Principal Scientist I, Biologics Analytical Research and Development

Allergan; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical/dental/vision insurance

401(k)

Paid time off

Job summary

Allergan is looking for a skilled analytical scientist to join their Biologics CMC Analytical Research and Development team in San Francisco. The successful candidate will lead the development of advanced analytical methods for biotherapeutic proteins, while also supervising team members and engaging in regulatory submissions.

This role presents an exciting opportunity to contribute to innovative product development strategies and scientific excellence in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• PhD with 6+ years industry experience or MS with 12+ years.
• Strong understanding of biotherapeutic protein drug development.
• Experience in analytical method development for biologics.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize analytical methods for biotherapeutic proteins.
• Supervise and mentor scientists in the analytical team.
• Engage in regulatory submissions and responses.

Skills

Protein chemistry

Analytical method development

Leadership

Communication

Collaboration

Education

PhD in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related field

MS with 12+ years of experience

BS with 14+ years of experience

Tools

Capillary electrophoresis

HPLC

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 including immunology, oncology and neuroscience, and products and services in our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio.

Job Description

About the Team

AbbVie Biologics Analytical Research & Development (Biologics ARD) is a global analytical sciences organization responsible for CMC analytical development of AbbVie’s pipeline of innovative therapeutic biologic products. We are a world‑class team of scientists and leaders united by a shared mission to advance industry‑leading analytical capabilities and meaningfully contribute to the advancement of AbbVie’s pipeline of innovative medicines.

The Biologics ARD team at the AbbVie Bay Area site in South San Francisco has a long and rich history of biologics development. Located in a state‑of‑the‑art facility housing end‑to‑end CMC development capabilities, the team works collaboratively to advance novel biologic therapeutics – including multi‑specifics, ADCs, antibodies, and novel modalities – into first‑in‑human clinical development and through to clinical proof of concept. Careers in AbbVie Biologics ARD provide unique opportunities to work with cross‑functional and global teams to drive exceptional science and innovative product development strategies.

Role Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated analytical scientist to join the Biologics CMC Analytical Research and Development team. This role provides scientific leadership in the development of advanced analytical methods to support biotherapeutic protein characterization, process understanding, and product development. The successful candidate will independently develop innovative approaches and apply state‑of‑the‑art capillary electrophoresis and chromatographic methods, serve as an analytical lead on development teams, and contribute to regulatory strategy and scientific innovation. This position also includes supervisory responsibilities, including leading and mentoring one or more scientists and supporting their performance and development. The role operates within a cross‑functional, on‑site environment supporting a portfolio that includes multi‑specifics, antibodies, ADCs, and novel modalities.

Responsibilities

• Independently develop state‑of‑the‑art capillary electrophoresis and chromatographic methods to characterize biotherapeutic proteins and their associated variants and impurities.
• Generate new scientific proposals and develop innovative approaches to solve difficult analytical challenges.
• Represent the Biologics CMC Analytical Research and Development Group as analytical lead on CMC development teams and a subject matter expert on cross‑functional project teams.
• Supervise a team of one or more scientists and be accountable for the effective performance of the team.
• Develop/optimize, qualify/validate, and transfer fit‑for‑purpose QC release and stability methods. Provide technical support and oversight for QC testing occurring at internal and external GMP laboratories.
• Plan, author, and review regulatory submission documents, responses to health authority queries, technical reports, lab data, and method qualification/validation protocols.
• Engage and influence the broader scientific community through publications and poster and oral presentations at industry conferences.

Qualifications

• Degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Analytical Chemistry, or a related field. PhD with 6+ years, MS with 12+ years, or BS with 14+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Must possess a solid understanding of protein chemistry and biochemistry, particularly as it relates to biotherapeutic protein drug development.
• Demonstrated expertise in analytical method development for biologics, with strong hands‑on experience in capillary electrophoresis and HPLC.
• Experience supporting biologics CMC development, QC method qualification/validation, and method transfer.
• Proven ability to interpret complex data, solve technical problems, and propose innovative scientific solutions.
• Experience contributing to regulatory submissions, including quality and characterization sections, and responding to health authority questions.
• Strong leadership, communication, and collaboration skills, with experience mentoring and supervising scientists.
• Track record of scientific publications and conference presentations preferred.
• Must be capable of working in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment and managing multiple concurrent projects with a high degree of independence.

Preferred Attributes

• Deep understanding of biologics analytics, impurity profiling, and protein characterization.
• Ability to work effectively across functions and influence scientific and technical decisions.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Commitment to scientific excellence, quality, and continuous improvement.

Compensation & Leveling

Compensation and leveling will be commensurate with experience.

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 long‑term incentive programs.

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.