Scientist II/Senior Scientist I, Protein Analytical Characterization Full-time

Scientist Position at 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 – immunology, oncology, neuroscience, and eye care – and products and services in our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio.

Discovery Biotherapeutics and Genetic Medicine (BGM) at AbbVie is seeking a highly motivated and experienced scientist to join its Protein Sciences Analytical Team. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to various Discovery Research Therapeutic Areas (TAs) and Projects by providing in-depth analytical and functional characterization of biologics and biopharmaceutical products, such as complex protein antigens, monoclonal antibodies, multi-specifics, and other antibody-like biologics. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in protein analytical characterization, particularly mass spectrometry, to discern protein critical quality attributes (identity, post-translational modifications, physiochemical properties), prior demonstration of innovative problem solving and troubleshooting, and will foster productive collaborations with other functional groups and TAs. This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated scientist to make a significant impact in a collaborative and innovative environment. Join us in bringing innovative medicines to patients!

Key Responsibilities:

• Independently develop and execute mass spectrometry workflows for comprehensive characterization of biologics and biotherapeutics (including intact, reduced, subunit, and peptide mapping).
• Develop, optimize, validate, and execute innovative analytical methods to characterize complex proteins/glycoproteins, antigens, and novel protein-based therapeutics.
• Ensure optimal functioning, calibration, and maintenance of laboratory equipment; proactively troubleshoot and resolve technical or experimental issues to minimize operational downtime.
• Resolve key project challenges and obstacles by leveraging available analytical tools, literature, and technical expertise, and proactively proposing solutions.
• Demonstrate scientific initiative and creativity in developing novel workflows and strategies for biologics characterization and screening—including non-traditional modalities (e.g., multi-specifics, alternative scaffolds, and fusion proteins)—to support BGM and TA projects.
• Collaborate with external partners, CROs, or vendors as appropriate to advance project goals.
• Analyze, document, and report data concisely, formulate conclusions, and design follow-on experiments based on multidisciplinary data.
• Provide direct mentorship and guidance to junior scientists and team members, fostering their scientific development and growth.
• Communicate project progress, data analyses, and technical recommendations to cross-functional teams and senior management in a clear and timely manner.
• Present original research and findings both internally and at external scientific conferences; contribute to scientific papers, patents, and technical reports as author or co-author.

Qualifications:

• Scientist II: BS or equivalent education with typically 7 or more years of experience or MS or equivalent education with typically 5 or more years of experience.
• Sr. Scientist I: Bachelor's Degree or equivalent education and typically, 10 years of experience, Master's Degree or equivalent education and typically 8 years of experience, PhD and no experience necessary.
• Extensive hands-on experience with commercial mass spectrometry platforms (e.g., Orbitrap, Q-ToF), advanced MS workflows for protein characterization, and use of MS data analysis software for both routine and complex sample sets.
• Direct, hands-on experience with biologics, monoclonal antibodies, and/or protein therapeutics, including characterization and analytical techniques.
• Demonstrated experience operating laboratory automation systems (e.g., Andrew+, Assaymap Bravo) for automated, high-throughput sample processing and preparation.
• Proficient in a range of analytical techniques, including chromatography (e.g., HPLC, UPLC) and capillary electrophoresis, with ability to troubleshoot and optimize these methods as needed.
• Working knowledge of biophysical and structural biology methods, such as DLS, DSF, HDX-MS, X-ray crystallography, or NMR spectroscopy (preferred).
• Familiarity or experience with coding/programming (e.g., Python, R, or relevant scripting languages) and in developing automated data workflows or solutions (preferred but not required).
• Demonstrated strong theoretical and practical foundation in the relevant scientific discipline, with proven ability to rapidly learn, master, and apply innovative technologies.
• Exceptional organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and tasks efficiently within established timelines.
• Team-oriented and collaborative mindset, with excellent verbal and written communication skills; able to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic, and multidisciplinary environment.
• The levelling of the role will be decided based on candidate qualifications.

Key AbbVie Competencies:

• Builds 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.

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 abbvie.com/join-us/equal-employment-opportunity-employer.html

US & Puerto Rico applicants seeking a reasonable accommodation, click here to learn more: abbvie.com/join-us/reasonable-accommodations.html

Travel: Yes, 5% of the time

Salary: $94,000 – $178,500