Senior Scientist I - Cell Line Development

AbbVie • Worcester, MA

13h • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a highly motivated senior scientist to join our multidisciplinary team focused on developing robust production cell lines to enable AbbVie’s clinical and commercial biologics pipeline. In this lab-based position, the senior scientist will contribute to the development, characterization, and optimization of mammalian host and production cell lines, with a strong emphasis on CHO-based cell line development to support enhanced recombinant protein productivity, improved product quality, and streamlined process efficiency. The successful candidate will play a key role in advancing the Biologics pipeline through cell line development, clone characterization, and collaboration with cross-functional teams. Experience with modern technologies such as CRISPR-Cas9, Cas-Clover, NGS, omics, bioinformatics, systems biology, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), high-throughput automation, and digitalization for cell line and process optimization is highly desirable.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a scientific field with at least 10 years of related work experience; Master’s degree in a scientific field with at least 8 years of related work experience; or PhD in a scientific field with 0–2 years of related work experience.
• Strong background in cell biology, molecular biology, and cell line development, with extensive experience in mammalian cell culture and aseptic technique.
• Demonstrated ability to independently design and execute experiments, interpret data, and identify appropriate follow-up strategies.
• Proven track record of teamwork, adaptability, innovation, initiative, and integrity; global mindset to thrive in a diverse culture and environment.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse internal and external collaborators.
• Ability to multitask and deliver within timelines in a dynamic, fast-paced setting.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with CHO cell culture, clone screening, stability assessment, productivity characterization, and/or cell line optimization is highly desirable.
• Working knowledge of regulatory filing expectations, documentation standards, and support for submission-ready cell line development packages is preferred.
• Experience with omics, genetic engineering, flow cytometry, fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), next-generation sequencing, bioinformatics, systems biology, machine learning (ML), artificial intelligence (AI), and/or modeling methods is a plus, but not the primary focus.

Responsibilities

• Develop, characterize, and optimize CHO host and production cell lines to support pipeline progression and improve process performance.
• Apply cell line development strategies to identify, evaluate, and advance robust clones with desirable productivity and product quality attributes.
• Support implementation of advanced technologies to accelerate cell line development workflows and improve decision-making.
• Conduct laboratory research independently, including troubleshooting of experiments, methods, and equipment as needed.
• Apply creative and analytical thinking to solve complex scientific problems and communicate ideas effectively to diverse audiences.
• Author and review technical reports; present data to the team and leadership; review literature; and contribute scientific insights to project teams.
• Serve as the CLD representative on cross-functional teams and collaborate closely with cell line development, cell culture, analytical, purification, bioinformatics, and other functional colleagues to support project timelines and deliverables.
• Manage multiple projects across therapeutic programs in a dynamic and fast-paced team environment.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of cell line development platforms, workflows, and technologies.

Benefits

• paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick)
• medical/dental/vision insurance
• 401(k)
• short-term incentive programs

What This Job Offers

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