Senior Scientist I, Pipeline Development & Targeted Delivery

Role Summary

Senior Scientist I in the siRNA group within AbbVie's Biotherapeutics and Genetic Medicine (BGM) department. Design and execute innovative experimental approaches to address key challenges in oligonucleotide therapeutics. Drive scientific innovation and collaborate across functions to support the development of RNA-based therapies.

Responsibilities

• Lead research efforts within a cross-functional team to advance new therapeutic targets for siRNA-based pipeline development.
• Design and execute in vitro and in vivo proof-of-concept studies to evaluate novel extrahepatic, targeted siRNA delivery platforms across multiple pipeline programs.
• Design and execute receptor expression profiling, ligand–receptor binding, internalization, and trafficking assays.
• Evaluate functional delivery and target knockdown in receptor-positive cells and tissues.
• Provide scientific leadership and expertise in candidate nomination and pipeline development.
• Work independently and maintain a high level of productivity in the laboratory, ensuring efficiency and scientific rigor.
• Analyze and interpret multidisciplinary data to generate actionable conclusions and guide future experimental directions.
• Collaborate and effectively communicate results with key stakeholders and cross-functional teams throughout the organization.
• Contribute as a primary author to scientific publications, presentations, and/or as a primary inventor of patent applications.
• Mentor and support junior scientists within the team.

Qualifications

• BS, MS, or PhD in chemistry, biology, biochemistry, pharmacology or related field with typically 10+ years (BS), 8+ years (MS), or 0-3 years (PhD) of experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in siRNA candidate nomination and pipeline development.
• Demonstrated experience in drug delivery platforms, receptor biology and targeted delivery.
• Hands on experience of uptake, trafficking, and functional delivery assays.
• Extensive hands-on experience and techniques for molecular and RNA biology, including cell culture, RNA extraction, RNA quantification (RT-PCR, qPCR, ddPCR), next-generation sequencing (NGS) library preparation, protein assays (ELISA, Western Blot, JESS), flow cytometry and other biomarker quantification.
• Experience in assay development and high-throughput screening for siRNA target identification and validation, mechanism of action studies, biodistribution and biomarker analysis is a plus.
• Proven ability to develop, troubleshoot and refine assays to enhance sensitivity, reproducibility, and throughput.
• Highly self-motivated and capable of thriving in a fast-paced, collaborative team environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience contributing to technical reports, publications, or regulatory documentation.