Scientist II - Molecular Biology

About the role

The Senior Scientist will lead the design and optimization of novel plasmid constructs for recombinant protein expression across multiple platforms. They will optimize genetic parts, regulatory elements, and vector architecture to improve expression performance, construct behavior, and platform compatibility. This role requires strong molecular biology expertise, a deep understanding of gene regulation and expression control, and the ability to independently develop creative, scientifically rigorous solutions to complex technical challenges.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and optimization of novel plasmid constructs for recombinant protein expression across multiple platforms.
• Optimize genetic parts, regulatory elements, and vector architecture to improve expression performance, construct behavior, and platform compatibility.
• Apply strong molecular biology expertise to support sequence analysis, construct design strategy, and experimental interpretation.
• Analyze complex sequence, construct, and experimental data to inform design decisions and next-step strategies.
• Contribute to platform optimization through innovation, process improvement, and scientific rigor.
• Support genetic characterization efforts, including activities relevant to regulatory filing and development documentation.
• Partner effectively with cross-functional teams across PDS&T and related functions to align scientific strategy with program and operational goals.
• Communicate findings, recommendations, and scientific rationale clearly to internal stakeholders and leadership.

Requirements

• BS with 7+ years, MS with 5+ years.
• Strong expertise in molecular biology with extensive hands-on laboratory and design experience.
• Demonstrated experience in vector design, expression construct optimization, and construct validation.
• Strong understanding of gene regulation, sequence-element-driven expression control, and vector architecture.
• Proven ability to independently design experiments, troubleshoot technical issues, and deliver high-quality scientific output.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated scientific creativity, ownership, and ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Preferred Experience supporting cell line development or related platform development activities.
• Familiarity with late-stage genetic characterization and support for regulatory filing activities.
• Experience with multiple integration systems and platform-specific construct requirements.
• Exposure to advanced sequence analysis tools, design software, or high-throughput molecular biology workflows.
• Familiarity with bioinformatics, data-driven modeling, and model development.
• Experience mentoring scientists or contributing to team development.

Qualifications

• BS with 7+ years, MS with 5+ years.
• Strong expertise in molecular biology with extensive hands-on laboratory and design experience.
• Demonstrated experience in vector design, expression construct optimization, and construct validation.
• Strong understanding of gene regulation, sequence-element-driven expression control, and vector architecture.
• Proven ability to independently design experiments, troubleshoot technical issues, and deliver high-quality scientific output.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated scientific creativity, ownership, and ability to work with minimal supervision.

Skills

• Strong molecular biology expertise.
• Experience in vector design, expression construct optimization, and construct validation.
• Understanding of gene regulation, sequence-element-driven expression control, and vector architecture.
• Ability to independently design experiments, troubleshoot technical issues, and deliver high-quality scientific output.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.
• Scientific creativity, ownership, and ability to work with minimal supervision.

Benefits

• Comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick), medical/dental/vision insurance, and 401(k).

Pay

• Compensation range described based on job grade for this position.

Schedule

• Short-term incentive programs available.

Additional Information

Applicable 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