Senior Scientist I, Cell Line Development
AbbVie
August 08, 2026
On-site
South San Francisco, CA
$96,500 - $183,500 USD yearly
Clinical Research and Development
Overview:
Senior Scientist I (hands-on CLD Innovation Group) developing next-generation CHO cell line platforms for recombinant antibodies and complex biologics; drive vector and host optimization from experimental design through execution and data interpretation.
Key Responsibilities:
- Independently conceive and execute CHO expression improvement studies across vector and host cell.
- Design/test many vector constructs in stable recombinant CHO lines to increase mAb titer.
- Perform transfection, aseptic CHO culture, DNA copy number (e.g., ddPCR/RT-qPCR), RNA expression analysis, mAb titer measurement, and cell engineering (knock-in/out; CRISPR/Cas), including in vitro transcription.
- Run transfection/screening/clone characterization from externally sourced vector libraries to generate decision-quality data.
- Operate/interpret CLD instrumentation (Octet BLI, ViCell, CloneSelect Imager, Beacon microfluidic screening, flow cytometry).
- Apply genome-to-protein theory (epigenetics, transcription, mRNA stability, translation, secretory machinery) relevant to industrial CHO development.
- Author technical reports, present to teams/leadership, and collaborate across cell culture, analytical, purification, and bioinformatics.
Qualifications:
Required:
- BS 10+ yrs, MS 8+ yrs, or PhD no minimum in molecular/cell biology or related.
- Literature review to form sound hypotheses/controls; independent data analysis and communication.
- Experience improving vector elements for higher recombinant antibody expression in stable CHO.
- Theoretical command of mammalian protein expression; Geneious Prime (or similar) for vector design/alignment.
- Proficiency with CRISPR/Cas knock-in/out.
- Proficiency with transfection, aseptic mammalian culture, Octet, ViCell, CloneSelect Imager, and Beacon (microfluidic).
- Strong multitasking, timeline management, and detailed lab notebook skills.
Preferred:
- Industry/CMC CHO expression platform experience; GMP-relevant CHO cell line development.
- Flow cytometry experience; broader expression-engineering strategies beyond copy number/promoters.
- NGS (assay selection; ideally library prep/data analysis) and Python/R for data analysis/visualization.
Benefits (explicitly stated):
Paid time off; medical/dental/vision insurance; 401(k) for eligible employees; short-term incentive eligibility.
Senior Scientist I (hands-on CLD Innovation Group) developing next-generation CHO cell line platforms for recombinant antibodies and complex biologics; drive vector and host optimization from experimental design through execution and data interpretation.
Key Responsibilities:
- Independently conceive and execute CHO expression improvement studies across vector and host cell.
- Design/test many vector constructs in stable recombinant CHO lines to increase mAb titer.
- Perform transfection, aseptic CHO culture, DNA copy number (e.g., ddPCR/RT-qPCR), RNA expression analysis, mAb titer measurement, and cell engineering (knock-in/out; CRISPR/Cas), including in vitro transcription.
- Run transfection/screening/clone characterization from externally sourced vector libraries to generate decision-quality data.
- Operate/interpret CLD instrumentation (Octet BLI, ViCell, CloneSelect Imager, Beacon microfluidic screening, flow cytometry).
- Apply genome-to-protein theory (epigenetics, transcription, mRNA stability, translation, secretory machinery) relevant to industrial CHO development.
- Author technical reports, present to teams/leadership, and collaborate across cell culture, analytical, purification, and bioinformatics.
Qualifications:
Required:
- BS 10+ yrs, MS 8+ yrs, or PhD no minimum in molecular/cell biology or related.
- Literature review to form sound hypotheses/controls; independent data analysis and communication.
- Experience improving vector elements for higher recombinant antibody expression in stable CHO.
- Theoretical command of mammalian protein expression; Geneious Prime (or similar) for vector design/alignment.
- Proficiency with CRISPR/Cas knock-in/out.
- Proficiency with transfection, aseptic mammalian culture, Octet, ViCell, CloneSelect Imager, and Beacon (microfluidic).
- Strong multitasking, timeline management, and detailed lab notebook skills.
Preferred:
- Industry/CMC CHO expression platform experience; GMP-relevant CHO cell line development.
- Flow cytometry experience; broader expression-engineering strategies beyond copy number/promoters.
- NGS (assay selection; ideally library prep/data analysis) and Python/R for data analysis/visualization.
Benefits (explicitly stated):
Paid time off; medical/dental/vision insurance; 401(k) for eligible employees; short-term incentive eligibility.