Associate Scientist II, in vitro Preclinical Development

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.

About the role

The Associate Scientist II, in vitro Preclinical Development, will develop and perform cell-based assays to generate data that advance mRNA-tLNP pipeline programs from early discovery through IND-enabling studies.

Responsibilities

• Execute in vitro assays to evaluate mRNA-tLNP-mediated T-cell reprogramming, including assessment of cytotoxicity, T-cell effector function, and flow cytometry-based immune cell phenotyping.
• Isolate PBMCs and T cells from leukopaks.
• Use aseptic techniques to culture mammalian cells, including tumor cell lines, T cells, and PBMCs.
• Make stable tumor cell lines using techniques such as electroporation, viral delivery, and nanoparticle transfections.
• Perform routine tasks competently and independently, and generate reliable and consistent results.
• Demonstrate skill in multiple techniques and appropriately modify protocols, as required, to suit the changing needs of research or development sciences.
• Maintain and implement good laboratory practice including an accurate online laboratory notebook system, instrument and reagent validation, and personal safety precautions.
• Work collaboratively in a cross-functional team environment.
• Organize and communicate data (written and oral) and participate in project team meetings, with an emphasis on applications in oncology and autoimmune diseases.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree, or equivalent education, with typically 3 or more years’ experience or Master’s Degree or equivalent education (no additional experience), in immunology, cell and molecular biology or related field.
• Previous experience in chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) production and evaluation is desirable.
• Experience with aseptic/sterile techniques culturing of mammalian cells, including cell lines, T cells, and PBMCs.
• Experience with viral and non-viral gene transfer techniques to engineer mammalian cells.
• Experience designing and executing assays to assess T cell function including cytotoxicity, activation, proliferation and cytokine profiling.
• Proficiency in flow cytometry and data processing.
• Experience designing and executing plate-based assays, including ELISA and Luminex/MSD.
• Experience with scientific data analysis software including CellEngine and Tableau is highly preferred.

Benefits

• Comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick).
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Eligibility to participate in short-term incentive programs.