PhD-Position – Viral Gene Therapeutics Formulation Development (all genders) - #3964721

We are looking for a highly motivated PhD student focusing on formulation development of Adeno Associated Virus (AAV) therapeutics in a cross-functional environment and hereby contributing to the establishment of formulation standards for AbbVie’s expanding gene therapy and AAV therapeutics pipeline.

The Biologics-CMC organization is using cutting-edge science and technology, and risk management to develop robust formulations for a broad spectrum of injectable drugs. During the last decade we have extended our focus towards one-time treatments to help patients with severe conditions. The PhD student will support the organization in understanding and implementing formulation approaches for AAV based therapeutics. The main areas of this PhD project include excipient selection and exploration to maximize storage stability, stress test establishment and determination of viral serotype specificities. This includes hands-on laboratory work as well as data analysis and statistical evaluation thereof. The PhD student will also be involved in the establishment of a sound formulation development process for AbbVie’s expanding pipeline of AAV therapeutics. This complex PhD project encompasses collaboration with various internal stakeholders such as NBE analytical, formulation development, bioassay, discovery, and global initiatives as well as external academic partners.

Key responsibilities include

• Planning and conducting of complex experiments
• Mammalian cell culture and virus production
• Data analysis and interpretation
• Statistical evaluation of data
• Biochemical/biophysical analysis of AAV (HPLC; MS, DLS, DSF, SEC-MALS, qPCR, …)
• Formation of a robust process for formulation development of AAV therapeutics
• Evaluate and establish new state-of-the-art analytical methods
• Use of Quality by Design (QbD) approach
• International communication of research results via articles and oral presentations
• Support of pipeline project activities within Biologics Drug Product Development

As PhD student, you passionately drive your project in an integrated environment among distinct subject matter experts in fields such as formulation sciences, high throughput methodology, physical pharmacy, as well as experts in various analytical techniques.

• Diploma or master's degree in biochemistry, pharmacy, analytical chemistry, biophysics or equivalent
• Strong self-motivation and resilience
• Ability to navigate in a complex environment with multiple stakeholders
• Structured thinking
• Independent way of working
• Presentation of work progress to a broad audience from different areas via presentations, posters and written reports
• Proficient spoken and written English skills

Desired add on Qualifications

• Hands-on experience in one or more of the following analytical methods: HPLC, SEC-MALS, LC/MS, DLS, DSF
• Basic knowledge in virology
• Sound background in protein biochemistry and bioanalytical methods
• Basic understanding in pharmaceutic product development of biotherapeutics including formulation development

This position is for a 3-year assignment.

AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer including disability/vets. It is AbbVie’s policy to employ qualified persons of the greatest ability without discrimination against any employee or applicant for employment because 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, status as a disabled veteran, recently separated veteran, Armed Forces service medal veteran or active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran or a person’s relationship or association with a protected veteran, including spouses and other family members, or any other protected group status. We will take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified minorities, women, individuals with a disability, disabled veterans, recently separated veterans, Armed Forces service medal veterans or active-duty wartime or campaign badge veterans. The Affirmative Action Plan is available for viewing in the Human Resources office during regular business hours.