Job Abstract

Envision working with energetic colleagues and inspirational leaders. Now, place yourself in that mix; leading discussions, asking the right questions, and driving results.

The Principal Research Scientist is responsible for supporting the development, qualification, transfer and validation of analytical methods for the analysis and characterization of neurotoxin and biologics entities.

He/She independently plans experimental work and executes protocols in support of biologics process development, formulation development, and stability studies. The individual independently generates, compiles, and evaluates data for technical reports to support regulatory filings for new and currently marketed biological products. The individual is also responsible for writing sections or subsections of technical reports, method and/or operational SOPs. He/She independently carries out multiple analytical methods to support AbbVie biologics projects depending on departmental needs. Maintains a productive and collaborative laboratory environment consistent with regulatory and company expectations.

The position requires the individual to work with and in areas requiring select agents and toxins access (i.e. Biosafety level 2 laboratories). Access to and use of select agents is regulated by federal policies. Therefore, the candidate must conduct all work activities in compliance with AbbVie internal and applicable regulatory requirements. AbbVie internal requirements include compliance with ethics, environmental health and safety, financial, human resources, and general business policies, requirements and objectives.

Key Responsibilities 

• Lead development of phase appropriate separation methods to support toxin development programs at various phases by managing direct reports


• Execute the development and validation of analytical methods for the analysis and characterization of biopharmaceuticals. Create written procedures and protocols. Transfer, qualify or validate methods as needed.


• Represent department for important organization-wide initiatives to support establishment of infrastructures


• Apply routine and specialized analytical techniques to characterize and quantify biopharmaceuticals. Maintain reagent supplies, notebooks, summarizes results in written reports and communicates observations to ensure that the end user receives quality methods in a timely manner. Comply with Quality Principals related to data generation and reporting.


• Actively participate on cross-functional teams within Biologics Development and provide support to external departments. Openly share scientific expertise and collaboratively help the team to formulate rational solutions to problems.


• Develop protocols and SOPs, train staff and maintain the laboratory consistent with departmental and company requirements. Understand, document, and adjust Quality Systems to match the project stage (e.g. pre-development or development).


• Maintain a good and current knowledge of the scientific and technical literature pertinent to the project and necessary for development of state-of-the-art analytical methods, including the acquisition of necessary equipment.


• Keep up-to-date on current and cutting-edge developments in the biologics characterization field.


• Make high quality scientific presentations at internal management, regional and national meetings to help advance AbbVie’s image as the thought and product leader in the neuromodulator field. Present and defends product, assay and process data to regulatory agencies.


• Make staffing recommendations related to direct reports and communicates desired forward path to mid-and-senior level management for endorsement/implementation. Evaluates performance for direct reports and assists with staff development via recommendations for internal and external technical training and scientific conferences. Consistently treats direct reports and other team members and all Abbvie employees with respect