Job Description

Principal Research Scientist I is responsible for leading, planning and executing R&D activities with an objective of developing novel biomaterials and drug delivery technologies to enable next generation of medical aesthetic products. Polymer innovation involves the science and engineering of the polymers (synthesis, modification, fabrication and characterization of natural or synthetic polymers). Formulation-based protein delivery involves developing and characterizing formulation prototypes (e.g. solutions, gels or particles) to achieve target product profiles. The ideal candidate has a solid background in polymer chemistry, is experienced with various types of protein delivery technologies and is highly effective in delivering innovation and results in a fast-paced environment. Experience with early pharmaceutical development and CMC practice for protein products and the characterization of the interactions between a protein molecule and excipients or biopolymers is a plus. Communication and leaderships skills as required for cross-functional collaborations and people management are essential.

Key Duties / Responsibilities:

Scientific Leadership: 20%

• Leads a technical team to advance a technology platform or a product.
• Represents Biomaterials & Drug Delivery to provide technical leadership for research and development programs.
• Represents Abbvie and provides leadership on external collaborations.
• Steers the assessment of future delivery technologies according to pipeline needs; identifies internal as well as external technology opportunities and champions critical scientific assessment.
• Serves as a technical advisor and subject matter expert to the company’s business. Actively contributes to the company’s patent portfolio through continuous innovation.

Scientific Execution: 40%

• Develops detailed project plans including scientific approaches and realistic deliverables with budgets and timelines.
• Executes experimental studies for the synthesis, formulation, prototyping, and characterization of novel biomaterials.
• Executes studies to develop a formulation or drug delivery technology.
• Designs and develops analytical tools to characterize the formulation including drug interaction with excipients.
• Aligns cross-functionally and executes study plans to advance a drug product through Discovery and early Development stages.
• Organizes, leads, and/or participates in project team meetings to define and schedule project activities and review completed tasks.
• Writes, reviews and issues technical reports, technical memoranda, and other documents for internal and external distribution.

Scientific Communication: 25%

• Communicates project status to project team leaders, functional managers, and R&D committees as appropriate. Drives alignment with cross-functional teams and management for activities and deliverables.
• Represent the Biomaterials & Drug Delivery to interface with cross functional management and internal customers. Remains as an internal subject matter expert through the entire product development life cycle.
• Generates ROI’s and works closely with corporate patent counsel in generating IP documentation.

External Scientific Interaction: 10%

• Searches, reviews, and evaluates current technology landscape to maintain and extend internal technical competence.
• Attends and participates in scientific meetings as company’s representative to gain knowledge about new products or technologies pertinent to corporate business interest.
• Communicates and recommends new biomaterial, product, and technology related ideas to supervisor and other research managers to maintain and enhance company’s position in the marketplace.

Talent Management: 5%

• Manages/trains/mentors junior staff as direct reports or as part of a project team in a matrix-based organization.
• Participates in identifying, interviewing, and hiring new talents.
• Manages day to day performance of direct reports, as needed.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

• Ph.D. or M.S.-level education in Biomaterials Science, Polymer Chemistry, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Drug Delivery Sciences, or related fields.
• 6+ (Ph.D.), 12+ (M.S.) or 14+ (B.S.) years of applicable experience including industrial experience is required.
• Work experience involving biomaterials for drug delivery systems and medical device and is preferred.

Essential Skills & Abilities:

Leadership :

• Ability to lead scientific innovations and translate them into new product concepts and opportunities
• Ability to create scientific ideas and define research approaches to drive project deliverables within timelines
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers or technical peers.
• Ability to present facts and recommendations effectively in both oral and written form.
• Ability to interface with multiple levels of employees at various disciplines within various departments
• Ability to work/manage cross-functional teams
• Ability to lead and mentor junior staff or serve as a senior technical advisor

Technical:

• Possess high degree of technical competence and expertise in Biomaterials Science (e.g., polymer synthesis, cross-linked/modified polymers, hydrogels, biodegradable polymers or vehicles, biomaterial-tissue interfaces, polymer fabrication processes, drug delivery systems, and tissue scaffolding/engineering)
• Demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills and excellent communication skills, both oral and written
• Working knowledge of general laboratory techniques and procedures including EHS practice
• Ability to accurately perform detail-oriented work.
• Ability to prioritize and manage concurrent projects
• Ability to maintain accuracy, consistency and quality of documentation while adhering to company deadlines
• Ability to learn and function in a controlled environment regulated by FDA GMPs and handle confidential data, as needed
• Ability to read, analyse, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical journals and procedures and governmental regulations.
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, documentation and procedures.
• Ability to interact and negotiate successfully with suppliers and vendors.
• Ability to take initiative and make decisions within own work content
• Ability to use word processing, spreadsheet and database applications.
• Ability to learn various software programs.

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 short-term incentive programs. ​

• 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.

AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives, serving our community and embracing diversity and inclusion. It is AbbVie’s policy to employ qualified persons of the greatest ability without discrimination against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy), physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, status as a protected veteran, or any other legally protected group status.

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