Senior Scientist II, siRNA Therapeutics – Oncology
AbbVie
June 30, 2026
On-site
South San Francisco, CA
$109,500 - $208,500 USD yearly
Clinical Research and Development
Responsibilities
- Lead and execute in vitro siRNA discovery and proof-of-concept activities (target validation, assay development/optimization, siRNA screening, lead optimization, mechanism-of-action studies) for oncology programs.
- Develop, validate, and run in vitro siRNA screening funnels for hit-to-lead work (e.g., 96-well RNA isolation, qPCR, westerns, ELISA, flow cytometry, reporter assays, RNA-seq, microscopy).
- Identify and resolve pitfalls in siRNA activity, delivery, stability, and on-/off-target effects.
- Collaborate with cross-functional partners and external CROs (chemistry, delivery, bioinformatics, in vivo) to advance candidates through discovery milestones.
- Support oncology target selection and internal siRNA pipeline development.
- Design in vivo studies (PK/PD, biodistribution, efficacy) to assess potency, specificity, durability, and mechanism.
- Maintain organized ELNs with high scientific rigor, reproducibility, and data integrity.
- Publish and present research; incorporate new literature into projects and programs.
- Generate and lead scientific proposals.
Qualifications
- PhD/MS/BS in cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, pharmacology or related; typically 4–5+ (PhD), 10+ (MS), or 12+ (BS) years relevant experience.
- Postdoctoral or industry experience in RNA biology/therapeutics preferred.
- Strong RNAi biology understanding and hands-on siRNA therapeutic discovery experience (including studies informing program go/no-go and development candidate nomination).
- Hands-on molecular biology (stem-loop RT-qPCR/RT-qPCR) with assay design, optimization, validation, and data interpretation.
- Extensive mammalian cell culture and transfection experience; animal tissue experience a plus.
- Strong data analysis, communication, presentation, organization, and independent lab productivity.
Desired Qualifications
- Experience in siRNA therapeutics, sequence design/optimization, target site selection, chemical modifications, SAR evaluation.
- Tumor intrinsic biology/immune oncology familiarity (tumor model experience a plus).
- Extrahepatic oligonucleotide delivery technologies, especially antibody–oligonucleotide conjugates (AOCs), highly desirable.
- Strong publication record or IND-enabling contributions; ability to thrive in fast-paced collaboration.
Benefits (if part of job description)
- Paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick), medical/dental/vision insurance, and 401(k) for eligible employees; short-term and long-term incentive program eligibility.
How to Apply
- Submit a resume highlighting direct contributions to siRNA programs.
- Lead and execute in vitro siRNA discovery and proof-of-concept activities (target validation, assay development/optimization, siRNA screening, lead optimization, mechanism-of-action studies) for oncology programs.
- Develop, validate, and run in vitro siRNA screening funnels for hit-to-lead work (e.g., 96-well RNA isolation, qPCR, westerns, ELISA, flow cytometry, reporter assays, RNA-seq, microscopy).
- Identify and resolve pitfalls in siRNA activity, delivery, stability, and on-/off-target effects.
- Collaborate with cross-functional partners and external CROs (chemistry, delivery, bioinformatics, in vivo) to advance candidates through discovery milestones.
- Support oncology target selection and internal siRNA pipeline development.
- Design in vivo studies (PK/PD, biodistribution, efficacy) to assess potency, specificity, durability, and mechanism.
- Maintain organized ELNs with high scientific rigor, reproducibility, and data integrity.
- Publish and present research; incorporate new literature into projects and programs.
- Generate and lead scientific proposals.
Qualifications
- PhD/MS/BS in cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, pharmacology or related; typically 4–5+ (PhD), 10+ (MS), or 12+ (BS) years relevant experience.
- Postdoctoral or industry experience in RNA biology/therapeutics preferred.
- Strong RNAi biology understanding and hands-on siRNA therapeutic discovery experience (including studies informing program go/no-go and development candidate nomination).
- Hands-on molecular biology (stem-loop RT-qPCR/RT-qPCR) with assay design, optimization, validation, and data interpretation.
- Extensive mammalian cell culture and transfection experience; animal tissue experience a plus.
- Strong data analysis, communication, presentation, organization, and independent lab productivity.
Desired Qualifications
- Experience in siRNA therapeutics, sequence design/optimization, target site selection, chemical modifications, SAR evaluation.
- Tumor intrinsic biology/immune oncology familiarity (tumor model experience a plus).
- Extrahepatic oligonucleotide delivery technologies, especially antibody–oligonucleotide conjugates (AOCs), highly desirable.
- Strong publication record or IND-enabling contributions; ability to thrive in fast-paced collaboration.
Benefits (if part of job description)
- Paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick), medical/dental/vision insurance, and 401(k) for eligible employees; short-term and long-term incentive program eligibility.
How to Apply
- Submit a resume highlighting direct contributions to siRNA programs.