Senior Scientist II

The Molecular Profiling and Drug Delivery (MPDD) function within the Small Molecule 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.

Drug Delivery scientists within AbbVie's MPDD organization work collaboratively with other functions within Development Sciences and Discovery to conduct developability assessment to select molecules with higher probability of success for clinical development and eventual commercialization. This includes profiling of physicochemical properties, development of preclinical formulations, identifying solutions to in vivo absorption challenges, and advancement of novel drug delivery strategies across multiple routes of administration that are aligned with program target product profiles and downstream partners. Modalities of interest include traditional small molecules as well as complex chemically synthesized modalities such as PROTACs and peptides. In this role, you will work in cross-functional teams in matrixed environments and engage in multidisciplinary problem solving.

Job Description

AbbVie's MPDD organization is seeking a highly motivated, talented, and creative scientist with expertise and some experience in pharmaceutical sciences and drug delivery for a Senior Scientist II position. The primary role of this position is to serve as an MPDD project leader on discovery programs, leading CMC developability assessment for emerging molecules on small molecule pipeline programs. This role will also entail contributing towards developing our drug delivery capabilities with a focus on complex chemically synthesized modalities such as PROTACS and peptides. This person will be working collaboratively with discovery and development partners across disciplines to improve delivery of these modalities and advance molecules to clinical development with improved developability profiles. The desired candidate will have a strong background and hand-on experience in the areas of physicochemical and/or biophysical properties and their impact on developability, preclinical and/or clinical formulation, biopharmaceutics, and drug delivery concepts relevant to small molecules and peptides.

Requirements

• Senior Scientist II typically requires Bachelors, Masters, or Ph.D. with 12+ (B.S.), 10+ (M.S.), and 4+ (Ph.D.) years of experience in pharmaceutical or related industry. Preferred educational backgrounds include but are not restricted to Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutical Engineering, Chemical/ Biomedical Engineering, and Materials Science.
• Fundamental understanding of biopharmaceutics as it relates to drug absorption across routes of administration.
• Familiarity and preferred hands-on experience in physicochemical property assessment related to understanding CMC developability profile and potential risk mitigation strategies. Techniques of interest include, but are not limited to: chromatography, x-ray diffraction, thermal analysis, microscopy, biophysical characterization techniques, etc.
• Experience developing and characterizing drug delivery systems to improve the bioperformance of small molecules, PROTACs, and/or peptides.
• Knowledge of preclinical and clinical formulation development principles relevant to chemically synthesized molecules across routes of administration.
• 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.

Key Competencies

• 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.