Principal Research Scientist I, Protein Analytical Characterization

ZipRecruiter; Worcester; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading pharmaceutical company in Worcester is seeking a scientific leader with extensive expertise in mass spectrometry and experience in managing analytical teams. The role involves leading diverse projects, mentoring junior scientists, and contributing to innovative therapies. Candidates should have a PhD and a proven track record in the field, with strong organizational skills. This position offers competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

Comprehensive health benefits

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Qualifications

• 14+ years of experience in mass spectrometry or biophysics.
• Experience managing analytical teams.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team conducting analytical characterization.
• Design mass spectrometry strategies for biologics.
• Mentor junior scientists and foster scientific growth.

Skills

Expert in mass spectrometry

Leadership experience

Advanced proficiency in LC-MS techniques

Education

PhD in a relevant scientific field

Tools

Orbitrap mass spectrometry

Agilent MassHunter

Job 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 LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and direct a team of scientists conducting advanced analytical characterization of a diverse portfolio of protein molecules, supporting critical milestones in the biologics discovery pipeline
• Design, implement, and oversee comprehensive mass spectrometry-based characterization strategies for traditional monoclonal antibodies as well as complex biologics (multispecifics, non-Ig scaffolds, fusion proteins, antigens, and related formats), ensuring rigorous data and interpretation
• Develop, optimize, and integrate new analytical technologies and automated workflows: emphasis on LC-MS, high-throughput screening, and structural mass spectrometry platforms such as HDX/MS for complex protein analyses (including antigen-antibody interactions and protein complexes)
• Align team resources with departmental and cross-functional priorities to accelerate early-stage therapeutic development
• Anticipate and resolve project challenges using advanced analytical tools, data, and technical expertise
• Mentor and develop junior scientists in an inclusive environment that values scientific growth, continuous learning, and career advancement
• Effectively communicate scientific advances internally and externally via presentations, publications, and conferences; contribute to patent filings and regulatory submissions to advance the company\'s intellectual property and product portfolios

Qualifications

• BS or equivalent education and extensive, Typically, 14+ years of experience; MS or equivalent education with typically 12+ years of experience; PhD with typically 6+ years of experience in area or scientific area of discipline
• Recognized expert in mass spectrometry as demonstrated by primary authorship of relevant publications and presentations
• Proven experience managing and leading analytical teams focused on characterization activities supporting biologics discovery
• Advanced proficiency in multiple mass spectrometry platforms (e.g., Orbitrap, Q-ToF), including relevant data analysis software (Protein Metrics Byos, Agilent MassHunter, Genedata Expressionist)
• Strong knowledge of structural MS methods such as HDX-MS, covalent labeling MS, and crosslinking MS; familiarity with biophysical methods (DLS, DSF, SEC-SAX, X-ray crystallography)
• Experience developing and implementing automated mass spectrometry workflows (equipment and software utilities)
• Demonstrated ability to quickly learn, adapt, and implement new technologies
• Excellent organizational and project management skills; able to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
• Effective collaborator and communicator with a proactive, goal-driven approach; thrives in fast-paced, cross-functional settings

Key AbbVie Competencies

• Bluilds strong relationships with peers and cross functionally with partners outside of the team to enable high performance
• Learns fast, grasps the “essence” and can change course quickly when indicated
• Raises the bar and is never satisfied with the status quo
• Creates a learning environment, open to suggestions and experimentation for improvement
• Embraces the ideas of others, nurtures innovation and manages innovation to reality

Additional Information

• 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.
• This job is eligible to participate in our long-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 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