Senior Scientist, II Biologics & Genetic Medicine - LCMS Characterization & Bioanalysis

About the role

AbbVie is seeking a highly motivated and experienced scientist to join our Quantitative, Translational & ADME Sciences (QTAS) team in North Chicago. The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in developing and implementing LC/MS-based bioanalysis and in vitro characterization assays for novel biologics. This role will support sample preparation, method development, bioanalytical assay operations, data analysis, report generation, and data presentation.

In this laboratory-based role, the scientist will help implement innovative quantitative and qualitative approaches to advance stability characterization of novel biologic entities using both conventional and more complex in vitro models. The position will also involve scientific leadership in the conduct of in vitro serum aggregation and stability assays for novel biologics. In addition, the successful candidate will qualify, validate, and evaluate new technologies while executing operational activities that support AbbVie's growing novel biologics and genetic medicine pipeline.

Core Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain LC/MS instruments to generate high-quality experimental data.
• Perform affinity purification of biotherapeutics, including but not limited to monoclonal and multispecific antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates, antibody-siRNA conjugates, and tLNPs.
• Analyze data and maintain detailed, accurate, and comprehensive study documentation in electronic laboratory notebooks. Communicate data interpretation internally and externally as needed.
• Support method development and assay optimization for quantitative bioanalysis and in vivo stability assessment of novel biologic entities to ensure laboratory capacity and data quality.
• Evaluate novel in vitro tools and methods, and apply established concepts to assess serum aggregation and stability of biologics and genetic medicine modalities.
• Serve as a characterization liaison for novel biologic entities within QTAS, partnering with QTAS representatives, HT-ABBA, Discovery BGM, ADC Discovery, and Conjugation teams to coordinate submissions, allocate requests, and review in vitro stability data.
• Stay current with emerging literature and scientific advances in biologics in vitro characterization and bioanalysis.
• Leverage AI-enabled tools and data-driven approaches to predict and deepen understanding of the biophysical and stability properties of biologics, supporting more efficient characterization and informed decision-making.
• Mentor/ supervise team of 2-3 scientist/senior scientist

Qualifications & Requirements

• PhD in Biological Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, or a related field with 4+ years of relevant bioanalytical pharma/biotech industry experience; or a Bachelor's or Master's degree with more than 10 years of experience in biologics characterization, bioanalysis, and DMPK projects through academic or industry work.
• Demonstrated understanding of the biophysical and biochemical properties of biologics, including aggregation, post-translational modifications, and stability.
• In-depth understanding of LC-MS methodology, with a focus on protein mass spectrometry; hands-on experience with a wide range of mass spectrometers, including QQQ, TOF, and Orbitrap platforms, is highly desired.
• Deep understanding of biologics and ADC in vitro characterization, including serum stability, lysosomal stability, and biotransformation, as well as quantitative bioanalysis to support in vivo PK, TK, and PK/PD studies.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and analyze data using advanced software tools such as Protein Metrics Byos, Mass MetaSite, Empower/Chromeleon, and GraphPad Prism.
• Strong and relevant publication record.
• Highly motivated, self-driven, and results-oriented, with excellent communication and presentation skills and the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Passion for generating ideas, learning, solving technical problems, and applying new technologies to advance scientific goals.

Key Leadership Competencies

• Builds strong relationships with peers and cross-functional partners to enable higher performance.
• Inspires and leads others in areas of expertise.
• Learns quickly, grasps the essence of issues, and adapts course when needed.
• Raises the bar and continuously challenges the status quo.
• Creates a learning environment open to suggestions and experimentation for improvement.
• Embraces the ideas of others, nurtures innovation, and helps bring ideas to reality.

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 long-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.