Principal Research Scientist II, siRNA
AbbVie
7 hours ago
On-site
Worcester, MA
Clinical Research and Development
Principal Research Scientist (Biotherapeutic and Genetic Medicine - BGM)
Responsibilities:
- Strategy: Define and drive the multi-year roadmap for the siRNA screening platform aligned with neuroscience, oncology, and immunology goals; collaborate with stakeholders to balance resources between “platform-building” and “pipeline-driving.”
- Execution: Transition manual assays into robust automated high-throughput screening (HTS) workflows to identify high-potency siRNA leads; serve as primary contact between Discovery and Development Sciences (DMPK, Tox, and CMC) to ensure seamless molecule transition and scale-up readiness.
- Innovation: Design and evaluate next-gen delivery modalities (Antibody, Oligonucleotide Conjugates (AOCs), and tissue-specific ligand conjugates) using advanced chemical modification patterns; establish “fast-fail” in vivo screening models to validate functional siRNA delivery to extrahepatic tissues.
- Leadership: Build, lead, and develop a high-performing team of ~10 scientists; manage lab infrastructure to maximize throughput.
Qualifications:
- BS, MS, or PhD in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, or related field; typically 8+ (PhD), 14+ (MS), or 16+ (BS) years industry experience in biotech/pharma; at least 5 years in a leadership/management role.
- Proven siRNA design track record; experience applying chemical modifications for stability; hands-on experience with automation platforms and HTS data analysis.
- Strictly required: prior experience leading siRNA platform or portfolio programs targeting tissues beyond the liver.
- Ability to advise experts on identifying/mitigating technical and strategic risks.
- Exceptional interpersonal skills; ability to maintain productive relationships with diverse internal teams and external collaborators.
- Strong record presenting complex scientific data to internal and external stakeholders.
Benefits:
- Paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick)
- Medical/dental/vision insurance
- 401(k) to eligible employees
- Short-term incentive program eligibility
- Long-term incentive program eligibility
Responsibilities:
- Strategy: Define and drive the multi-year roadmap for the siRNA screening platform aligned with neuroscience, oncology, and immunology goals; collaborate with stakeholders to balance resources between “platform-building” and “pipeline-driving.”
- Execution: Transition manual assays into robust automated high-throughput screening (HTS) workflows to identify high-potency siRNA leads; serve as primary contact between Discovery and Development Sciences (DMPK, Tox, and CMC) to ensure seamless molecule transition and scale-up readiness.
- Innovation: Design and evaluate next-gen delivery modalities (Antibody, Oligonucleotide Conjugates (AOCs), and tissue-specific ligand conjugates) using advanced chemical modification patterns; establish “fast-fail” in vivo screening models to validate functional siRNA delivery to extrahepatic tissues.
- Leadership: Build, lead, and develop a high-performing team of ~10 scientists; manage lab infrastructure to maximize throughput.
Qualifications:
- BS, MS, or PhD in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, or related field; typically 8+ (PhD), 14+ (MS), or 16+ (BS) years industry experience in biotech/pharma; at least 5 years in a leadership/management role.
- Proven siRNA design track record; experience applying chemical modifications for stability; hands-on experience with automation platforms and HTS data analysis.
- Strictly required: prior experience leading siRNA platform or portfolio programs targeting tissues beyond the liver.
- Ability to advise experts on identifying/mitigating technical and strategic risks.
- Exceptional interpersonal skills; ability to maintain productive relationships with diverse internal teams and external collaborators.
- Strong record presenting complex scientific data to internal and external stakeholders.
Benefits:
- Paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick)
- Medical/dental/vision insurance
- 401(k) to eligible employees
- Short-term incentive program eligibility
- Long-term incentive program eligibility