Senior Scientist I, siRNA Therapeutics Oncology

About the role

AbbVie is dedicated to addressing serious health issues through innovative medicines and solutions. The siRNA team within the Biotherapeutics and Genetic Medicine (BGM) organization is focused on developing and advancing therapeutic programs from early discovery through development. 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.

Qualifications

• 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.