Scientist I, Cell and Molecular Biologist Oncology Discovery

AbbVie • North Chicago, IL

9d • $75,000 - $142,500

About The Position

AbbVie Oncology Discovery seeks a highly motivated, skilled biologist with expertise in oncology or immuno-oncology. The Scientist I will help discover novel cancer-targeting strategies and develop technology platforms that enable biologics-based anticancer drugs, with the goal of generating future clinical programs. The position works in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment and collaborates with experts across scientific disciplines.

The Scientist I serves as a technical resource and develops methods and in vitro cellular and biochemical assays for oncology discovery programs. The role designs, conducts, analyzes, and interprets controlled experiments investigating the biology and mechanisms of action of biologics-based therapeutics, including antibodies, multispecifics, and antibody-drug conjugates. The position requires rigorous data analysis, troubleshooting, accurate documentation, timely communication, and alignment of experimental plans with project goals and milestones. The Scientist contributes to a matrixed team under the guidance of a senior research scientist.

The role is lab-based and requires substantial hands-on research. Travel is 5% of the time. The position is eligible to participate in short-term incentive programs. Benefits offered to eligible employees include paid time off, medical, dental and vision insurance, and a 401(k). The stated annual compensation range is USD 75,000–142,500, subject to factors including geographic location.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree with typically five years of experience, or a Master’s degree with typically two years of experience, in Cell/Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology, or a related field.
• Extensive hands-on laboratory research experience and commitment to a lab-based role requiring rigorous, high-quality experimentation.
• Broad expertise in standard biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, and immunology techniques, such as mammalian cell culture, cell-based and biochemical assays, and flow cytometry.
• Ability to contribute independently within a team while actively collaborating with partners.
• Demonstrated strength in verbal and written communication.
• Strong organizational skills and experience using data analysis software such as Microsoft Excel, FlowJo, and GraphPad Prism.

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience profiling immune cell composition, phenotypes, and functional status within the tumor microenvironment in mouse models.
• Proficiency culturing primary immune cells, such as macrophages and T cells, and conducting in vitro functional immunoassays.
• Strong skills in multi-color flow cytometry.
• Previous experience with biologics or biologic-based drugs in an academic or industrial setting.
• Working knowledge of bioinformatics databases and tools.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a key source of technical expertise and laboratory techniques.
• Explore and develop methods, techniques, and in vitro cellular and biochemical assays for oncology discovery programs.
• Design, conduct, and interpret controlled experiments investigating the biology and mechanisms of action of biologics-based therapeutics, such as antibodies, multispecifics, and antibody-drug conjugates.
• Analyze, interpret, and troubleshoot data rigorously; document results accurately and communicate them promptly.
• Stay aligned with project goals, adjust experimental plans as needed, and complete studies on schedule to support milestone decisions.
• Contribute and collaborate as a key member of a matrixed team under the guidance of a senior research scientist.

Benefits

• Paid time off, including vacation, holidays, and sick time.
• Medical insurance.
• Dental insurance.
• Vision insurance.
• 401(k).
• Eligible to participate in short-term incentive programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level