise.  This individual will be expected to develop, perform, and analyze in vitro, in vivo (animal-based testing), and/or ex vivo safety and efficacy evaluations of cell/tissue interactions with novel silicone-based medical devices, possibly in conjunction with other biomaterials- or cell/tissue-based products for plastic surgery/breast surgery applications.

This involves performing in vitro and animal-based testing, including independently developing and implementing new assays tailored to evaluating device performance utilizing various cell & molecular biology and/or material characterization methods.  Techniques employed may include animal surgery, live imaging, cell culture, microscopy, PCR, ELISA, histology, flow cytometry evaluation of cells and tissues, and material characterization.  Additional day-to-day activities may include mentoring junior scientific team members, staying current with literature/scientific advances in the relevant therapeutic area(s), and lab support activities.  Creativity, acute attention to detail, strong communication skills, as well as the ability to successfully operate independently and as part of a team-based environment is crucial.

Responsibilities:

• Responsible for creating detailed project plans including scientific hypothesis-driven strategy and realistic deliverables with timelines. Actively involved in the planning, execution, and management of experimental studies for characterization of the safety and efficacy of novel and existing products
• Actively works in a team environment. Frequent communication is essential and must interface with colleagues in Device Biology Research and Product Development, as well as other departments such as Marketing, Regulatory Affairs, and Medical Affairs.  May serve as sub-team or core team member, providing support as needed for Pre-Concept, Development, and/or Performance Teams
• Organizes, schedules, and participates in project team meetings to define and schedule project activities and review completed tasks.  Communicates project status to supervisor, project team leader, other research managers, and R&D committees as appropriate. Prepares time and cost estimates of project activities to achieve realistic project completion dates
• Write, review, and issue technical reports, technical memoranda, and other documents for internal and external distribution.  Also prepares data summaries from lab studies for dissemination of information in scientific and management presentations.  Works closely with Allergan patent counsel in generating IP documentation. Publish technical articles that are consistent with the goals of the organization

Qualifications

• Ph.D. and 0-2+ years of industry experience or Master’s degree and 5+ years of industry experience.  Degree in a related scientific or engineering discipline (molecular cell biology, immunology, biomedical engineering, materials/polymer science, or similar)
• Prior experience in a medical device or pharmaceutical company or related research setting with a proven record of success in conducting R&D projects
• Proven track record of scientific hypothesis-driven research and creative problem-solving
• Ability to communicate complex technical information in a clear and easy-to-understand way (both verbally and in writing)
• Experience conducting in vivo research and willingness to perform in vivo, ex vivo, and in vitro research activities required
• Hands-on experience with performing small and large animal surgeries is a plus
• Experience in using and applying statistical and programs (e.g., Minitab).
• Experience managing outsourced research activities is a plus.
• Experience with silicone-based biomaterials and/or mechanobiology is a plus
• Knowledge of design, fabrication, and/or characterization of biological and synthetic biomaterials (e.g., biochemical, biophysical, and structural properties) is a plus

 ABBVIE LEADERSHIP SKILLS:

• Excellence Focused
• Open and Authentic
• Ownership Thinker