Scientist II, Fermentation Process Development – Recombinant Peptides

AbbVie Inc.; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 162,000; Full time

Job summary

AbbVie Inc. is seeking a Scientist II in Irvine to lead microbial fermentation studies for recombinant peptides. You will design and execute fermentation experiments, optimize cultivation conditions, and work with cross-functional teams to advance upstream programs.

The role requires hands-on bench work, interpretation of results, and rigorous documentation in a GMP/GxP-inspired setting. A strong background in microbial fermentation and bioreactor operation is essential.

Qualifications

• Experience with microbial cultivation and fermentation.
• Ability to independently design, execute, and interpret critical experiments.
• Ability to develop and optimize experimental methods in response to project needs.
• Experience operating bioreactors and applying fermentation parameters (pH, temperature, agitation, aeration).
• Strong scientific writing, verbal communication, data interpretation, and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and interpret critical fermentation experiments to advance project goals.
• Develop and optimize microbial cultivation and fermentation processes.
• Operate bench-scale bioreactors and scale-down studies.
• Collaborate with strain-development, downstream-processing, and analytical teams.
• Analyze fermentation data and interpret results in the scientific context.
• Set and meet experimental timelines and document results.

Skills

Microbial fermentation

Fermentation parameter control

Bioreactor operation

Scientific writing

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Master’s or Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Bioreactors

Job description

Scientist II, Fermentation Process Development – Recombinant Peptides

• Full-time
• Salary Min: 84500
• Salary Max: 162000
• Workday Global Grade: 16
• Compensation: USD 84,500 - USD 162,000 - yearly

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.

AbbVie’s Biologics CMC organization develops processes to support the advancement and manufacture of biologic medicines. AbbVie is seeking a motivated fermentation scientist to contribute to the development of microbial processes for recombinant peptide production. The successful candidate will perform hands‑on fermentation studies and help develop, optimize, and scale upstream processes for therapeutic peptides. This role will collaborate with colleagues in strain development, downstream processing, analytical development, and other functions to generate reliable data and support project goals.

Responsibilities

• Independently design, execute, and interpret critical fermentation experiments to answer scientific questions and advance project goals.
• Develop and optimize microbial cultivation and fermentation processes, including work with hosts such as Escherichia coli and yeast.
• Evaluate the effects of media composition, inoculum conditions, feed strategies, induction conditions, temperature, pH, agitation, aeration, and dissolved oxygen on growth and product expression.
• Operate, maintain, and optimize bench‑scale bioreactors and support microscale, parallel, and scale‑down fermentation studies.
• Apply broad technical proficiency to troubleshoot experiments, instrumentation, and routine process issues; adapt or innovate protocols and techniques as project needs evolve.
• Collaborate with strain‑development colleagues to screen and characterize microbial clones and expression systems.
• Analyze fermentation data—including growth, substrate use, process parameters, product titer, and yield—and place findings in the relevant scientific context.
• Troubleshoot experiments and instrumentation, adapting or developing methods to meet changing project needs.
• Collaborate with strain‑development, downstream‑processing, and analytical teams to assess expression, peptide recovery, and product quality.
• Consult relevant scientific literature and use it to inform experimental design, interpret findings, and solve technical problems.
• Set and meet experimental timelines, communicate plans and results, contribute to technical documentation, and improve laboratory methods and operations.
• Follow applicable corporate standards for conduct, safety, material handling, and GxP compliance, as relevant to the work.

Master’s degree or equivalent with 5+ years of relevant experience or Bachelor’s degree or equivalent with 7+ years of relevant experience, is required.

Qualifications

• Theoretical and practical knowledge of microbial cultivation and fermentation, preferably using E. coli and/or yeast.
• Demonstrated ability to independently design, execute, and interpret critical experiments to answer scientific questions.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, adapt, and optimize experimental methods and techniques in response to project needs.
• Experience operating bioreactors and applying fermentation parameters such as pH, temperature, agitation, aeration, and dissolved oxygen.
• Ability to troubleshoot experiments and instrumentation, recognize significant deviations, and determine appropriate follow‑up work.
• Strong scientific writing, verbal communication, data interpretation, and presentation skills.
• Ability to consult and apply relevant scientific literature and to communicate findings in the context of project objectives.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments, meet timelines, and work effectively with cross‑functional collaborators.

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/visioninsurance and 401(k) to eligible employees.

This job is eligible to participate in our short‑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 employer 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.

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