Scientist II, Complex In Vitro Models

Role Summary

AbbVie is seeking an experienced scientist to join our Immunology team to develop, characterize, and qualify complex in vitro models (CIVMs). This lab-based role will be responsible for duties that include routine cell culture for cell lines and primary cells, creation and maintenance of complex in vitro models (e.g., organoids, organ-on-chip) for multiple tissue types with a focus on modeling autoimmune diseases and performing quantitative endpoint assays. This position is ideal for a candidate who wants to be at the forefront of 3D tissue modeling technologies and can thrive in a diverse research environment; strong organizational, multi-tasking, collaboration, and communication skills are critical.

Responsibilities

• Routine culture and maintenance of immortalized, stem, and primary cell cultures, both in standard formats as well as organoids or organ-on-chip formats. Experience with these systems, and with a variety of cell types (e.g. endothelial cells, intestinal organoids, fibroblasts, immune cells, etc.) is highly desirable.
• Isolation of primary human cells, including the isolation of primary cells from tissue and whole blood.
• Designing and conducting experiments to characterize in vitro models, including assessments of in vitro potency, cytotoxicity, transcript/protein abundance using techniques such as viability assays, microscopy, histopathology, and transcriptomics/proteomics.
• Conducting experiments with a high level of independence and initiative and performing tasks with minimal direct supervision for routine methods.
• Independently schedule and prioritize workload to manage several tasks simultaneously and identify / utilize resources outside of your own group.
• Designing experiments to characterize models, generating foundational datasets to guide model selection for specific drug program needs.
• Maintaining detailed electronic documentation to ensure adherence to departmental procedures and contribute to final reports as needed.

Qualifications

• Required: BS or MS degree (or equivalent) in cell or molecular biology, bioengineering, or a related field, with typically 7+ years (BS) or 5+ years (MS) of experience.
• Required: Experience with standard cell and molecular biological assays such as ELISA/Luminex, nucleic acid extraction, qPCR, immunofluorescence staining and confocal microscopy, cell proliferation/viability assays, cytotoxicity assays, flow cytometry / FACS.
• Required: Experience with primary-derived cell culture differentiation methodologies; phenotypic and functional characterization of tissue-specific and/or immunological cells; understanding of key biomarkers for core tissue cell populations, and/or tissue-resident or blood-derived immune cell populations.
• Required: Excellent organizational and analytical skills, with the ability to independently troubleshoot, optimize, and innovate experimental approaches.
• Required: Excellent communication skills, with an ability to work collaboratively in a matrixed research environment.
• Preferred: Experience working with human tissue samples and with isolating and characterizing cells such as epithelial, endothelial, and/or immunological (B cells, T cells, monocytes).
• Preferred: Familiarity with automation, or high-throughput screening if relevant, as these are becoming increasingly important in advanced in vitro modeling.