Scientist I-II, Lab Manager
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Role Summary
Scientist I or II and Lab Manager within AbbVie’s Irvine, CA Formulation Development group, supporting two advanced development labs and ~25 scientists. Responsible for laboratory readiness, procurement, inventory control, instrument maintenance, calibrations, and compliance. Acts as the operational bridge between lab teams, Lab Support & Operations, and EHS, leading safety walks and vendor visits. May contribute to standing up a new lab, shaping infrastructure, workflows, and safety culture. Requires exceptional organization, attention to detail, and the ability to coach scientists to drive operational excellence.
Responsibilities
- Oversee daily operations across two formulation development labs, ensuring seamless coordination between sites and uninterrupted support for ~25 scientists.
- Manage procurement, stocking, and inventory of lab consumables, raw materials, and regulated compounds, maintaining strict accountability using proprietary inventory systems.
- Plan, coordinate, and supervise domestic and international shipments of compounds, including specialized packing and regulatory documentation.
- Serve as the operational bridge between the lab team and the Lab Support & Operations (LSO) group, ensuring timely equipment calibration, preventive maintenance, repairs, and compliance with vendor safety protocols.
- Lead monthly safety walks, hazard assessments, and biohazard waste management in partnership with Environment, Health & Safety (EHS) to uphold exceptional safety and compliance standards.
- Maintain readiness and integrity of diverse instrumentation (pH meters, HPLCs, plate readers, etc.) in restricted-access labs, escorting service personnel as required.
- Coach and advise lab staff on safety best practices and operational protocols, fostering a collaborative, organized, and safety-conscious work environment.
- Assist with lab set up and expansion activities, including layout optimization, identification of equipment needs, and implementation of workflows for the new facility.
- Perform occasional hands-on lab support tasks such as buffer compounding and preparation of starting materials when needed.
Qualifications
- Scientist I: Bachelor’s with 5+ years of experience or Master’s with typically 2+ years of experience.
- Scientist II: Bachelor’s with 7+ years of experience or Master’s with typically 5+ years of experience.
- Proven track record overseeing lab facilities, equipment, and complex inventories in industry or academia.
- Experience with inventory management systems and strict compliance, ideally involving controlled materials.
- Exceptional organizational skills, meticulous attention to detail, and diligence in documentation.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to coach, guide, and influence lab personnel on safety, compliance, and best practices.
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment and managing priorities across multiple lab sites.
- Demonstrated ability to coordinate vendor services, maintenance schedules, and preventive upkeep for diverse scientific instrumentation.
- Able to perform hands-on tasks as needed, including material preparation and safe handling in restricted-access areas.
- Self-motivated problem-solver who thrives in collaborative, multidisciplinary settings and can contribute to building out new laboratory spaces.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills in English.
Skills
- Operational coordination across multiple lab sites
- Inventory management and compliance
- Vendor management and equipment maintenance
- Safety leadership and hazard assessment
- Lab setup and expansion planning
- Hands-on laboratory support and material preparation