Scientist l, Biopharmaceutics Full-time

Scientist I – Molecular Profiling and Drug Delivery

AbbVie's Molecular Profiling and Drug Delivery (MPDD) function within the Small Molecule CMC organization is accountable for a broad range of deliverables across various stages of drug discovery and development. During lead optimization and through candidate selection, MPDD scientists utilize state-of-the-art automation and computational tools supported by expertise in biopharmaceutics, drug delivery, and solid-state chemistry to collaboratively progress candidates with higher probability of success into development and advise clinical formulation strategy. From candidate selection through clinical proof of concept and product launch, MPDD scientists work in cross functional teams to identify the commercial solid form of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and establish structure-property-performance correlations to help deliver robust commercial processes and align control strategies across drug substance and product. They also transition drug substance isolation processes and relevant physical characterization methods to commercial manufacturing sites and work within teams to ensure successful regulatory submissions.

Biopharmaceutics and Drug Delivery scientists within AbbVie's MPDD organization work collaboratively with other functions within Development Sciences and Discovery to conduct developability assessment to select molecules with higher probability of success for clinical development and eventual commercialization. This includes profiling of physicochemical properties, development of preclinical formulations, identifying solutions to in vivo absorption challenges, and advancement of novel drug delivery strategies across multiple routes of administration that are aligned with program target product profiles and downstream partners. Modalities of interest include traditional small molecules as well as complex chemically synthesized modalities such as protein degraders and peptides. In this role, you will work in cross-functional teams in matrixed environments and engage in multidisciplinary problem solving.

AbbVie's MPDD organization is seeking a highly motivated scientist with experience in biopharmaceutics for a Scientist I position. The primary role of this position is to design, execute, analyze, and interpret the studies that characterize the biopharmaceutical properties of drug candidates and enable developability and product performance related informed decision-making for emerging molecules on peptide and small molecule pipeline programs. The successful candidate will apply scientific knowledge and laboratory skills to support early- and late-stage development activities, communicate findings clearly, and collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary partners. The individual is expected to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams, demonstrate strong scientific rigor, and contribute to the advancement of project objectives through quality data generation, critical thinking, and clear communication.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, execute, troubleshoot, and interpret experiments related to biopharmaceutics properties of small molecules and peptides such as solubility, dissolution, permeability, stability, aggregation, precipitation, and formulation performance, as applicable.
• Generate high-quality data and maintain accurate, timely, and complete documentation of experimental procedures, results, and conclusions.
• Analyze and summarize data using appropriate scientific methods and communicate findings to project teams and functional stakeholders.
• Contribute to the assessment of candidate molecules and formulations by identifying key risks, opportunities, and data-driven recommendations.
• Support development, optimization, and continuous improvement of experimental methods, workflows, and scientific capabilities.
• Maintain awareness of external scientific advances and incorporate relevant knowledge into project work where appropriate.

• Contribute to a collaborative, inclusive, and scientifically rigorous team environment.

Level and compensation will be commensurate with experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent education with typically 5 years of experience, or master's degree or equivalent education with typically two years of experience in pharmaceutical or related industry. Preferred educational backgrounds include but are not restricted to Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutical Engineering, Chemical/ Biomedical Engineering, Chemistry, and Materials Science.
• Fundamental understanding of biopharmaceutics in relation to drug absorption across routes of administration including solubility, biorelevant dissolution testing, permeability, ex vivo permeability assessment, and peptide aggregation.
• Familiarity and preferred hands-on laboratory experience in in vitro assays and standard analytical techniques for physicochemical and biopharmaceutical property assessment to understand CMC developability profile. Techniques of interest include, but are not limited to chromatography, DSF, rat intestinal perfusion, Ussing Chambers, Franz Diffusion cells, dissolution, X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis, microscopy, biophysical characterization techniques, etc.
• Knowledge of preclinical and clinical formulation development principles relevant to chemically synthesized molecules across routes of administration.
• Ability to analyze data and draw scientifically sound conclusions.
• Demonstrated strong communication skills and ability to clearly communicate theories and concepts, influence others without authority, and drive technical excellence.
• Excellent self-management skills, organizational skills, and attention to detail.

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.