Scientist I, Neurotoxin Research and Discovery

Allergan Aesthetics (AbbVie) R&D, Biological Research is seeking a highly motivated and innovative candidate who will contribute to multi-disciplinary research in a highly collaborative environment. The successful candidate for this position will work independently and contribute to projects aimed at the characterization of novel biopharmaceutical agents and supporting in-market products. He/she will be required to perform a variety of tissue harvesting, processing, sectioning, staining for histopathology, immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunofluorescence (IF) evaluations of relevant tissues using selective biomarkers to identify potential targets of drug engagement. The candidate will also be required to perform cell culture studies and develop new in vitro models to explore & examine neurotoxin mechanisms of action. This individual will organize, analyze 2D & 3D images, interpret results, come forward with recommendations, and present the findings to senior personnel and in project team meetings. The candidate will investigate, identify, develop, and optimize new methods and techniques to generate reliable and reproducible data in a timely manner. He/she will read and adapt scientific literature to accomplish assignments and demonstrate broad and versatile technical expertise within discipline.

Additionally, the position may require the individual to work with and in areas requiring select agents and Toxins access (Biosafety level 2 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.  AbbVie internal requirements include compliance with ethics, environmental health and safety, financial, human resources, and general business policies, requirements, and objectives.

Responsibilities:

• Independently design, execute and interpret critical experiments to answer scientific questions.
• Understand the broad objectives of the project as well as their role in achieving those objectives, and modify experimental plans as needed.
• Collect and analyze data sets, interpret results, and draw conclusions, note significant deviations, and come forward with recommendations or understanding of the findings.
• Write scientific reports and provide presentations to multidisciplinary teams.
• Work with cross-functional team members to accomplish the goals and requirements of the organization.
• Set and meet goals and experimental timelines. Demonstrate a high level of proficiency in his/her field.
• Learn, and master new imaging technologies, implement, and may innovate new experimental techniques/protocols, and act as a resource or mentor for others.
• Collaborate with other Research Scientists and Associates, while taking personal responsibility for success of assigned tasks and projects.
  
• Perform histological studies utilizing in vivo animal models, perform rodent surgery and tissue dissection and perform cell culture studies using in vitro models
• Perform brightfield/fluorescence and confocal microscopy, utilizing both tissue and live-cell imaging techniques.
• Routinely read and apply relevant scientific literature. Understand relevant scientific literature and apply theoretical framework to solving problems within scientific discipline in a timely manner.
• Understand and adhere to corporate standards regarding code of conduct, safety, appropriate handling of materials, controlled drug, and radioactive compounds, GxP compliance, and animal care where applicable.

The following listed requirements need to be met at a minimum level to be considered for the job:

Bachelor’s Degree with typically 5 or more years of experience, or master’s degree or equivalent education with typically 2 ~ 5 or more years of experience in biology, physiology, neuroscience, medicine related discipline.

Knowledge of anatomy, histology, pathology, physiology, and neuroscience is required.

Familiarity with the principles of microscopic anatomy/histology including the knowledge of histopathological alterations.

Excellent observation, identification, and comprehensive analysis skills.

Hands-on experience and expertise with tissue harvesting/processing/sectioning (Cryostat), Immunohistochemistry (IHC), and Immunofluorescence (IF) is required.

Experience in brightfield / fluorescence, confocal microscopy, and live-cell imaging.

2D, 3D-image acquisition/editing/analysis skills.

Experience with small animal handling, injection, dissection, and surgical skills 

Cell culturing and immunocytochemistry experience is an advantage.

Ability to summarize results effectively and clearly for presentation and report generation.

Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and to work successfully in a cross-functional and highly collaborative team environment.

Ideal candidates will have research training in academic research laboratories.

Computer skills: working knowledge of MS-Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams), and imaging acquisition/processing/analysis software is required. Knowledge of graphing software (e.g., GraphPad prism) and good understanding of statistical analyses is a plus.

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.