Careers
Senior Scientist II / Principal Research Scientist I (Lab Head) - Development of Cellular and Binding-Assays for Pharmaceutical Biologics (all genders) (full-or part-time, regular)
Ludwigshafen, Germany
Posted on Jul 31, 2026
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
More than a job. It's a chance to make a real difference.
Welcome to AbbVie! As part of an international company with 57,000 employees worldwide and around 3,500 employees in Germany, you will have the opportunity of addressing some of tomorrows unmet medical needs in close collaboration with your colleagues. Are you passionate about improving global health care? Do you want to contribute to improving patients' quality of life through your expertise? In a challenging work environment that offers opportunities of developing and increasing your own skills? Youve come to the right place!
Together, we break through – as Senior Scientist II / Principal Research Scientist I (Lab Head) – Development of Cellular and Binding-Assays for Pharmaceutical Biologics (all genders)
The Parenteral PDS&T (Product Development Science & Technology) team is responsible for the development and optimization of parenteral pharmaceutical products. Our scope of work includes the development and characterization of bioassays as well as in-vitro cell culture formats, which support the seamless transfer of candidate molecules into commercial testing laboratories for product launches. We are building a world-class team of scientists and leaders to drive the advancement of industry-leading analytical capabilities and make significant contributions to AbbVie's pipeline of innovative medicines.
For our Parenteral PDS&T department, we are seeking an experienced and highly motivated scientist to serve as a Laboratory Head in our bioassay development team.
Make your mark:
- As a member of the Parenteral PDS&T team, take a leading role in the design, development, and robustness enhancement of existing in-vitro cell-based assay formats used for the characterization and control of active pharmaceutical ingredients in biological products during development.
- Lead a team of scientists in bioassay development through effective mentoring, guidance for personal development, and performance evaluation.
- Actively participate in and lead cross-functional teams at local and global AbbVie sites, including the maintenance of strong interfaces with R&D Bioassay development groups and Operations analytical laboratories.
- Provide technical assessment and functional characterization of the interaction between proteins, lipids, and detergents through your comprehensive expertise.
- Independently lead bioassay development across various biological projects, applying ‘out-of-the-box’ thinking to solve complex problems and implement new technologies and methods.
- Conduct sound evaluation of method robustness in early development phases and critically assess relevant scientific and regulatory advancements.
- Create scientific proposals, lead these initiatives, and take responsibility for supporting regulatory filings.
- Author publications, presentations, and regulatory documents; serve as a recognized expert in your discipline.
- Ensure compliance with all company standards regarding code of conduct, occupational safety, and GxP compliance
Qualifications
- PhD in Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Pharmacy, Biophysics, or a related field with at least 4 to 6 years of professional experience, OR a Master’s degree with comparable education and at least 8–12 years of experience in the scientific discipline.
- At least 4 years of comprehensive expertise in the development of binding and in-vitro cell-based assays (e.g., to reflect the relevant mechanism of action).
- Strong analytical skills and profound knowledge in eukaryotic cell culture as well as fundamental molecular biology techniques (e.g., construct design, primer generation, cloning).
- Experience with complex assay formats (e.g., effector function assays such as ADCC, ADCP, T-cell activation assays, reporter gene assays, cytotoxicity assays)
- Knowledge in Quality by Design (QbD), Design of Experiments (DoE), and statistical data analysis.
- Strong leadership skills and experience in a GxP environment are advantageous.
- Highly motivated, self-responsible, and results-oriented personality with excellent communication and presentation skills.
- Fluent in English and very good written and spoken German to communicate effectively in our global environment
What we offer you:
- with a diverse work environment where you can have a real impact
- with an open corporate culture
- with an attractive salary
- with an intensive onboarding process with a mentor at your side
- with flexible work models for a healthy work-life balance
- with a corporate health management that offers comprehensive health and exercise programs
- with company social benefits
- with a wide range of career opportunities in an international organization
- with top-tier, attractive development opportunities
- with a strong international network
At multiple times, we have been globally recognized as a "Great Place to Work" and we are proud to provide our employees with the flexibility to maintain a healthy work-life balance. We take our impact on the environment and our communities seriously and therefore focus on giving something back on a regular basis. We are committed to equality, equity, diversity and inclusion (EED&I) – a commitment that is fundamental to us. This includes appreciating different perspectives, creating an inclusive culture and treating all employees with dignity and respect.
At AbbVie, your individual contributions count – help us move mountains together. Be a part of our success, grow with us and accomplish more than you could have imagined. Sounds like the perfect career opportunity for you? We look forward to receiving your application! All you need is a complete CV – we will discuss everything else with you in person.
Any questions? Feel free to email Talentacquisition.de@abbvie.com – We look forward to hearing from you!
Additional Information
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
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https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/reasonable-accommodations.html