Scientist I, Molecular Biology – Cell Line Development

AbbVie•South San Francisco, CA

4h•$75,000 - $142,500•Onsite

About The Position

The Development Sciences Biologics CMC Drug Substance Cell Line Development Group in South San Francisco, California, is seeking a Scientist I to develop CHO cell lines for GMP applications. This laboratory-based role independently plans and executes molecular characterization studies that advance novel therapies toward clinical development. The work includes molecular, cellular, and bioprocess development studies related to generating and characterizing optimized CHO cell lines for pipeline candidates. The Scientist designs and conducts experiments supporting CHO cell-line development, cell-bank qualification, and candidate progression; generates and characterizes expression vectors and CHO cell banks; develops and optimizes sequencing workflows; and evaluates results to guide technical decisions. The role also produces technical documentation for regulated development from IND through BLA, maintains laboratory resources and records, communicates with cross-functional partners and external collaborators, and supports reproducibility and colleague training. AbbVie offers eligible employees paid time off, medical, dental, and vision insurance, and a 401(k). The position is eligible to participate in short-term incentive programs. The disclosed annual base pay range is USD 75,000–142,500; actual compensation may vary based on factors including location.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent education with typically 5 years of relevant experience, or a master’s degree or equivalent education with typically 2 years.
Strong understanding of molecular and mammalian cell biology, CHO cell-line development, and relevant bioprocess concepts.
Ability to independently design and conduct critical experiments, generate reliable and reproducible data, draw sound conclusions, and troubleshoot experiments and instrumentation.
Hands-on proficiency in cloning, plasmid preparation, DNA digests and gels, PCR/qPCR, ddPCR, DNA/RNA isolation and sequencing, and mammalian cell culture using sterile technique.
Ability to manage concurrent deliverables and timelines, maintain detailed laboratory records, and communicate scientific findings and recommendations in writing and presentations.
Hands-on experience with Illumina and/or Nanopore platforms, RNA-seq, sequence analysis, data-quality assessment, and molecular characterization of mammalian cell banks.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Geneious, and ability to learn new software and scientific techniques.

Nice To Haves

Biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry experience developing CHO cell lines for GMP applications.
Familiarity with bioinformatics workflows for DNA/RNA sequence confirmation and expression analysis, including IGV, NGS file formats, FASTQC, Samtools, or related tools.
Experience with computational, data-analysis, or scripting tools such as R, Python, or Java.

Responsibilities

Independently design, conduct, analyze, and document experiments supporting CHO cell-line development, cell-bank qualification, and candidate progression; assess data quality, troubleshoot results, and recommend next steps.
Design and generate expression vectors for monoclonal antibodies and antibody-like molecules, and improve cloning, plasmid quality-control, and whole-plasmid sequencing workflows.
Characterize CHO cell banks for identity and transgene DNA/RNA quality using PCR/qPCR, ddPCR, DNA/RNA isolation, sequencing, and related assays.
Develop and optimize NGS workflows, including RNA-seq and molecular screening; interpret sequencing data and establish fit-for-purpose quality controls.
Author and review technical reports and documentation supporting regulated development from IND through BLA, following good documentation practices.
Maintain protocols, tools, trackers, reference datasets, and inventories to improve reproducibility, traceability, and laboratory efficiency.
Communicate scientific plans, results, and recommendations to cross-functional partners and external collaborators; document workflows and train colleagues as appropriate.
Read, critically evaluate, and adapt scientific literature to guide experimental design and technical progress; independently implement appropriately scoped method and workflow improvements.