Associate Scientist I, Solid State/Material Science

The Molecular Profiling and Drug Delivery (MPDD) function within the Synthetic Molecules CMC organization is accountable for a broad range of deliverables across various stages of drug discovery and development. During lead optimization and through candidate selection, MPDD scientists utilize state of the art automation and computational tools supported by expertise in biopharmaceutics, drug delivery, and solid-state chemistry to collaboratively progress candidates with higher probability of success into development and advise clinical formulation strategy. From candidate selection through clinical proof of concept and product launch, MPDD scientists work in cross functional teams to identify the commercial solid form of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and establish structure-property-performance correlations to help deliver robust commercial processes and align control strategies across drug substance and product. They also transition drug substance isolation processes and relevant physical characterization methods to commercial manufacturing sites and work within teams to ensure successful regulatory submissions.

Solid State Chemist/Materials Scientist within AbbVie's MPDD organization work in cross-functional teams to support projects through all phases of development (Lead Optimization to Process Validation). In early development, they identify solid form of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and develop scalable API isolation processes for early clinical studies. During Phase II, they work with engineers and formulation scientists to establish structure-property-performance correlations and deliver commercial API isolation processes with optimized physical properties. In the final stages of development, they collaboratively transition isolation processes and relevant physical characterization methods into the commercial manufacturing sites. Throughout development, they work with relevant teams to ensure successful regulatory submissions. In order to develop and implement robust solutions, Solid State Chemists/Materials Scientist at AbbVie use a very diverse set of experimental, analytical and modeling techniques and tools.

Job Description:

AbbVie’s MPDD organization is seeking a highly motivated, talented, and creative scientist who is passionate in solid-state and materials characterization for an Associate Scientist I position. This person will support solid form development of clinical candidates, drug substance process development, and materials characterization spanning the drug substance and drug product interface.

Key Responsibilities:

Independently execute solid-state activities, including polymorph screening, salt screening, and materials characterization to support pipeline projects.
Support API crystallization, isolation, and milling process development to enable timely clinical deliveries with MPDD project leads.
Demonstrate strong data interpretation and troubleshooting skills by evaluating experiments and instrumentation, and by suggesting, designing, and pursuing relevant experiments.
Lead and support group safety, lab management, instrument maintenance, and overall laboratory operations to ensure efficient use of time, equipment, supplies, and reagents.
Learn and effectively implement new experimental techniques and protocols, while applying basic scientific principles and consulting relevant literature to place data in proper scientific context.
Maintain excellent documentation of all work, including electronic lab notebooks, test methods, and protocols.
Present results and experimental information in team meetings and communicate scientific findings clearly.
Understand and adhere to corporate standards regarding code of conduct, safety, appropriate handling of materials, controlled drug and radioactive compounds, GxP compliance, and animal care where applicable.

Basic:

BS with 0-3 years of experience in pharmaceutical or related industry. Preferred educational background includes but is not restricted to Chemical Engineering, Organic Chemistry, Physical Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or Materials Science.
Theoretical and practical knowledge to carry out job functions.

Preferred:

A working knowledge of drug substance physical properties, polymorphism, and solid-state characterizations (e.g. particle size, microscopy, flowability, surface area, thermal analysis, PXRD, etc.) relevant to pharmaceutical development and drug product manufacturability/stability.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Strong organizational, planning and troubleshooting skills.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing conditions.
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a cross-functional team setting.

Key Competencies:

Independently generate precise, reliable and reproducible data in a timely manner.
Demonstrate experimental precision and strong data interpretation skills.
Competently perform routine tasks with attention to detail. Independently review and scrutinize both own and others’ data.
Learn fast, grasp the “essence” and can change the course quickly where indicated.
Raise the bar and is never satisfied with the status quo.
Create a learning environment, open to suggestions and experimentation for improvement.
Embrace the ideas of others, nurture innovation and manage innovation to reality.
Keep accurate and current experiments and/or records of research according to AbbVie policies.

Understand and adhere to corporate standards regarding code of conduct, safety, appropriate handling of materials, controlled drug and radioactive compounds, GxP compliance, and animal care where applicable.

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 roleat the time of this posting based on the job grade for this position. Individual compensation paid within this range will depend on manyfactors 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 isearned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, incentive, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits thatare 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 andabsolute 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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