Program Overview:

To be successful in our goals as an organization, AbbVie needs outstanding individuals willing to challenge themselves to find the best solutions for our patients. The AbbVie Postdoc Program is one way we are doing just that. AbbVie Postdoctoral Fellows serve as technical experts who investigate, identify, develop, and optimize new methods / techniques to address critical project needs. Participants continuously seek to improve existing laboratory methods and processes, read and adapt literature to accomplish assignments, and demonstrate mastery of a broad range of experimental techniques and methods of data analysis.

The Postdoctoral Program is designed for true investigational and experimental research. Participants will be mentored by renowned industry scientists and collaborators at AbbVie and focus on delivering cutting-edge advancements in Discovery, Development Sciences, and BioPharma. This enriching training program offers a balance of structured learning and work experience which fosters a learning environment to advance individual development, and offers accessibility to high-level knowledge-building across the drug development continuum.

We are seeking scientists from key U.S.-based academic institutions within preferred areas of science for this unique 2-3 year assignment. Participants will build a solid career foundation in the pharmaceutical industry while building the AbbVie brand as an employer of choice for scientific talent.

Role Overview:

The Postdoctoral Fellow will join an academic-style environment on a cross-functional team in the Technologies and Therapeutic Platforms (TTP) department within the Molecular Probes. This group is responsible for developing novel fluorescent probes for the sensitive and selective detection of therapeutically relevant protein aggregates in cells and in vivo in order to progress therapies to treat aggregation associated pathologies across Abbvie. The Postdoctoral Fellow will work closely with the project’s scientific mentors and committee members comprising both internal and external experts in the design, optimization and use of fluorescent probes to create fluorescent reagents for improved sensitivity and broader utility than those already available.

The participant will develop broad-based skills in probe design, synthesis, and characterization for in vitro, cell-based, and in vivo assays potentially leading to therapies to treat diseases driven by misfolded and aggregated proteins. Additionally, the Fellow will participate in all levels of this work - from discovery through implementation throughout Abbvie R&D. Timely publication in high-impact journals is an integral part of this program and will maximize the participant’s exposure to the broader scientific community.

Responsibilities:

• Design and contribute to the synthesis of novel fluorophores and fluorophore-based reagents for the detection of aggregated proteins.
• Characterize and optimize aggregation sensitive probes for spectroscopic and other relevant characteristics.
• Collaborate with therapeutic area scientists and other specialists to fully characterize and implement discoveries into drug discovery assays.
• Design and perform biochemical, cell-based, and potentially in vivo-based experiments to achieve postdoctoral fellowship goals.
• Generate new research strategies to effectively address challenges that arise as the project progresses.
• Collaborate with functional and technical experts to facilitate scientific achievement.
• Maintain a high level of productivity in the laboratory setting.
• Effectively write and communicate research materials with both internal and external collaborators.
• Resolve research hurdles by effectively utilizing available information and technical expertise.
• Proactively seek out new information in the literature and incorporate this into individual project(s) as well as the overall program.
• Publish research in peer-reviewed journals and present work at scientific conferences aligned with broader business objectives.
• Demonstrate a high degree of responsibility in maintaining scientific standards and safe laboratory practice.

Basic Qualifications:

• PhD with a strong research background in the design and use of novel fluorophores and fluorescent-based reagents, including instrumentation and data-analysis for characterization.
• Extensive knowledge of literature to allow design of effective reagents for intended applications.
• Synthetic chemistry experience for the design of novel fluorophores based on literature and project requirements.
• Proficient with cell culture/sterile techniques and experience with using fluorescence-based reagents in cell-based systems.
• Record of scientific initiative and creativity in research activities as demonstrated by a strong publication history.
• Capable of independently designing and executing experiments, interpreting data, and identifying appropriate follow-up strategies.
• Excellent project management skills. Ability to multitask and work within timelines.
• Demonstrated scientific writing skills and strong verbal communication skills.
• Global mindset to thrive in a diverse culture and environment.
• Collaborative and open to tackling new challenges.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ability to execute synthetic chemistry to produce reagents for project.
• Experience with biochemical and cellular fluorescence-based assays, as well as downstream sample handling for bio-analytical measurements.
• Knowledge in the design of bifunctional small molecules.
• Knowledge and experience with microscopy data acquisition and analysis for cell-based systems.
• Experience with tissue and in vivo application of fluorescence reagents, including confocal microscopy.

Key Leadership Competencies:

• Builds strong relationships with peers and cross-functionally with partners outside of team to enable higher performance.
• Learns fast, grasps the "essence," and can change 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 to reality.

Equal Employment Opportunity

At AbbVie, we value bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds to develop new and innovative solutions for patients. As an equal opportunity employer we do not discriminate on the basis 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, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.

AbbVie’s mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people’s lives across several key therapeutic areas: immunology, oncology, neuroscience, eye care, virology, women’s health and gastroenterology, in addition to products and services across its Allergan Aesthetics portfolio.