Director Biological ResearchSenior Principal Research Scientist

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The Neurotoxin Research Group at AbbVie seeks an accomplished scientist and leader. The Director/Senior Principal Research Scientist will lead a team performing in vitro and in vivo pharmacological research to screen and characterize existing and novel toxin therapeutics. She/He/They will be responsible for managing a diverse team of in vitro and in vivo scientists to design and perform cellular and in vivo pharmacology studies using existing and novel assays aimed at identifying candidate toxin variants and evaluating the effects of botulinum neurotoxins on peripheral motor and sensory neurons. The candidate should have practical experience studying in vitro and in vivo biological systems to identify targets develop bioassays and screen therapeutic candidates. 

The ideal candidate will have a strong and established background in pharmacology specializing in both in vitro and in vivo pharmacology and a proven track record of successfully leading diverse project teams with the goal of identifying and advancing novel therapeutics. The candidate will have experience with project conception strategic planning budgeting and both leading as well as contributing to crossfunctional and matrixed teams. Additionally the candidate will have a working knowledge of various research areas including neuroscience enzyme biokinetics toxicology biochemistry and histology. 

The candidate will be able to lead by influence and maintain a productive collaborative and inclusive laboratory environment in compliance with regulatory and company expectations. Experience managing projects from earlystage research through development is a required. 

 A key role for the position is partnering with senior management to conceive and provide strategic direction and vision for the program while leading a team responsible for executing the technical aspects of the plan. Strong communication skills are essential as the candidate must be able to tailor interactions with technical teams and represent the program and strategy to executivelevel management.

Key responsibilities:

       Drive functional performance by leading team members in designing and deploying the appropriate in vitro cellular and in vivo assays including analyzing pharmacological results for both screening of novel toxins and full characterization of key molecules

         Develop and execute a strategy in alignment with functional goals and key scientific objectives in early stage discovery and during transition to development stage

         Partner with protein engineering SMEs to contribute biological knowledge to the design of novel proteins with desired pharmacological characteristics

         Liaise with toxicology immunology bioanalytical clinical development and commercial colleagues

         As programs advance develop plans to address and reduce risks in collaboration with key stakeholders to help progress the program into development and ultimately into clinical studies

         Manage project activities and professional development of a team of scientists through effective mentoring guidance and supervision

         Advance scientific expertise within the function and collaborate with crossdisciplinary teams to advance programs from research to development

         Develop forward looking strategies to identify and implement novel assays measurements and technologies that increase throughput quality and reproducibility of pharmacological results

         Ensure the quality and effectiveness of key project results through sound design early risk assessments and implementation of fallback strategies

         Provide expert advice and share knowledge with direct reports peers and senior management

         Provide guidance to develop both the skills and the careers of direct reports

         Train and mentor functional colleagues and assess current and emerging business challenges to achieve functional goals

         Identify and integrate emerging scientific trends from internal and external sources into shortterm functional objectives

         Responsible for data management data QC and technical report writing

       Author regulatory documents in compliance with Federal Regulations including protocols study reports relevant sections of investigator brochures and INDs white papers and other similar documents

         Present program updates and research strategies to functional and nonfunctional leaders as well as potential and existing partners

         Maintain awareness of emerging literature and science in the neurotoxin field and author scientific disclosures as needed

Qualifications :

       Extensive experience with pharmacological assays focusing on in vitro cellular and in vivo pharmacology in an industrial research environment with at least 10 years of experience managing teams and crossfunctional projects

       Ability to partner to partner with SMEs to contribute biological knowledge to the design of new proteins with desired pharmacological characteristics

       Direct experience with peripheral neuronal animal models

       Proven track record of driving early to latestage discovery programs

       Extensive knowledge and experience in both central and peripheral neuroscience

       At a minimum conversant in enzyme kinetics toxicologic and histologic assays and methods

       Extremely organized and experienced with documentation of experimental plans budget timelines and technical reports

       Experience in authoring and QCing technical reports and regulatory documents

       Highly organized and selfdirected capable of leading multiple complex research programs in parallel.

       Solid understanding of standard statistical analysis of scientific data using data software tools (e.g. Prism SigmaPlot and SPSS)  

       Detailed oriented and precise in written and oral communication 

       Effective problemsolving skills

       Ability to critically analyze data and lead teams to solve issues and make the best strategic decisions

       Highly collaborative teamoriented and considerate of the needs of others

       Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate with diverse groups within the organization and external partners

       Knowledge of pharmaceutical development processes including lead characterization CMC considerations and GxP tox & safety 

       Experience evaluating internal and external research and development programs

       Proven team leadership and management abilities including experience mentoring guiding supervising and developing scientific personnel with various backgrounds and training levels

       Ability to create an inclusive environment where diverse ideas viewpoints and backgrounds are valued; willingness and ability to lead inclusively and demonstrate a commitment to listen and consider all points of view

Education & Experience: 

PhD in Biology Pharmacology Neuroscience Biochemistry or equivalent field with 10 years of related work experience in biotech or pharma; Masters Degree Science or PharmD with 16 years of related work

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 shortterm incentive programs. 

• This job is eligible to participate in our longterm 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 Companys sole and absolute discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Companys sole and absolute discretion consistent with applicable 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. 

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