Senior Scientist I - Tissue Materials Science (Fillers)

Allergan Aesthetics, Tissue and Materials Science, R&D Device, is seeking a Senior Scientist I - Tissue Materials Science who will perform in vitro and in vivo safety and efficacy evaluations of cell/tissue interactions with novel biomaterials as a part of Allergan Aesthetics Device R&D. This involves performing in vitro and animal-based testing, including independently developing and implementing new assays to evaluate device performance using cell and molecular biology methods.  Techniques employed will include animal surgery, in vivo imaging, cell culture, microscopy, PCR, ELISA, histology, and flow cytometry evaluation of cells and tissues. Additional day to day activities will include mentoring junior scientific team members, statistical analysis of results, staying current in the relevant therapeutic areas, and some lab support activities.  Experience with managing outsourced research activities is necessary.  Previous experience with biomaterials research is a plus.  Creativity, 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.

Job Details:

• Responsible for creating detailed Project Plans including scientific strategy and realistic deliverables with timelines. Actively involved in the planning, execution and management of experimental studies for the safety and efficacy characterization of novel and existing products. 
• Actively works in a team environment. Frequent communication is essential and must interface with colleagues in Device Research, Product Development and Pharmaceutical Development.
• 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 for review by manager to achieve realistic project completion dates.
• Writes, reviews and issues technical reports, technical memoranda and other documents for internal and external distribution.  Works closely with Allergan Aesthetics patent counsel in generating IP documentation.
• Function as a local site representative for ISO-10993 (biocompatibility) assessment management with supervision from site SME.  This may include the design, execution and interpretation of preclinical safety and biocompatibility evaluation strategies and programs according to relevant regulatory requirements; including biological risk assessments and execution of required studies.

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Degree in a related scientific or engineering discipline (bioengineering, cell biology, molecular biology, pharmacology, immunology, toxicology or similar).
• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent education and 10 years of experience, Master’s Degree or equivalent education and 8 years of experience, PhD and no experience necessary.
• Experience in a medical device, pharmaceutical, or related setting with a proven record of success in conducting R&D projects. 
• Experience and working knowledge of medical device, drug and/or biologics and combination product regulations (21 CFR 820, 21 CFR 210/211, 21 CFR Part 4, ISO-10993, 21 CFR Part 58, etc.).
• Experience conducting in vivo research and willingness to perform in vivo, and in vitro research activities required.
• Experience managing outsourced research activities required.
• Experience conducting/managing GLP toxicity and biocompatibility studies required. 
• Previous experience with hyaluronic acid-based biomaterials and/or hydrogel research is a plus. 
• Experience in using and applying statistical and programs (e.g. Minitab).
• In addition, the successful candidate will liaise with marketing, regulatory and medical affairs representatives to develop and execute scientific publication and presentation strategies for current products.  Technical report writing proficiency in support of regulatory submissions is required, as is expertise in small animal model study performance and imaging.  Creativity, strong verbal and written communication skills, strong scientific leadership skills, ability to work effectively in independent and team settings, and acute attention to detail are essential skills for this position.  Incumbent may be required to train and supervise junior staff members.

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.