Principal Research Scientist II

BioSpace; North Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

AbbVie in North Chicago, IL, is seeking a leader to oversee the Biologics Analytical group in Parenteral PDS&T. You will manage a team of scientists responsible for late-stage biologics analytics, including monoclonal antibodies and ADCs.

The role emphasizes method validation, troubleshooting, data-driven decision making, and collaboration across disciplines. You will author protocols, reports, and regulatory documents, and drive projects to critical milestones.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent with leadership experience.
• GMP method validation and study design experience.
• Experience with protein analytics and QC methods.
• Strong scientific writing and verbal communication.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of scientists responsible for a suite of late-stage biologics products.
• Oversee analytical characterization of biologics including process samples.
• Troubleshoot methods by examining data holistically and guiding the team.
• Manage lab activities with established standards and documentation.
• Independently drive project activities and contribute to cross-functional programs.
• Present plans and data clearly to colleagues and stakeholders.
• Author methods, protocols, reports, and regulatory documents.

Skills

Lab leadership

GMP experience

Protein analysis

Scientific writing

Communication

Education

PhD

Master's

Bachelor's

Tools

HPLC

IEX

HIC

Job description

Company Description

About AbbVie

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 including immunology, oncology and neuroscience - 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, X and YouTube.

Job Description

AbbVie Operations Parenteral Product Development Science & Technology (PDS&T) Department is a global organization responsible for all CMC activities related to the development and commercialization of AbbVie's parenteral products. Our scope includes AbbVie's diverse pipeline of innovative therapeutic biologics medicines, including monoclonal antibodies, antibody drug conjugates (ADC), and other novel modalities, and spans from clinical proof of concept through commercial product launch.

We are a world-class team of scientists and leaders driving the advancement of industry-leading analytical capabilities and AbbVie's pipeline of innovative medicines. Careers in AbbVie Parenteral PDS&T provide opportunities to work with global and cross-functional teams to develop innovative products and drive exceptional science.

The Biologics Analytical group in Parenteral PDS&T is responsible for programs that are transitioning from development stage to optimization and commercialization. We lead final method development, optimization, and validation, ensuring all analytical methods are fit for use in commercial QC laboratories. Key deliverables include product control strategies informed by analytical data and method understanding; robust analytical methods suitable for commercial QC labs; comprehensive data packages that drive product and process understanding; stability studies to establish commercial product dating; and approvable marketing application submission content.

We are looking for a highly motivated person who can oversee laboratory activities within the Biologics Analytical group in Parenteral PDS&T.

Key Responsibilities

Provide leadership and talent development for a team of scientists responsible for a suite of late-stage biologics products including monoclonal antibodies, antibody drug conjugates, bispecific antibodies, etc.

Lead activities associated with analytical characterization of late-stage biologics compounds including assessment of process/formulation development samples, feasibility studies, clinical and commercial in-use, etc.

Demonstrate a critical mindset for method troubleshooting, examining data wholistically, and guiding and advising scientists through study execution.

Responsible for management of lab activities including established lab standards and best practices, documentation and verification.

Independently responsible for project activities within area of expertise while also contributing within the project team to the overall progress of the program.

Deliver results in a team-oriented setting and willing to work across scientific disciplines to drive programs through critical milestones.

Effectively organize and present scientific plans and data.

Author technical documents (e.g., methods, protocols, reports, etc.), scientific publications, presentations, and regulatory documents.

Qualifications

• PhD (8+ years), Master’s Degree (14+ years), or Bachelor’s Degree (16+ years) in scientific discipline (e.g., Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, or Biology) with previous laboratory experience. Previous supervisory experience managing teams required.
• Practical experience with method validation and working in a GMP environment is required including designing studies, authoring protocols and reports, laboratory notebook documentation, etc.
• Experience with investigations, validation events, out of specification, or out of trend evaluations preferred.
• Familiarity with analytical Quality by Design (AQbD) preferred.
• Practical experience and strong knowledge of protein HPLC (e.g., SEC, IEX, HIC), capillary electrophoresis, and other separation techniques as applied to protein analysis is preferred.
• Solid understanding of protein chemistry and biochemistry, particularly as related to biologics drug development, is preferred.
• Ability to multitask and work within timelines.
• Demonstrated scientific writing skills and strong verbal communication skills.

Additional Information

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 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

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