Senior Scientist, siRNA Design and Off-Target Analysis
About The Position
AbbVie's Biotherapeutic and Genetic Medicine (BGM) department is seeking a highly motivated Senior Scientist with deep expertise in computational biology, molecular design, and next-generation sequencing to support siRNA design and off-target assessment. This role will establish and optimize siRNA sequences with enhanced knockdown efficacy and reduced off-target liabilities, develop off-target assessment workflows, and integrate transcriptomic and genomic data. The ideal candidate will combine strong biological insight with quantitative skills to advance siRNA design, identify potential off-target risks, and contribute to the development of safer, more selective RNA-based therapeutics.
Requirements
- BS, MS, or PhD in computational biology, genomics, RNA biology, or a related field with typically 0-4+ years (PhD), 8-10+ years (MS), or 10-12+ years (BS) of relevant biotech or pharmaceutical industry experience.
- Proficiency in Python and/or R, or other programming languages, with experience developing reproducible analytical workflows and analysis pipelines.
- Experience supporting off-target analysis, mechanistic interpretation, or risk assessment for siRNA, ASO, or related therapeutic modalities.
- Strong background in NGS library preparation technologies and transcriptomic data analysis.
- Strong understanding of molecular and cellular biology, with the ability to translate transcriptomic findings into biologically meaningful conclusions.
- Experience preparing scientific reports, presentations, or regulatory-facing documentation.
- Excellent communication, organizational, and collaboration skills.
- Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and contribute effectively in a cross-functional environment.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with transcriptome and other multi-omics data integration.
- Experience with RNA biology, RNAi mechanisms, or nucleic acid therapeutics.
- Prior experience evaluating machine learning-enabled scientific workflows, including LLM-assisted or agentic tools.
- Experience in pharmaceutical, biotech, or translational research settings.
Responsibilities
- Establish, implement, and improve pipelines for siRNA sequence design, integrating genomic, transcriptomic, and RNA structural data along with other factors that influence siRNA target specificity and efficacy.
- Build machine learning models based on high-throughput siRNA screening data to improve siRNA sequence selection.
- Collaborate with internal teams on NGS library preparation for off-target analysis.
- Interpret transcriptomic data to identify potential off-target signals and biological risk.
- Develop, maintain, and version-control reusable tools, scripts, and pipelines in Python, R, or other programming languages to support analysis, visualization, automation, and reporting.
- Generate clear and traceable data analysis reports, slide decks, and technical summaries.
- Collaborate with in vitro assay scientists, oligonucleotide scientists, and AI colleagues, and cross-functional partners to translate findings into actionable biological insights.
- Support transcriptomic and targeted validation studies relevant to seed-mediated and sequence-dependent off-target effects.
- Stay current on advances in RNAi biology, off-target analysis, transcriptomics, and computational methods relevant to nonclinical safety assessment.
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
