Senior Scientist I, Pipeline Development & SAR Optimization

PowerToFly; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A global biopharmaceutical company is seeking a Senior Scientist to advance RNA-based therapies in Cambridge. You will lead research, design innovative studies, and mentor junior scientists. Candidates should have a PhD or equivalent experience in molecular biology or a related field. The ideal applicant will have extensive expertise in siRNA therapeutics and demonstrate strong leadership skills. Join a collaborative team where you can impact lives through innovative biomedicine.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package

Opportunities for professional growth

Collaborative work environment

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience with BS, 8+ years with MS, or 0-3 years with PhD.
• Expertise in siRNA therapeutics, including library design and screening.
• Strong skills in RNA biology techniques and assay development.

Responsibilities

• Lead research efforts in siRNA-based pipeline development.
• Design and execute proof-of-concept studies for lead compounds.
• Provide scientific leadership and mentor junior scientists.

Skills

siRNA therapeutics

molecular biology

cell culture

RNA extraction

next-generation sequencing

protein assays

high-throughput screening

Education

PhD in chemistry, molecular biology, biochemistry or related field

Tools

RT-PCR

qPCR

ELISA

Western Blot

JESS

flow cytometry

Job description

AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines and solutions that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas – immunology, oncology, neuroscience, and eye care – and products and services in our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and Tik Tok.

At AbbVie, we are dedicated to solving some of the world’s most complex and serious diseases. Our mission is to develop and deliver advanced therapeutics that change lives. We are looking for talented, passionate, and driven individuals to join our Biotherapeutics and Genetic Medicine (BGM) team. As a Senior Scientist in our siRNA group, you will be part of an innovative team focused on advancing RNA-based therapies that have the potential to revolutionize patient care.

AbbVie is looking for a Senior Scientist I to join our siRNA group within the Biotherapeutics and Genetic Medicine (BGM) department. This role will involve designing and executing innovative experimental approaches to address key scientific challenges related to oligonucleotide therapeutics. The successful candidate will drive scientific innovation, identify new methods and techniques, and collaborate across functions to support the development of novel 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 siRNA library and characterize lead compounds for the target engagement and therapeutic benefits.
• Design and execute structure-activity-relationship (SAR) studies for lead optimization, including optimization of siRNA sequence, chemical modification patterns, conjugation sites and linkers, etc.
• 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, molecular biology, biochemistry, or related field with typically 10+ years (BS), 8+ years (MS), or 0-3 years (PhD) of experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in siRNA therapeutics, including library design, screening and characterization of SAR.
• Demonstrated expertise for siRNA candidate nomination and pipeline development.
• 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.
• Strong understanding of ex-hepatic delivery of siRNA is highly desirable.
• 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.

Why AbbVie?

AbbVie is a global biopharmaceutical company committed to bringing innovative medicines to patients in need. We offer a collaborative work environment, opportunities for professional growth, and the ability to make an impact on the future of healthcare. Join us and be part of a team that is transforming the landscape of genetic medicine.

How to Apply

If you are passionate about advancing RNA-based therapeutics and have a track record of success in cell and molecular biology, we encourage you to apply! Please submit your resume outlining your relevant experience and why you would be a great fit for this position.

Additional Information

• The compensation range described below is the range of possible base pay compensation that the Company believes in good faith it will pay for this role at the time of this posting based on the job grade for this position. Individual compensation paid within this range will depend on many factors including geographic location, and we may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This range may be modified in the future.

• We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick), medical/dental/vision insurance and 401(k) to eligible employees.

• This job is eligible to participate in our short‑term incentive programs.

Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, incentive, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefit that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company’s sole and absolute discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole and absolute discretion, consistent with applicable law.

AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives and serving our community. Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled.

US & Puerto Rico only – to learn more, visit https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/equal-employment-opportunity-employer.html

US & Puerto Rico applicants seeking a reasonable accommodation, click here to learn more: https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/reasonable-accommodations.html

What AbbVie Has to Offer

Our work can—and does—have a tangible, lasting impact on millions of people. But it’s not just the results that matter. How we achieve them matters, too. Leading with purpose, we work to build a more sustainable future for generations to come. We do that by putting our expertise, resources and talent to work to make a real difference for patients, communities and our world.