Postdoctoral Fellow, Functional and Cellular Genomics

Program Overview

AbbVie needs outstanding individuals willing to challenge themselves to find the best solutions for our patients. The AbbVie Postdoctoral Program is one way we are doing just that. AbbVie Postdoctoral Fellows serve as technical experts who investigate develop and optimize new methods and techniques to address critical project or functional area needs. Participants will improve existing or develop new laboratory methods and processes read and adapt literature to accomplish assignments and should have mastery of a range of experimental techniques and data analysis specific to their area of expertise.

The Postdoctoral Program supports investigational and experimental research where publication is an important component. Participants will be mentored by renowned industry scientists and collaborators at AbbVie and focus on delivering cutting-edge advancements in Discovery Development Sciences and Aesthetics which includes fields such as chemistry biology pharmaceutical science and computational information sciences. This enriching training program offers a balance of supervised investigation and work experience in a learning environment that will expose the participant to activities across the drug development process.

We are seeking scientists from U.S.-based academic institutions who can be matched to projects within their area of scientific expertise for this unique 2-3-year assignment. Applicants who are awarded a postdoctoral position will have the opportunity to build a solid career foundation in the pharmaceutical industry while contributing to advancing human health through AbbVies industry-leading biopharmaceutical pipeline.

Role Overview

The Functional Genomics team within AbbVies Genomics Research Center is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow who will apply functional genomic technologies to investigate genetic and epigenetic mechanisms underlying gene regulation within immunological disease models. This will include pooled and arrayed CRISPR screens in combination with the interrogation of coding and non-coding human genetic variants in immune cells. The postdoc will develop flow cytometry-based molecular and functional assays using in vitro cell models (cell lines primary cells and iPSC-derived cells) perform genome-wide pooled lentiviral CRISPR screens and arrayed lentiviral and RNP CRISPR screens follow up on screening hits to generate and test hypotheses in the context of pathogenesis and therapeutic intervention and collaborate with therapeutic area scientists within Human Genetics Immunology and Immuno-oncology to advance target discovery.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform pooled and arrayed CRISPR screens with FACS-based molecular and functional assays on cell lines primary cells and iPSC-derived cells.
• Work closely with NGS and bioinformatics scientists to process genomic samples analyze screening results and generate screening hits for follow-up studies.
• Develop in vitro screening assays in collaboration with therapeutic area scientists by generating cell lines developing lentiviral and RNP delivery methods and integrating and optimizing screening protocols.
• Investigate novel screening hits in the context of disease biology by generating and testing hypothesis using a variety of biochemical molecular cellular and genomic assays.
• Generate and test hypotheses by designing performing and interpreting laboratory-based experiments.
• Read literature critically and analyze genomic data to support these activities.
• Map candidate genes to known disease genetic networks through experimental and bioinformatic approaches.
• Design and perform approaches to identify causal SNPs and genes from GWAS human genetic studies including base-editing and CRISPR tiling.
• Report research progress to the postdoctoral committee on a regular basis and provide scientific presentations to department and other internal scientific forums.
• Maintain a high level of productivity in the laboratory setting.
• Resolve research hurdles by effectively utilizing available information and technical expertise.
• Proactively seek out new information in the literature and incorporate this into individual project(s) as well as the overall program.
• Effectively write and communicate research materials.
• Demonstrate a high degree of responsibility in maintaining scientific standards and safe laboratory practices.
• Seek and advance opportunities to present research results at external scientific conferences and publish them in peer-reviewed journals.

Qualifications :

Basic Qualifications

• PhD in Immunology Genetics Biochemistry or related field (summer and fall graduates are also welcome to apply).
• Proficiency in molecular biology techniques.
• Enthusiasm and motivation to learn new approaches and techniques.
• Record of scientific initiative and creativity in research or development activities.
• Capable of independently designing and executing experiments interpreting data and identifying appropriate follow-up strategies.
• Excellent project management skills. Ability to multitask and work within timelines.
• Ability to resolve key project hurdles and assumptions by effectively utilizing available information and technical expertise.
• Demonstrated scientific writing skills and strong verbal communication skills.
• Global mindset to thrive in a diverse culture and environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in various genome editing methods involving lentivirus or RNP-based delivery methods.
• Flow cytometry and cell sorting experience.
• Working knowledge in genomics technologies (e.g. NGS RNA-Seq single cell analysis) and human genetics (e.g. GWAS).
• Research experience involving various cell molecular immunological and biochemical assays (ex. cytokine release cell imaging qRT-PCR western cell proliferation and other cell-based functional assays).
• Track record of assembling and publishing peer-reviewed manuscripts.

Key Leadership Competencies:

• Builds strong relationships with peers and cross-functional partners outside of team to enable higher performance.
• Learns fast grasps the essence and can change course quickly where indicated.
• Raises the bar and is never satisfied with the status quo.
• Creates a learning environment; open to suggestions and experimentation for improvement.
• Embraces the ideas of others nurtures innovation and manages to reality.

Candidates progressing to the final round of the interview process will be asked to provide three letters of recommendation (including one from the Thesis Advisor) and a letter of intent to pursue the postdoctoral position.

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. Salary: $73000 - $138500

• 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 Companys sole and absolute discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Companys 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  & Puerto Rico applicants seeking a reasonable accommodation click here to learn more:

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