Senior Scientist I, Cell Culture Process Development

Allergan; Worcester (MA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Paid time off

401(k)

Short-term incentive programs

Job summary

Allergan is looking for a Senior Scientist to join their Cell Culture Process Development group in Worcester, MA. This position involves supporting process development for therapeutic proteins and collaborating within a dynamic team environment. The ideal candidate should have significant experience in cell biology and hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture.

The role includes responsibilities such as designing and executing experiments, leading research initiatives, and ensuring compliance with GMP standards. A Bachelor’s Degree or higher in a relevant field is required with multiple years of experience.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of experience required with a Bachelor’s Degree.
• Extensive hands-on experience with mammalian suspension cell culture.
• Proven ability to design experiments and troubleshoot issues.

Responsibilities

• Develop and characterize CHO cell culture processes for cGMP manufacturing.
• Lead research initiatives to improve manufacturing processes.
• Communicate scientific data effectively to various audiences.

Skills

Cell culture process development

Scientific research and development

Collaboration

Problem-solving

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in chemical or biochemical engineering

Master’s Degree in chemical or biochemical engineering

PhD in related discipline

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. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.

Job Description

We are seeking an enthusiastic and creative hands‑on senior scientist to join the Cell Culture Process Development group within PDS&T Biologics at AbbVie Bioresearch Center in Worcester, MA. As part of the Cell Culture Development organization, you will support process development and technology transfer activities for cell culture processes, contributing to the clinical manufacturing and commercialization of therapeutic proteins in the AbbVie pipeline. Additionally, you will be a part of a team that provides subject‑matter expertise and experimental support for the production of commercial biologics. The ideal candidate will work effectively both independently and collaboratively within a dynamic team environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and characterize highly‑productive CHO cell culture processes suitable for cGMP biotherapeutic manufacturing within project timelines, performing technical transfer, and manufacturing support activities.
• Lead and execute scientific research and development initiatives to reduce cost of goods (COGs) by significantly improving platform processes and workflows, deepening scientific understanding, and applying new methods and technologies. These include cell metabolic modeling, perfusion technology, and a suite of Process Analytical Technology (PAT) tools.
• Design, execute, and analyze cell culture experiments using Design of Experiments (DOE) principles and report data summary packages for multivariate analysis.
• Work collaboratively and cross‑functionally with colleagues in other functional areas (Analytical Development, Cell Line Development, Discovery, Manufacturing, and Quality). Effectively communicate scientific data and concepts to internal and external audiences through reports, presentations and manuscripts. Author and review technical reports, protocols, and other key documents.
• Understand and adhere to corporate standards regarding code of conduct, safety, documentation and GMP compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent education with minimum 10 years of experience, or Master’s Degree or equivalent education with minimum 8 years of experience. Or PhD with no minimum years of experience, in chemical engineering, biochemical engineering, or a related discipline.
• Proven ability to independently design experiments, troubleshoot technical issues, and deliver high‑quality scientific output.
• Strong understanding of cell biology with extensive hands‑on experience with mammalian suspension cell culture.
• Theoretical and practical knowledge to carry out the job functions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Understanding of cell culture processes (e.g., cell culture process development, process scale up and scale down, recombinant protein production, protein characterization).
• Demonstrated experience in cell metabolic modeling and process modeling using mechanistic model and/or machine learning algorithms.
• Familiarity with bioreactor perfusion processes.
• Demonstrated experience in applying Process Analytical Technology (PAT) to improve cell culture processes.
• Hands‑on experience with upstream mammalian suspension cell culture using bench‑scale bioreactors, AMBR, and shake flasks.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Strong scientific curiosity with a passion for problem‑solving and optimization. Self‑motivated with excellent attention to detail and ability to multi‑task. Strong organizational, planning and troubleshooting 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 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 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.

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