Senior Scientist II

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. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn. 

Allergan Aesthetics, an AbbVie Company is seeking a highly motivated, hands-on experimentalist for the exciting role of Senior Scientist II, Protein Science within the discovery research Toxin Innovation program in Irvine, CA .  The successful candidate will be a key member of a Protein Science team, leading a small team of scientists and supporting the generation and production of novel biotherapeutics with improved efficacy, selectivity and biophysical properties for successful manufacturing. As part of a matrixed organization, he/she/they will have a critical role in developing and executing protein expression and purification strategies using discovery approaches and scale to select, optimize, and prioritize therapeutic protein candidates for advancement.

The Senior Scientist II is responsible for leading her/his/their team including supporting active bench work with respect to the recombinant expression, purification and quality characterization of early-stage discovery proteins. The successful candidate will leverage their strong technical expertise in E. coli protein expression, with practical knowledge of eukaryotic expression systems (baculovirus, mammalian). Demonstrated proficiency with AKTA FPLC systems developing, optimizing, and executing purification strategies (IMAC, IEX, SEC, HIC) to purify proteins with or without affinity tags is a requirement.  The candidate is expected to possess expertise in characterizing proteins (SDS-PAGE, native PAGE, ELISA, Western Blot). Hands-on experience with HPLC separation methods (RP, SEC, IEX), dynamic light scatter (DLS) and differential scanning fluorimetry (DSF) is desired.  The candidate is expected to execute experiments with substantial independence and to provide strong mentorship to his/her/their team.  The candidate is expected to participate in discussions regarding the design of experiments and with guidance, have the ability to develop modified or new protocols and methods. 

The position requires the individual to work with and in areas requiring select agents and toxins access (i.e. Biosafety level 2 laboratories). Access to and use of select agents is regulated by federal policies. Therefore, the candidate must conduct all work activities in compliance with AbbVie internal and applicable regulatory requirements. AbbVie internal requirements include compliance with ethics, environmental health and safety, financial, human resources, and general business policies, requirements, and objectives.

The position also requires the candidate to lead discovery projects as project lead and to productively interact with cross-functional and matrixed teams across AbbVie for progressing the project, making quick strategic decisions for timely deliverables and milestones.  

Minimum Required Education & Experience:

• PhD in Biochemistry, Biophysics, Molecular/ Cellular Biology, Protein Chemistry and 4+ years of industry related experience.
• Possess thorough theoretical and practical understanding of Molecular Biology, Protein Engineering, Biochemistry and/or related discipline with a focus in cloning, heterologous protein expression, protein purification and characterization.
• People Management 

Other Required Skills:

• Proven experience and solid knowledge in Molecular Biology, Protein Purification and Characterization  
• Proficient in recombinant protein expression in heterologous hosts (E. coli, baculovirus, mammalian).
• Skilled with AKTA FPLC purification systems.
• Demonstrated proficiency in protein separation techniques (IMAC, SEC, ion exchange, HIC)
• Experience in managing direct reports and in leading projects is highly desirable   
• Experience with protein characterization techniques including SDS-PAGE, native PAGE, ELISA and Western blot and HPLC is required
• Meticulous attention to detail and diligence in record keeping.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills required as is experience with documentation of experimental plans, analyzing data and generating high quality technical reports. 
• Highly autonomous and productive in performing laboratory research or method development, requiring only minimal direction from or interaction with supervisor.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively in a dynamic, cross-functional matrix environment.
• Excellent self-management and organizational skills. 
• Demonstrated strong communication skills and ability to clearly communicate theories and concepts, influence others without authority, and drive technical excellence. 
• Understand relevant scientific literature and apply theoretical framework to solving problems within scientific discipline in a timely manner.
• Builds strong relationships with peers and cross-functional partners to enable higher performance. 
• Learns fast, grasps the "essence”, and can change course quickly where indicated. 
• Connects ideas from disparate fields, integrates data and information quickly, and takes risks to achieve the highest performance. 
• 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. 

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

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• 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. ​

• This job is eligible to participate in our long-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 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.