Senior Scientist II, siRNA Therapeutics – Oncology

At AbbVie we are dedicated to addressing the worlds 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 II 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 a strong track record in siRNA therapeutic discovery 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.
• Collaborate with cross-functional partners and external CROs including chemistry delivery bioinformatics and in vivo biology teams to advance siRNA candidates through key discovery milestones.
• Work with oncology therapeutic area colleagues to support target selection and internal siRNA pipeline development.
• Design in vivo studies (PK/PD biodistribution and efficacy) to assess siRNA potency specificity durability and mechanism.
• Maintain updated and well-organized ELNs and ensure high scientific rigor reproducibility and data integrity.
• Publish research in peer-reviewed journals and present work at scientific conferences.
• Proactively seek out new information in the literature and incorporate this into individual project(s) as well as the overall program.
• Generate new scientific proposals and lead those efforts.

Qualifications :

• PhD MS or BS in cell biology molecular biology biochemistry pharmacology or related field with typically 4-5 (PhD) 10 (MS) or 12 (BS) years of relevant experience.
  • Postdoctoral or industry experience in RNA biology/therapeutics preferred.
• Strong understanding of RNAi biology and drug discovery processes with hands-on experience in siRNA therapeutic discovery is required including leading in vitro siRNA studies that informed program go/no-go decisions and support development candidate nomination.
• 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.
• Strong data analysis and critical thinking abilities.
• 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

• Prior experience in siRNA therapeutics siRNA sequence design and optimization target site selection chemical modifications and evaluation of structureactivity relationships (SARs).
• 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 antibodyoligonucleotide conjugates (AOCs) is highly desirable.
• Strong publication track record or IND-enabling contributions. 
• 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 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 program. 
• This job is eligible to participate in our long-term incentive program. 

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. 

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Work :

No

Employment Type :

Full-time