Principal Research Scientist II, Analytical Development

Company: AbbVie
Location: San Diego
Posted on: April 2, 2026

Job Description:

Company Description About AbbVie AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines and solutions 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 including immunology, oncology and neuroscience - and products and services in our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com . Follow @abbvie on LinkedIn, Facebook , Instagram , X and YouTube. Job Description We seek a Principal Scientist II, Analytical Development to join an experienced, fast-paced and collaborative team. This position will be primarily responsible for guiding analytical strategy, developing novel analytical methods, and expanding platform understanding of AbbVies mRNA-based targeted lipid nanoparticles (tLNPs) pipeline. This role will manage a small team of scientists focused on biophysical methods for characterizing mRNA, plasmids, and lipids. Working closely with the technology development and research teams, this position will guide development of novel characterization methods, drive process/product understanding, support expansion of the mRNA/tLNP platform and pipeline, and support product investigations. Responsibilities & Duties: Lead strategy for and development of novel biophysical methods to characterize mRNA drug substance, plasmid, and lipids, including but not limited to LC/CE/MS, MALLS, mass photometry, and plate-based assays Design and lead structure-activity relationship and extended characterization studies for improving mRNA function, stability, and quality Expand plasmid characterization tools to support mRNA pipeline Establish automation/high throughput (HTP) workflows and in-process analytical methods for routine and non-routine testing Represent functional area in cross-functional pipeline and technology development teams. Effectively communicate complex technical topics to collaborators and management Support method transfer and qualifications as needed Manage and develop a team of 3-6 scientists Draft technical reports and documents as needed Qualifications Generally met with a PhD with 8 years related experience, including at least 4 years of experience managing direct reports and/or a functional team Degree in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering or related field with proven technical and leadership track record developing biologics (e.g. mRNA, antibodies, etc) and lipids is required Experience developing analytical methods for oligonucleotides (e.g. LC, CE, MS, MALLS, etc) and lipids is required. Experience with plasmid characterization is strongly preferred Experience with method transfer and qualification is preferred Strong proficiency authoring and reviewing technical reports Familiarity with international regulatory standards and application to phase-appropriate analytical development and strategy is preferred Experience designing and executing stability and comparability studies is required Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with a demonstrated capacity to thrive in collaborative, team-driven environments. Additional Information Applicable only to applicants applying to a position in any location with pay disclosure requirements under state orlocal law: The compensation range described below is the range of possible base pay compensation that the Companybelieves ingood faith it will pay for this role at the timeof this posting based on the job grade for this position.Individualcompensation paid within this range will depend on many factors including geographic location, andwemay ultimatelypay more or less than the posted range. This range may be modified in thefuture. We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick),medical/dental/visioninsurance and 401(k) to eligibleemployees. This job is eligible to participate in our short-term incentiveprograms. Note: No amount of payis considered to bewages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, anddeterminable.The amount and availability of any bonus,commission, incentive, benefits, or any other form ofcompensation and benefitsthat are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole andabsolutediscretion unless and until paid andmay be modified at the Companys sole and absolute discretion, consistent withapplicable 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. US & Puerto Rico only - to learn more, visit https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/equal-employment-opportunity-employer.html US & Puerto Rico applicants seeking a reasonable accommodation, click here to learn more: https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/reasonable-accommodations.html

Keywords: AbbVie, Fountain Valley , Principal Research Scientist II, Analytical Development, Science, Research & Development , San Diego, California