AbbVie

Principal Research Scientist II, Analytical Lead, R&D

AbbVie$130K — $180K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Degree in a relevant field (PhD, MS, or BS) with extensive industry experience (8-16+ years)
  • Deep understanding of analytical methods for protein therapeutics (HPLC, mass spectrometry, etc.)
  • Demonstrated experience in managing analytical development projects for biologics
  • Proficient in authoring regulatory documents, including INDs/IMPDs
  • Experience with laboratory investigations in a GXP environment
  • Knowledge of global regulatory compliance (ICH, FDA, EMA)
  • Statistical expertise with tools like JMP.

Responsibilities

  • Conceive and manage analytical development strategies for biologic programs
  • Translate analytical strategy into clear work packages for lab teams
  • Ensure timely delivery of analytical work to meet CMC objectives
  • Oversee third-party laboratory quality and execution
  • Analyze data trends from release and stability assays
  • Collaborate with development teams to define analytical strategies
  • Author and review regulatory submission content and technical reports

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical/dental/vision insurance
  • Paid time off, including vacation and sick leave
  • 401(k) retirement plan
  • Participation in long-term incentive programs
Full Job Description
Job Description

Role Summary

The Analytical Lead owns the analytical development strategy and deliverables for assigned biologic programs and serves as the primary analytical point of contact on the CMC development teams for these programs. Deliverables span product control strategies, CQA assessments, characterization and comparability studies, release and stability packages, and regulatory submission content. The Analytical Lead is responsible for coordinating method development, validation, transfer, and clinical supply testing across internal lab teams, Quality Control, and external contract labs. The role operates within a cross-functional, on-site environment supporting a portfolio that includes multi-specifics, antibodies, ADCs, and novel modalities.

Responsibilities
  • Independently conceive and own the analytical development strategy for assigned programs - including methods, specifications, CQAs, stability study plans, extended characterization, and comparability assessments - in alignment with CMC project goals.
  • Translate program analytical strategy into clear, scoped work packages for internal lab teams.
  • Accountable for the timely delivery of respective analytical work packages to achieve agreed upon CMC development objectives.
  • Manage and oversee third-party laboratory work to ensure quality and on-time execution.
  • Interpret data trends across release, stability, and characterization assays.
  • Collaborate with process development and drug product development partners to define analytical strategies for process development and formulation development studies.
  • Author and review regulatory submission documents, responses to health authority queries, technical reports, lab data, and method validation protocols and reports.
  • Communicate strategy, risks, and key issues to the Product Development Strategy Team, functional management, and SMEs.
  • Present project updates at group, department, and project team meetings.
  • Plan resource and budgetary requirements for assigned programs.
  • Mentor dual-role analytical leads on project management and analytical development strategies.
  • Serve as a subject matter expert within the broader Biologics ARD team for processes and procedures relevant to the Analytical Lead role.
  • Compile program-level analytical information into consolidated reporting for Analytical management.


Qualifications
  • Degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Analytical Chemistry, or a related field. PhD with 8+ years, MS with 14+ years, or BS with 16+ years of relevant industry experience.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of analytical methods for release, stability, and extended characterization of protein therapeutics (HPLC, capillary electrophoresis, mass spectrometry, potency assays, ELISA, cell-based functional assays, CD, DSC, light scattering).
  • Proven track record in project management of analytical development activities for biologic compounds (multi-specifics, mAbs, antibody drug conjugates and/or fusion proteins).
  • Experience authoring and reviewing INDs/IMPDs, including quality and characterization sections, and authoring responses to health authority queries.
  • Experience leading and reviewing change records, exception reports, and laboratory investigations in a GXP environment.
  • Working knowledge of global regulatory requirements applicable to analytical development of protein therapeutics (ICH, FDA, EMA).
  • Statistical knowledge and hands-on experience with design of experiments, stability trending, statistical software packages (e.g. JMP).
  • This position requires an individual who is self-motivated, detail-oriented, and able to work in a fast-paced team environment with demonstrated problem solving skills.

Key Competencies
  • Strong technical, communication, collaboration, and critical thinking skills.
  • Must be adaptable and flexible in the face of evolving priorities and timelines.
  • Fosters a learning environment, open to suggestions and experimentation for improvement.
  • Embraces the ideas of others, nurtures and manages innovation to reality.

Work Environment

This is a full-time, on-site role located in South San Francisco, CA. The position requires daily in-person collaboration across scientific and cross-functional teams. Candidates should expect frequent interaction with both local and global colleagues.

Compensation & Leveling

Compensation and Leveling will be commensurate with experience.

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 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.

About AbbVie

AbbVie develops pharmaceuticals and medical devices. They provide products and services to therapeutic areas including immunology, oncology, neuroscience, eye care, virology, women's health, and gastroenterology.

AbbVie Careers

Joining AbbVie means becoming part of a global team dedicated to making a remarkable impact on patients' lives. At AbbVie, our employees are united in the pursuit of groundbreaking innovation and are committed to transforming the future of healthcare with leading-edge science.

Work You’ll Do

At AbbVie, you’ll collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the industry to solve challenging problems that have a high impact on society. Our culture fosters growth and embraces leadership and diversity training, ensuring that every team member can thrive.

Explore Job Opportunities

AbbVie offers a wide range of job opportunities and career paths, providing a platform where professionals can propel their careers forward. From research and development to marketing and sales, the potential to make a significant impact is limitless.

Internship Programs

Kickstart your career with an AbbVie internship. Our programs provide invaluable industry experience and a chance to develop essential skills in a real-world setting. Interns at AbbVie are considered integral members of the team and are given tasks that are both challenging and rewarding.

Professional Growth and Development

We believe in nurturing our team's professional growth through comprehensive training programs, leadership development opportunities, and continuous learning. Our commitment to your career growth is reflected in our robust offerings that enhance your skills and knowledge.

Benefits and Culture

AbbVie is dedicated to supporting our employees' well-being both inside and outside of work. Our benefits package includes health, financial, and social benefits that are designed to support the diverse needs of our employees. Our inclusive culture encourages collaboration and innovation, fostering a workplace where all can excel.

Hiring Process

Our hiring process is designed to ensure a match that will be beneficial both for the company and for your career aspirations. From resume submission to interview, each step is an opportunity to showcase your skills and fit with the AbbVie team.

Networking and Career Advancement

At AbbVie, networking doesn’t just enhance your career; it propels it. We encourage our employees to engage internally and externally to build relationships that foster personal and professional growth.

Join Our Team

Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We are looking for passionate, curious, and innovative team players who are ready to make a difference.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work here.

Job Alert Emails

Personalize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding opportunities that await at AbbVie.

Explore AbbVie Jobs

Whether you’re seeking to advance your career in a dynamic and empowering environment, or looking for a place where you can innovate, lead, and contribute to something bigger, AbbVie is the place for you. Join us in our mission to discover and deliver innovative medicines that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow.
Learn more about AbbVie
Size
50,000 employees
Market Cap
$288.5 billion
Industry
Net Income
$4.6 billion
Founded
2013
5 Year Trend
+17%
Revenue
$45.8 billion
NASDAQ

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at AbbVie

More Pharmaceuticals & Biotech Jobs

Find similar Principal Research Scientist II, Analytical Lead, R&D jobs: