LBA Automation Scientist II

About the role

The LBA Operations lab within Quantitative Translational & ADME Sciences (QTAS) in Worcester, MA, is seeking a motivated, independent, and experienced automation Scientist to support pre-clinical bioanalytical programs in a non-regulated and fast-paced environment.

This role focuses on 1) the bioanalysis of animal samples dosed with large molecule therapeutics, including pharmacokinetic (PK), toxicokinetic (TK) pharmacodynamic (PD), and anti-drug-antibody (ADA) studies using manual and automated Meso Scale Discovery (MSD) assay protocols; and 2) designing and optimizing new automation protocols for the LBA workflow on Tecan and Hamilton liquid handlers.

The primary responsibilities of the Scientist I/II role include developing and executing bioanalytical strategies to support PK, PD, TK, and ADA studies via LBA using automated liquid handling systems. This lab-based role focuses on bioanalytical assay design, planning, data interpretation, and application of automation knowledge to increase analytical capabilities in support of oncology, immunology, and neuroscience portfolios.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in bioanalysis, biochemistry, chemistry, or related fields along with bioanalytical assay automation. The candidate is expected to execute bioanalytical assay design and data interpretation, while driving automation strategies for pre-clinical sample analysis.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Design and execute pre-clinical (rodent, NHP) bioanalytical studies using newly developed or existing bioanalytical protocols using manual and automated LBA protocols (Hamilton and Tecan instruments).
• Serve as an automation SME for the lab and set up automated assay strategies for large molecule bioanalysis.
• Effectively and clearly communicate assay plans, timelines, results, and data interpretations with study teams and QTAS stakeholders.
• Train and mentor junior scientists on LBA protocols using automation.
• Archive data in ELN and LIMS systems.
• Write and update experimental protocols and procedures.
• Initiate, design, interpret, and troubleshoot operational assays independently and efficiently.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in biochemistry, chemistry, or pharmacology with 7+ years industry experience or MS or equivalent with 5+ years of experience.
• Previous experience conducting PK/PD/TK bioanalysis on antibodies, bi/multi-specifics and/or ADCs, including data interpretation is required.
• Highly motivated, reliable, and independent contributor with attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with assay development and troubleshooting using ligand binding workflows (ELISA, MSD) is a must. Automation experience is required.
• Team player. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with computers and data analysis software, including LIMS systems.
• Ability to design, summarize, communicate, and interpret bioanalytical results.
• Creative leader and problem solver who collaborates effectively in a highly matrixed environment.
• This position is onsite and located at the AbbVie Bioresearch Center in Worcester, MA.

Additional Information

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.