2026 Product Development Science & Technology Co-Op (June - Dec) (Masters)

AbbVie; Irvine; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading pharmaceutical company in Irvine is offering a co-op position in its Product Development, Science and Technology group. Candidates pursuing a Master's in Biochemistry or related fields will develop manufacturing processes and work on scientific research. The role requires strong problem-solving skills and a commitment to a 6-month program starting in July 2026.

Benefits

Competitive pay

Relocation support

Wellness benefits

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in university, pursuing a Masters in Biochemistry, Biophysics, Chemical Engineering, Biology or related fields.
• Must commit to a 6-month program in Irvine, CA (July – December).
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work independently.

Responsibilities

• Participate in model driven design of experiments for process development.
• Develop methods for contamination process studies.
• Work collaboratively within the PDS&T group.

Skills

Problem-solving skills

Good communication skills

Knowledge of molecular biology techniques

Experience with cell-based assays

Education

Masters in Biochemistry or related fields

Currently enrolled in university

Tools

Differential scanning calorimetry

Surface plasmon resonance

Job description

Company Description

AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines and solutions that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas – immunology, oncology, neuroscience, and eye care – and products and services in our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and Tik Tok.

Job Description

Envision spending your summer working with energetic colleagues and inspirational leaders, all while gaining world‑class experience in one of the most dynamic organizations in the pharmaceutical industry. This is a reality for AbbVie Co‑Ops.

The Product Development, Science and Technology (PDS&T) group supports manufacturing, process characterization, process validation, regulatory submission, and continuous improvement for late‑stage and commercial manufacturing of biological toxins products in AbbVie. We have an exciting opportunity for a co‑op position based in Irvine, CA. The individual will apply scientific and engineering principles to develop robust manufacturing processes. The candidate must have in-depth knowledge and experience including but not limited to molecular biology techniques, cell‑based potency assays, protein characterization, etc. Excellent communication skills and the ability to work within a multi‑disciplinary and cross‑functional teamwork environment are essential.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Participate in the development and application of model driven design of experiments applied for process development and protein characterization
• Develop and perform methods such as cell‑based potency assays, differential scanning calorimetry, and surface plasmon resonance to support contamination process studies
• Conceive and execute scientific research and development to improve platform processes and workflows, build technical expertise, and deepen scientific understanding. Modify experimental plans as needed to respond to new data or updated project needs
• Innovate and implement new experimental protocols to advance the project
• Stay up to date with scientific literature and state‑of‑the‑art technologies
• Work collaboratively with colleagues in other functional areas, especially within the PDS&T group
• Effectively organize, analyze, and present scientific plans and data to prepare for publications, presentations, patents, and reports

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in university, pursuing a Masters in Biochemistry, Biophysics, Chemical Engineering, Biology or other related fields
• Must be enrolled in university for at least one semester following the Co‑Op
• Expected graduation date between December 2026 – June 2027
• Must be able to commit to a 6‑month program at PDS&T in Irvine, CA (July – December)
• Strong problem‑solving skills and the ability to work independently
• Tracking and understanding of relevant scientific literature and ability to apply a theoretical framework to tackle scientific problems

Preferred Qualifications:

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, strong scientific curiosity with a passion for problem‑solving and optimization.
• Experience working with differential scanning calorimetry, circular dichroism, steady‑state fluorescence, time‑resolved fluorescence methods, surface plasmon resonance, etc. for protein characterization
• Experience working with cell‑based and other in vitro potency assays

Additional Information

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

Benefits and Amenities

• Competitive pay
• Relocation support for eligible students
• Select wellness benefits and paid holiday / sick time

AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives and serving our community. Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled.

US & Puerto Rico only - to learn more, visit https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/equal-employment-opportunity-employer.html

US & Puerto Rico applicants seeking a reasonable accommodation, click here to learn more: https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/reasonable-accommodations.html