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The Preformulation team is an integral part of the Biologics Drug Product Development group at AbbVie. The primary task of the Preformulation team is to screen discovery-stage biologic candidates and help select leads with optimal developability properties for drug development. The Preformulation team works closely with discovery and development teams on multiple classes of biologics targeting diverse therapeutic areas.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Scientist I in AbbVie’s Biologics Drug Product Development Preformulation team in Worcester, Massachusetts. This position will focus on preformulation studies and characterization of mRNA-lipid nanoparticles (mRNA-LNPs) and protein therapeutics.

Responsibilities:

• Designs experiments and strategies to efficiently evaluate physicochemical and biophysical properties of discovery biologic molecules and to identify liabilities that could impact product development. Develops characterization methods for diverse classes of biologics (e.g., antibody, antibody-drug conjugate, bispecific antibody, fusion protein, mRNA-LNPs and conjugates). Selects drug candidates with desired characteristics for further drug product development.
• Serves as project lead for the Preformulation team, interacting with members from discovery and development groups to optimize the screening and selection of discovery candidates. Learns about diverse therapeutic areas and new biologic initiatives to foster effective collaborations with multiple teams.
• Uses advanced knowledge of formulations, biophysics, biochemistry, and CMC to streamline development of new biologics. Takes initiative to pursue innovative research ideas.
• Assay development for analytical characterization of mRNA-LNPs and protein drug modalities.
• Drafts technical documents and patent applications. Writes manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals. Attends external conferences for professional development.
• Mentors colleagues and helps maintain a highly collaborative and transparent work environment. Emphasizes efficient work habits and detailed attention to data documentation. Manages product timelines and resources.
• Executes a strong laboratory-based workplan to achieve results with minimal direction from supervisor. Maintains laboratory equipment and seeks cutting-edge methods and instruments to advance goals.

• Highly motivated Ph.D. (+ 1-4 years of experience) or M.S. (+6-10 years of experience) in Biochemistry, Biophysics, Pharmacy, Biopharmaceutics, or related discipline with strong laboratory and technical expertise in evaluation of physicochemical properties of mRNA-LNPs, biologics, drug product formulations, and bioassays.
• Demonstratable record of assay development and analytical characterization of mRNA-LNPs.
• Experience with nano flow-cytometry
• Prior experience characterizing mRNA-LNPs with TapeStation, RiboGreen assay, ELISA, Biolayer interferometry, ddPCR, SEC-MALS, and DLS.
• Advanced knowledge and experience in protein physicochemical techniques, biological assays, biochemistry, organic chemistry.
• Detailed familiarity with protein analytical methods including liquid chromatography (SEC, ion-exchange), mass spectrometry, UV-VIS absorbance and fluorescence spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and fluorimetry, imaged capillary isoelectric focusing (icIEF), dynamic light scattering, capillary electrophoresis, gel electrophoresis. Experience with high-throughput methods and automation.
• In-depth knowledge of protein formulation and solution biophysics such as viscosity and thermal stability measurements. Willing to learn new technologies and knowledge areas as needed.
• Detailed knowledge of antibodies, protein therapeutics, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), lipids, nucleic acids, gene therapy. Experience in conducting and interpreting bioassays is desired.
• Excellent communication skills. Demonstrated proficiency in writing technical documents and publications. Track record of innovation.
• Laboratory operation and organizational skills are highly desired.

Applicable only to applicants applying to a position in any location with pay disclosure requirements under state or local law: ​

• ​This is an on-site opportunity located in Worcester, MA. 
• 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. ​

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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, serving our community and embracing diversity and inclusion.  It is AbbVie’s policy to employ qualified persons of the greatest ability without discrimination against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy), physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, status as a protected veteran, or any other legally protected group status.

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