Senior Scientist II, Biotransformation and Disposition Full-time NEW

Senior Scientist II

The Biotransformation and Disposition team within AbbVie's Quantitative Translational and ADME Sciences organization is seeking a driven Senior Scientist II to support AbbVie's drug discovery and development programs through the design, execution, interpretation, and communication of in vitro and in vivo biotransformation and ADME studies. The successful candidate will apply expertise in drug metabolism, metabolite profiling, mass spectrometry, liquid chromatography, and structure elucidation to answer key scientific questions, guide project strategy, and advance compounds across the pipeline. This role requires strong scientific judgment, hands-on laboratory capabilities, cross-functional collaboration, and the ability to translate complex analytical data into clear conclusions for project teams, management, and regulatory submissions. Duties will be focused on laboratory work, and the applicant will collaborate across various disciplines within AbbVie. Additional expertise in peptide chemistry, structural elucidation, and mass spectrometry is preferred.

Key responsibilities and desired skills include:

• Design, conduct, interpret, and report in vitro and in vivo biotransformation studies to identify metabolites, metabolic pathways, and clearance mechanisms.
• Perform metabolite profiling and structural elucidation using LC-MS/MS, high-resolution mass spectrometry, and complementary analytical techniques.
• Develop, optimize, maintain, and troubleshoot chromatographic and mass spectrometric methods, including assays involving radiolabeled compounds where applicable.
• Integrate metabolite data with broader DMPK, ADME, pharmacokinetic, toxicology, chemistry, and clinical findings to support compound selection and development decisions.
• Represent Biotransformation and Disposition on cross-functional project teams and communicate scientific findings through presentations, technical reports, publications, and regulatory documents.
• Evaluate and implement emerging technologies, study designs, automation approaches, and analytical methods to improve data quality, sensitivity, throughput, and scientific impact.
• Collaborate effectively with internal and external partners while maintaining rigorous documentation, data integrity, regulatory compliance, and laboratory safety standards.
• Contribute to a collaborative learning environment by mentoring colleagues, sharing technical expertise, encouraging innovation, and supporting continuous improvement.

Additional preferred skills:

• Design and interpret peptide biotransformation experiments to identify enzymatic cleavage sites, metabolic pathways, and structural modifications across relevant in vitro and in vivo systems.
• Apply expertise in peptide mass spectrometry, including LC-MS/MS and high-resolution MS, to characterize intact peptides, metabolites, and degradation products in biotransformation studies.
• Specific hands-on expertise in handling high-end high-resolution Thermo and Sciex mass spectrometers and software are desired.

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Life Sciences or a related field with 4+ years; alternatively, a Master's degree with 8+ years or a Bachelor's degree with 10+ years of relevant academic or industry research experience in small-molecule drug development.
• Demonstrated expertise in mass spectrometry, liquid chromatography, structure elucidation, core DMPK processes, including analytical method development, metabolite profiling, and biotransformation.
• Strong written (peer reviewed publications), verbal, presentation, interpersonal, and collaborative skills, with the proven ability to work independently and effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
• Proven leadership capabilities, including mentoring others, fostering a learning environment, driving innovation, building strong cross-functional relationships, and continuously raising scientific and performance standards.

Compensation range: $109,500 – $208,500 USD