About AbbVie
AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines and solutions that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas including immunology, oncology and neuroscience - and products and services in our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.
Job DescriptionAt AbbVie, we are dedicated to addressing the world’s most complex and serious diseases. Within the Biotherapeutics and Genetic Medicine (BGM) organization, the newly established siRNA team is building and advancing therapeutic programs from early discovery through development, applying rigorous biology, innovative experimental approaches, and data-driven decision-making to deliver differentiated RNA medicines.
AbbVie is seeking a highly talented and motivated Senior Scientist I to join our siRNA therapeutics team within 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.
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.
- 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.
- RNA biology/therapeutics industry or postdoctoral experience preferred.
- 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. Experience working with animal tissues would be a plus.
- 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.
Desired Qualifications
- 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.
Why AbbVie? AbbVie offers a collaborative, science-focused environment where discovery scientists play a direct role in shaping therapeutic programs. You will have the opportunity to work alongside leading research scientists and cutting-edge siRNA medicines and contribute to advancing next generation therapies that make an impactful difference for patients.
How To Apply If you are passionate about advancing RNA therapeutics and possess extensive hands-on experience in siRNA therapeutic discovery, we encourage you to apply. Please submit your resume highlighting your direct contributions to siRNA programs.
Additional InformationApplicable only to applicants applying to a position in any location with pay disclosure requirements under state or local law:
- The compensation range described below is the range of possible base pay compensation that the Company believes in good faith it will pay for this role at the time of this posting based on the job grade for this position. Individual compensation paid within this range will depend on many factors including geographic location, and we may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This range may be modified in the future.
- We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick), medical/dental/vision insurance and 401(k) to eligible employees.
- This job is eligible to participate in our short-term incentive programs.
Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, incentive, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole and absolute discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole and absolute discretion, consistent with applicable law.
AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives and serving our community. Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled.
US & Puerto Rico only - to learn more, visit https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/equal-employment-opportunity-employer.html
US & Puerto Rico applicants seeking a reasonable accommodation, click here to learn more:
https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/reasonable-accommodations.html
Skills Required
- BS, MS, or PhD in cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, pharmacology or related field with relevant industry/postdoc experience
- Hands-on experience with siRNA/RNAi biology and siRNA quantification methods (stem-loop RT-qPCR, RT-qPCR, qPCR)
- Extensive mammalian cell culture and transfection experience
- Assay design, optimization, validation, and data interpretation for siRNA activity and mRNA knockdown
- Experience with molecular and cell biology techniques: western blots, ELISA, flow cytometry, reporter assays, RNA-seq, microscopy
- Developing and executing siRNA screening funnels (96-well RNA isolation and related workflows)
- Maintain organized electronic lab notebooks (ELNs) and ensure data integrity and reproducibility
- Strong data analysis, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills
- Ability to work independently in the laboratory with minimal supervision
- RNA biology/therapeutics industry experience or postdoctoral experience
- Familiarity with tumor intrinsic biology and immune oncology; experience with tumor models or animal tissues
- Experience with extrahepatic oligonucleotide delivery technologies, particularly antibody-oligonucleotide conjugates (AOCs)
- Strong publication track record
AbbVie Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about AbbVie and has not been reviewed or approved by AbbVie.
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Retirement Support — 401(k) contributions include a dollar-for-dollar match up to 6% plus an additional annual company contribution tied to age and service. Company-paid life insurance and other financial protections further strengthen long-term security.
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Parental & Family Support — Paid leave programs include up to 12 weeks at 100% for parental leave and separate paid caregiver leave, with eligibility after six months where noted. Adoption and surrogacy reimbursements and family-building resources add further support.
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage begins on day one with medical, dental, vision, mental health, and prescription benefits, and preventive care covered at 100%. Options such as HSAs/FSAs and coverage for spouses/domestic partners and children up to age 26 broaden accessibility.
AbbVie Insights
What We Do
AbbVie is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on creating medicines and solutions that put impact first — for patients, communities, and our world. We aim to address complex health issues and enhance people's lives through our core therapeutic areas: immunology, oncology, neuroscience, eye care, aesthetics and other areas of unmet need.
