Senior Scientist I, siRNA Therapeutics – Oncology
About The Position
AbbVie is seeking a highly talented and motivated Senior Scientist I to join our siRNA therapeutics team within Biotherapeutics and Genetic Medicine (BGM) at the South San Francisco (ABA) site. The successful candidate will lead in vitro discovery biology efforts to support the development of innovative siRNA-based medicines for oncology. This individual will design and execute experiments, drive scientific innovation, collaborate across multidisciplinary teams, and contribute to advancing therapeutic candidates from early discovery through development candidate nomination for oncology programs. The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in RNA interference (RNAi) biology and a passion for translating cutting-edge science into transformative medicines.
Requirements
- BS, MS, or PhD in cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, pharmacology or related field with typically 0-3 (PhD), 8+ (MS), or 10+ (BS) years of relevant experience.
- Strong hands-on experience with molecular biology techniques (e.g. stem-loop RT-qPCR and RT-qPCR), including assay design, optimization, validation, and data interpretation for siRNA quantification and mRNA target knockdown.
- Extensive experience with mammalian cell culture and transfection techniques.
- Demonstrate ability to learn, understand and master new experimental techniques.
- Strong data analysis and critical thinking abilities.
- Routinely demonstrate scientific initiative and creativity in research or development activities.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, attention to detail, multi-tasking and organizational skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively with a team.
- Strong presentation skills with the ability to clearly articulate scientific findings and project updates to project teams, senior leadership, and external stakeholders.
- Highly independent and productive in performing laboratory research or assay development, requiring only minimal direction from or interaction with supervisor.
Nice To Haves
- RNA biology/therapeutics industry or postdoctoral experience preferred.
- Experience working with animal tissues would be a plus.
- Familiarity with tumor intrinsic biology and/or immune oncology.
- Experience working with tumor models would be a plus.
- Experience with extrahepatic oligonucleotide delivery technologies, particularly antibody–oligonucleotide conjugates (AOCs), is highly desirable.
- Strong publication track record.
- Ability to work in fast-paced, collaborative environment.
Responsibilities
- Lead and execute in vitro siRNA discovery and proof-of-concept activities, including target validation, assay development and optimization, siRNA screening, lead optimization, and mechanism-of-action studies to support active therapeutic programs for oncology.
- Develop, validate and execute robust siRNA-based in vitro screening funnels for hit-to-lead identification to support siRNA-based drug discovery projects (e.g. 96 well RNA isolation, qPCR, westerns, ELISA, flow cytometry, reporter assays, RNA-seq, microscopy and others)
- Identify and resolve key biological and technical pitfalls related to siRNA activity, delivery, stability, and on-target and off-target effects.
- Maintain updated and well-organized ELNs and ensure high scientific rigor, reproducibility, and data integrity.
- Author internal technical reports and regulatory documents, and contribute as primary author on conference proceedings, manuscripts, and/or inventor of patents.
Benefits
- paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick)
- medical/dental/vision insurance
- 401(k)
- short-term incentive programs
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
