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.

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 scientists.

Qualifications

• PhD in Biological Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, or a related field with 4+ years of relevant bioanalytical pharma/biotech industry experience; or a Bachelors or Masters 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.

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.