Scientist l, Automation Engineering

Role Summary

Automation Engineering Scientist I within AbbVie's Process Chemistry group, responsible for chemical process research and development and supporting projects from pre-clinical stages through commercialization. The role emphasizes design and execution of high-throughput experiments, data capture, and automation-enabled process development to enable safe and cost-effective manufacturing. The successful candidate will apply scientific methods to advance synthetic molecules and contribute to IP generation through process optimization and innovative experimentation.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct of critical high throughput experiments (HTE) to support clinical development of synthetic molecules
• Interpret results and draw conclusions from own experiments, note significant deviations, then suggest, design, and pursue relevant experiments
• Highly independent and productive in performing laboratory research
• Responsible for documenting and completing experiments in ELN and capture of HTE data in a timely manner
• Implement and may innovate new experimental protocols/techniques in process development, especially in the area of automation and high throughput experimentation
• Routinely demonstrate scientific initiative and creativity in research and development activities to resolve key project hurdles
• Adhere to corporate standards regarding code of conduct, safety, quality, and appropriate handling of materials
• Understand the goal and maintain high proficiency in his/her projects as well as the overall program
• Understand relevant scientific literature and apply theoretical framework to solving problems within scientific discipline in a timely manner
• Perform routine and complex tasks competently and independently and generate reliable and consistent results
• Learn fast, grasp the essence, and can change course quickly as needed

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent education and typically 5 years of experience, Master’s Degree or equivalent education and typically 0-2 years of experience
• Educational background in chemical engineering, chemistry and/or automation engineering
• Experience in automation, high and medium throughput experimentation
• Experience in handling small molecules, antibody drug conjugates, peptides and potent compounds
• Experience with machine learning and data-science techniques. Ability to design appropriate experiments to build and validate AI/ML tools
• Hands-on experience writing scripts and methods independently with one or more current laboratory liquid handling automation platforms (e.g. Beckman, Tecan, Hamilton)
• Proficiency in using laboratory information management systems (LIMS)
• Experience in independently operating analytical instruments such as HPLC, UPLC, GC, NMR, etc.
• Strong mechanical aptitude
• Excellent communication (oral and written) skills
• Experience working in a cross functional collaborative environment
• Must have a “results-oriented” work ethic and a positive “can-do” attitude with a strong sense of urgency and self-motivated desire to achieve
• Experience in co-authoring manuscripts and patent disclosures