Senior Scientist I, Biochemistry

Seeking a highly motivated and experienced research scientist to join our Protein Sciences group at our corporate headquarters located in the Chicago area.  As part of a dynamic group responsible for cloning, expression, purification, and biophysical characterization of protein targets, the applicant will be expected to devise and implement protein biochemistry strategies to drive key drug discovery activities (i.e. assay development, screening, structure-based design, exploratory biology, etc) across the pipeline.

The applicant should be highly skilled in recombinant protein engineering and purification. He/she should have experience working with proteins produced with different expression systems. Experience in purification of challenging proteins (low expression yield, aggregation-prone, disordered) is a plus. Successful candidate should have a solid understanding of protein sciences, biophysics, structural biology and enzymology. The candidate should be able to work independently while contributing in a team environment, and can productively manage several projects simultaneously in a dynamic and rapidly evolving project landscape.

KEY RESPONSIBILTIES:

• Design constructs required to address the protein needs for biochemical and biophysical assays, including high throughput screening and structure determination.
• Develop and perform protein purifications at different scale to support assay development, HTS screen, biophysical assays and structural biology needs.
• Utilize protein production processes and techniques including variety of chromatography methods using AKTA chromatographic instruments.
• Critically QC protein reagents for different applications.
• Work independently on the design, execution, and interpretation of experimental results.
• Evaluate scientific literature to provide clone design ideas and other protein biochemistry suggestions. Actively contribute to project teams and work effectively across functional teams to help advance programs.
• Evaluate, test and implement new technologies that further enhance the capabilities of the Protein Biochemistry team or address specific challenges in protein generation.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• PhD in Biochemistry, Biophysics or related field required.
• 2-4 years of relevant academic and/or pharmaceutical industry experience.
• A proven track record of independently producing quality proteins is required.
• Expert knowledge of protein sciences analytics.
• Good problem-solving skills, capable of finding innovative ways to overcome issues (i.e. solubility, purity, heterogeneity, yield) with challenging proteins.
• Ability to work in a highly dynamic and fast paced multidisciplinary environment to contribute to multiple projects.
• Self-motivated with strong communication and presentation skills.
• Attention to details, accurate record keeping, and good lab practices are essential.

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.