Scientist I

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.

The Toxins group within the Product Development, Science & Technology (PDS&T) - Biologics organization supports manufacturing, process validation, regulatory submission, and continuous improvement for late-stage and commercial manufacturing of biological toxin products at AbbVie. We have an exciting opportunity for a Scientist I position based in Irvine, CA. This role involves leveraging scientific and bioengineering principles to develop bioassays for analytical testing at drug substance and drug product release and stability time points. The candidate must possess in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience in a range of techniques, including but not limited to molecular cloning, mammalian cell culture, PCR, Western blot, protein expression, purification, bioassay, transfection, and laboratory automation platforms. Moreover, excellent communication skills and the ability to thrive in a multi-disciplinary and cross-functional team environment are essential for success in this role.

 

Key responsibilities include:

• Develop, program, operate, and troubleshoot robotic automation platforms, including Hamilton STAR liquid handlers and Opentrons, to support high-throughput screening and testing.
• Lead scientific initiatives by generating innovative technical ideas and strategic approaches to advance research goals and address experimental challenges.
• Demonstrate strong scientific judgment by aligning research activities with project objectives and adapting experimental plans based on new data, evolving priorities, and project developments.
• Design, execute, and interpret complex experiments using rigorous, reproducible methodologies. Develop, optimize, and implement novel experimental protocols by leveraging emerging technologies to advance scientific progress and resolve technical issues.
• Maintain current expertise in relevant scientific and technical disciplines and apply best practices from current literature to experimental design, troubleshooting, and method development.
• Establish and manage experimental timelines, track progress closely, and ensure timely delivery of project milestones through strong organization and time-management.
• Draft, review, and edit SOPs, technical reports, publications, presentations, and patent applications in accordance with industry and regulatory standards.
• Communicate scientific concepts, experimental data, and key findings effectively to cross-functional teams and stakeholders through clear written and oral presentations.

• Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent education, with typically 5 years of relevant experience; or Master’s degree, or equivalent education, with typically 2 years of relevant experience in Cell and Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biochemical or Biomedical Engineering, Biotechnology, or a closely related discipline.
• Hands-on experience with scripting and programming robotic liquid handlers (e.g., Hamilton STAR and Opentrons) and proficiency in software platforms like VENUS and Python.
• Experience translating manual cell-based assays, including ELISA and potency assays, into automated workflows.
• Practical experience with molecular cloning, mammalian cell culture, PCR, Western blotting, bioassays, and transfection procedures.
• Knowledgeable in genome editing approaches, including CRISPR/Cas9, with a solid understanding of experimental design, execution, and validation of gene-editing studies.
• Experience in optimizing and qualifying cell-based potency assays, including sample testing.
• Strong computer skills essential for scientific research, including word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software, and advanced data analysis. Ability to analyze, interpret, and present complex datasets using scientific software such as Python, R, and JMP.
• Previous GxP experience and attention to detail in documentation preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to design experiments, solve problems creatively, develop comprehensive experimental plans, and independently troubleshoot and validate results.
• Ability to stay current with scientific advances, critically evaluate relevant literature, and rapidly incorporate new concepts and techniques into research activities.
• Detail-oriented, with a proven ability to generate high-quality, reproducible data within tight deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary, cross-functional teams and communicate complex scientific concepts clearly in both verbal and written formats.
• Self-motivated, adaptable, and committed to scientific discovery, continuous learning, and process improvement.
• Experience developing and optimizing these models for research or drug discovery applications is highly desirable.

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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