Principal Research Scientist II, Analytical Development

AbbVie • San Diego, CA

12h

About The Position

We seek a Principal Scientist II, Analytical Development to join an experienced, fast-paced and collaborative team. This position will be primarily responsible for guiding analytical strategy, developing novel analytical methods, and expanding platform understanding of AbbVie’s mRNA-based targeted lipid nanoparticles (tLNPs) pipeline. This role will manage a small team of scientists focused on biophysical methods for characterizing mRNA, plasmids, and lipids. Working closely with the technology development and research teams, this position will guide development of novel characterization methods, drive process/product understanding, support expansion of the mRNA/tLNP platform and pipeline, and support product investigations.

Requirements

• Generally met with a PhD with 8+ years related experience, including at least 4 years of experience managing direct reports and/or a functional team
• Degree in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering or related field with proven technical and leadership track record developing biologics (e.g. mRNA, antibodies, etc) and lipids is required
• Experience developing analytical methods for oligonucleotides (e.g. LC, CE, MS, MALLS, etc) and lipids is required
• Experience designing and executing stability and comparability studies is required
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with a demonstrated capacity to thrive in collaborative, team-driven environments

Nice To Haves

• Experience with plasmid characterization is strongly preferred
• Experience with method transfer and qualification is preferred
• Strong proficiency authoring and reviewing technical reports
• Familiarity with international regulatory standards and application to phase-appropriate analytical development and strategy is preferred

Responsibilities

• Lead strategy for and development of novel biophysical methods to characterize mRNA drug substance, plasmid, and lipids, including but not limited to LC/CE/MS, MALLS, mass photometry, and plate-based assays
• Design and lead structure-activity relationship and extended characterization studies for improving mRNA function, stability, and quality
• Expand plasmid characterization tools to support mRNA pipeline
• Establish automation/high throughput (HTP) workflows and in-process analytical methods for routine and non-routine testing
• Represent functional area in cross-functional pipeline and technology development teams. Effectively communicate complex technical topics to collaborators and management
• Support method transfer and qualifications as needed
• Manage and develop a team of 3-6 scientists
• Draft technical reports and documents as needed

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree