Senior Scientist I, Cell Line Development
AbbVie
August 30, 2026
On-site
South San Francisco, CA
$96,500 - $183,500 USD yearly
Clinical Research and Development
Overview:
Senior Scientist I to develop next-generation CHO cell line platforms for recombinant antibodies and complex biologics. Hands-on, laboratory-focused role driving vector and host-cell expression optimization from experimental design through execution and data interpretation.
Key Responsibilities:
- Independently conceive and design CHO expression improvement experiments across vector and host cell.
- Design and test dozens of vector constructs in recombinant stable CHO cell lines to increase mAb titer.
- Perform transfection, aseptic CHO culture, DNA gene copy number analysis, RNA expression analysis, mAb titer measurement, cell engineering (knock in/out), and in vitro transcription.
- Execute externally sourced vector library transfection, screening, and clone characterization to generate decision-quality data.
- Operate/interpret CLD instrumentation data (Octet/BLI, ViCell, CloneSelect Imager, Beacon microfluidic screening, flow cytometry, ddPCR/RT-qPCR); share equipment maintenance.
- Apply genome-to-protein understanding of recombinant expression (genomic/epigenetic regulation, transcription/translation, secretion machinery, mRNA stability) for industrial CHO constraints.
- Author/co-author technical reports; present to teams and leadership.
- Collaborate with cell culture, analytical, purification, and bioinformatics to meet timelines; follow safety and documentation standards.
Qualifications:
Required:
- BS +10 yrs, MS +8 yrs, or PhD (no minimum) in molecular/cell biology, biochemistry, or related.
- Ability to synthesize literature inputs and design proper experimental controls.
- Independently analyze data, draw conclusions, and communicate to broad audiences.
- Proficiency designing vector improvements for higher recombinant expression in stable CHO cells.
- Theoretical command of mammalian protein expression (genomic/epigenetic, transcription/translation, secretion, mRNA stability).
- Proficiency with Geneious Prime (or similar) for vector/primer/probe design and sequence alignment.
- Proficiency with CRISPR/Cas or similar for gene knock-in/out.
- Proficiency with transfection, aseptic mammalian cell culture, Octet, ViCell, CloneSelect Imager, and microfluidic clone-screening platforms (e.g., Beacon).
- Ability to learn new techniques, multitask, and work within timelines; strong verbal/written communication and digital lab notebook record-keeping.
Preferred:
- Industry CMC/drug-substance CHO cell line development experience.
- Industrial CHO expression platform improvement experience; strong passion for maximizing mAb titer.
- Experience in GMP-relevant CMC for recombinant CHO cell lines.
- Flow cytometry experience; broader expression-engineering strategies; NGS (assay matching and ideally wet-lab library prep + analysis); programming/data-science skills (Python/R).
Benefits (as stated):
- Paid time off; medical/dental/vision insurance; 401(k) for eligible employees; short-term incentive program eligibility.
Senior Scientist I to develop next-generation CHO cell line platforms for recombinant antibodies and complex biologics. Hands-on, laboratory-focused role driving vector and host-cell expression optimization from experimental design through execution and data interpretation.
Key Responsibilities:
- Independently conceive and design CHO expression improvement experiments across vector and host cell.
- Design and test dozens of vector constructs in recombinant stable CHO cell lines to increase mAb titer.
- Perform transfection, aseptic CHO culture, DNA gene copy number analysis, RNA expression analysis, mAb titer measurement, cell engineering (knock in/out), and in vitro transcription.
- Execute externally sourced vector library transfection, screening, and clone characterization to generate decision-quality data.
- Operate/interpret CLD instrumentation data (Octet/BLI, ViCell, CloneSelect Imager, Beacon microfluidic screening, flow cytometry, ddPCR/RT-qPCR); share equipment maintenance.
- Apply genome-to-protein understanding of recombinant expression (genomic/epigenetic regulation, transcription/translation, secretion machinery, mRNA stability) for industrial CHO constraints.
- Author/co-author technical reports; present to teams and leadership.
- Collaborate with cell culture, analytical, purification, and bioinformatics to meet timelines; follow safety and documentation standards.
Qualifications:
Required:
- BS +10 yrs, MS +8 yrs, or PhD (no minimum) in molecular/cell biology, biochemistry, or related.
- Ability to synthesize literature inputs and design proper experimental controls.
- Independently analyze data, draw conclusions, and communicate to broad audiences.
- Proficiency designing vector improvements for higher recombinant expression in stable CHO cells.
- Theoretical command of mammalian protein expression (genomic/epigenetic, transcription/translation, secretion, mRNA stability).
- Proficiency with Geneious Prime (or similar) for vector/primer/probe design and sequence alignment.
- Proficiency with CRISPR/Cas or similar for gene knock-in/out.
- Proficiency with transfection, aseptic mammalian cell culture, Octet, ViCell, CloneSelect Imager, and microfluidic clone-screening platforms (e.g., Beacon).
- Ability to learn new techniques, multitask, and work within timelines; strong verbal/written communication and digital lab notebook record-keeping.
Preferred:
- Industry CMC/drug-substance CHO cell line development experience.
- Industrial CHO expression platform improvement experience; strong passion for maximizing mAb titer.
- Experience in GMP-relevant CMC for recombinant CHO cell lines.
- Flow cytometry experience; broader expression-engineering strategies; NGS (assay matching and ideally wet-lab library prep + analysis); programming/data-science skills (Python/R).
Benefits (as stated):
- Paid time off; medical/dental/vision insurance; 401(k) for eligible employees; short-term incentive program eligibility.