Senior Scientist I, Downstream Process Development

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

Position Description:

The Sr. Scientist I, Downstream Process Development will be an instrumental team member of the NBPS group. The primary roles of this position are to lead the protein purification and pre-formulation studies as part of the downstream process development for natural and recombinant proteins (including neurotoxins) from bacterial cultures during early discovery and process development.

This hands-on position is responsible for designing and executing all aspects of protein purification and pre-formulation studies such as high-through-put screening, process development, process and protein characterization, process scale-up/down, and providing technical support for cGMP manufacturing, quality, and regulatory activities. In particular, the candidate is expected to establish pre-formulation capabilities and high-throughput pre-formulation workflows within the NBPS team to define process compatible buffer conditions, excipients,  protein stability  at key steps within the protein purification process. The candidate will work closely with members of the downstream, upstream, and analytical development groups in creating a collaborative environment for advancement of robust manufacturing processes. The candidate will give guidance to pilot- and commercial-scale manufacturing groups through scientifically sound and well-documented experiments in support of pre-clinical, clinical, and commercial programs.

The candidate must have in-depth knowledge and experience in protein purification and characterization, including hands-on skills on chromatography, ultrafiltration/diafiltration, process optimization, process scale- up/scale-down, and in-depth understanding of techniques for biophysical characterization and pre-formulation development. The successful candidate is expected to lead research and development studies, author research reports and present findings in the multidisciplinary team environment. The incumbent will represent the department and participate in cross-functional project team meetings. 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 result 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 protein chemistry, biophysics, or biological sciences with 0-4+ years, M.S. with 8+ years of relevant research or industrial experience, or B.S. with 10+ years of relevant research or industrial experience.
• Experiences in protein purification technology, process and protein characterization, biochemical and biophysical techniques, as well as statistical experiment design/data analysis skills are highly desired.
• Proficiency in purification equipment (such as AKTA systems), computer operations, and some understanding of GMP regulations are required.
• Experience in developing novel manufacturing technologies is highly desirable.

 

Other qualifications: Proven ability to work independently as well as in a 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.

 

Applicable to California Applicants Only 

The below range is the range that we in good faith believe is the range of possible compensation for this role at the time of this posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and this range is only applicable for jobs to be performed in California. This range may be modified in the future. 

The salary range for this role is posted below 

This job is eligible to participate in our short-term incentive program 

This job is eligible to participate in our long-term incentive programs 

We offer comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick), medical/dental/vision insurance and 401(k) to eligible employees. 

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 discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole discretion, consistent with the law. 

 

AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer including disability/vets. It is AbbVie’s policy to employ qualified persons of the greatest ability without discrimination against any employee or applicant for employment because 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, status as a disabled veteran, recently separated veteran, Armed Forces service medal veteran or active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran or a person’s relationship or association with a protected veteran, including spouses and other family members, or any other protected group status. We will take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified minorities, women, individuals with a disability, disabled veterans, recently separated veterans, Armed Forces service medal veterans or active-duty wartime or campaign badge veterans. The Affirmative Action Plan is available for viewing in the Human Resources office during regular business hours.