Associate Scientist I, Process Development

Overview:

The Associate Scientist I, will be an instrumental team member of the Neurotoxin & Biologics Process Sciences Department, based in Irvine, CA.  The primary role of the Associate Scientist I is to independently set-up and operate upstream equipment (Fermenters, microfluidizers, CIP skid, etc.) and downstream equipment (AKTA, TFF systems, etc.) to support the execution of process development activities for both upstream and downstream.  This hands-on position is responsible for daily operations such as aseptic medium and buffer preparation, equipment set-up and operation, and follow detail work instructions, SOPs or batch records to support execution of studies. 

Additional responsibilities include but not limited to, ordering raw materials, consumables in-process sample inventory management, lab supply stock maintenance, and lab organization.  This role is responsible for maintaining detailed records of batches, experiments, and preparation sheets. An incumbent candidate with a focus on improving efficiency in lab operations would be preferred.

An ideal candidate would have the ability to work as an integral part of  Neurotoxin & Biologics Process Science team and supporting drug discovery and process teams as well as demonstrate a high degree of flexibility, creativity, and initiative applied to the various duties and aspects of position. 

Furthermore, the position requires the individual to work with regulated Select Agents and Toxins 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 internal and applicable regulatory requirements including health screening and background checks.  AbbVie internal requirements include compliance with ethics, environmental health and safety, financial, human resources, and general business policies, requirements, and objectives.

Responsibilities:

• Perform routine fermentation operations relating to fermenter prep: assembly/disassembly, P-test/SIP/CIP, in process sampling and media/buffer/reagent prep and able to troubleshoot operational and equipment issues.
• Perform routine purification operations relating to purification prep: assembly/disassembly, in-process ambling and buffer/reagent prep and able to troubleshoot operational and equipment issues.
• Willing to work with and handle potent neurotoxins and in-process samples that may contain toxin-expressing organisms.
• Ability to perform medium and buffer preparation with appropriate documentation.
• Author and edit standard operating procedures and work instructions. Compile experimental batch records and documents/inventory for in-process samples in the inventory system.
• Procure and maintain stock of necessary lab supplies to ensure continual successful lab operations.
• Work with internal teams to coordinate equipment maintenance/calibration activities.
• Collaborate effectively to achieve results as an individual as well as part of a team environment.
• Complete training consistent with safety, technical, operational, process, and other skill/ knowledge requirements for the position. Maintain training currency. Support safety program and ensure safety in all routine and new operations by strictly following SOPs.

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree (in scientific discipline), or equivalent education, with 0 to 2 years of related work experience.
• Hand-on experience with aseptic buffer and medium preparation.
• Hands-on experience in the set-up and operation of single use and stainless-steel fermenters and/or AKTA and TFF systems are beneficial.
• Demonstrate success in good documentation, good organization skills, and collaboration with others.

Applicable only to applicants applying to a position in any location with pay disclosure requirements under state or local law: 

The compensation range described below is the range of possible base pay compensation that the Company believes in good faith it will pay for this role at the time of this posting based on the job grade for this position. Individual compensation paid within this range will depend on many factors including geographic location, and we may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This range may be modified in the future.

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

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

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