Senior Scientist I, Drug Product Design and Development at AbbVie — North Chicago, IL

The Drug Product Design and Development (DPDD) group within the Synthetic Molecule CMC organization at AbbVie is responsible for the design and development of drug products that enable the delivery of AbbVie’s candidate synthetic molecules in dosage forms to support various stages of clinical evaluation, from proof of concept to pivotal studies and life cycle innovation. DPDD collaborates with cross functional teams to devise an integrated and phase appropriate drug product development strategy, design and execute studies to develop bioavailable, stable and manufacturable drug products, and ensure timely delivery of clinical supplies. DPDD is also accountable for optimizing formulation and manufacturing processes to develop commercializable drug products for Phase 3 clinical studies, meeting the needs of the patients we serve and ensuring consistent production of high-quality drug products.

AbbVie's DPDD organization is seeking a highly motivated and talented leader with experience and expertise in developing drug products for a Senior Scientist I position to join our team based in North Chicago, IL. The candidate will work with cross-functional teams to develop drug delivery and formulation strategies, lead the design, characterization and understanding of formulations/processes, as well as advance biopharmaceutical characterizations of clinical formulations.  In this role, the candidate will play a crucial role as a project lead within dynamic, engaging, and cross functional teams with the ability to apply expertise and leadership skills to advise teams, solve complex problems and drive innovation. The candidate is also expected to foster productive collaborations and demonstrate effective communication within scientific teams and senior CMC management.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead the formulation design for small molecule development candidates within the AbbVie pipeline.
• Interface with drug product development teams to ensure that biopharmaceutical and physicochemical considerations are incorporated into formulation design.
• Advance scientific expertise within function. Proactively demonstrate leadership by advising and sharing knowledge and expert opinions with subordinates, peers, and senior management.
• Ensure development of technologies and scientific innovation that improve the capability to formulate small molecules within the AbbVie pipeline
• Collaborate with other functions within AbbVie to align a broad range of strategies that directly support drug discovery and development programs
• Ensure compliance with AbbVie safety, quality and regulatory policies and government regulations.
• MS (8-10 yr. experience) or PhD (0-3 yr. experience) in Pharmaceutics, Physical Pharmacy, Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or Material Sciences
• Strong theoretical background and practical background in formulation design and pharmaceutical technologies.
• Fundamental understanding of physicochemical and biopharmaceutical properties as related to formulation design
• Technical awareness in various aspects of drug development, adherence to rigorous scientific method, and commitment to the scientific process.
• Scientific problem solving, experimental design and trouble shooting skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a cross-functional team setting.

Preferred:

• Strong knowledge of long-acting injectable (LAI) technologies.
• Fundamental understanding of physicochemical properties related to LAI formulation design.
• Experience in developing LAI formulations.
• Proficiency in using analytical techniques for LAI product characterization.
• Ability to troubleshoot formulation and manufacturing processes for LAI products, including resolution of potential scale-up issues.

Key  Competencies:

• Builds strong relationships with peers and cross functionally with partners outside of the team to enable higher performance.
• Learns fast, grasps the “essence” and can change the course quickly where indicated.
• 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.

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.  ​

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 and serving our community.  Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled.

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