2026 QTAS Intern

Job Description

Envision spending your summer working with energetic colleagues and inspirational leaders, all while gaining world-class experience in one of the most dynamic organizations in the pharmaceutical industry. This is a reality for AbbVie Interns.  

The intern will work in the Biologics Bioanalysis Characterization and Proteomics group at AbbVie focusing on evaluating the stability of bispecific antibodies using in vivo PK/TK study samples. This work compares two methods for quantification: the traditional multiplex assay, which utilizes Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM) mass spectrometry to quantify variable regions on both heavy and light chains, and a newer approach using a high-resolution mass spectrometer (HRMS) to quantify these antibodies at an intact level. The primary objective is to assess the consistency between these methods and determine whether the intact HRMS method could serve as a viable alternative for stability evaluation. This study aims to streamline the process, potentially paving the way for broader methodological adoption and publication in internal and external journals. 

Key responsibilities include: 

• Familiarize with key lab instruments, including Bravo AssayMAP, Sciex Triple quad 7500, and Bruker maXis II qTOF. 

• Operate lab instruments by following historical protocols with used samples. 

• Complete online training sessions and develop an understanding of project planning. 

• Quantify variable regions using surrogate peptides for each chain with MRM on Sciex 7500 utilizing in vivo samples. 

• Quantify antibodies at intact level or subunits on Bruker qTOF with in vivo samples. 

• Analyze quantitative data using MultiQuant, PMI Byos and Prism software. 

• Present the study findings at an internal poster/ oral presentation session. 

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications  

• Currently enrolled in university, pursuing a PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biophysics, or other related field 

• Must be enrolled in university for at least one semester following the internship  

• Good understanding of protein mass spectrometry 

• Hands-on experience of LC-MS analysis  

• Use Microsoft Office Excel, Word and PowerPoint 

• Good written and verbal communication skills 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Expected graduation date between December 2026 – June 2027 

• Exposure to protein bioanalysis with LC-MS  

• Hands-on experience of LC-MS analysis on Triple-quad and qTOF mass spectrometers 

• Hands-on experience of protein affinity purification