Principal Research Scientist I, siRNA Platform Automation

AbbVie Inc.; Worcester (MA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

paid time off

medical/dental/vision insurance

401(k) to eligible employees

incentive programs

Job summary

AbbVie Inc. is seeking a Principal Research Scientist to establish a high-throughput siRNA screening platform and guide cross-functional teams. You will mentor scientists, design and interpret screening experiments, and drive siRNA optimization across programs.

The role emphasizes leadership, advanced molecular biology techniques, and collaboration with genetic medicine teams to advance therapeutic leads.

Qualifications

• Degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, chemical biology, or related field.
• Extensive experience in siRNA design and screening.
• Proven ability to lead optimization programs and collaborate with teams.

Responsibilities

• Establish high-throughput siRNA screening platform.
• Mentor scientists and lead siRNA optimization efforts.
• Design experiments and interpret screening data.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to advance programs.
• Provide day-to-day leadership to a small team.

Skills

siRNA design

in vitro screening

high-throughput assays

qRT-PCR

ELISA

flow cytometry

cell culture

leadership

data interpretation

Education

BS/MS/PhD in molecular biology/biochemistry/chemical biology

Tools

Hamilton automation

Tecan automation

Job description

About AbbVie

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 including immunology, oncology and neuroscience - and products and services in our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com . Follow @abbvie on LinkedIn, Facebook , Instagram , X and YouTube.

AbbVie’s Biotherapeutics and Genetic Medicine (BGM) department is seeking a highly motivated Principal Research Scientist to join our expanding siRNA team. In this role, you will partner with genetic medicine teams to establish a high-throughput siRNA screening platform that advances pipeline innovation through next-generation delivery modalities and supports the discovery of therapeutic leads across multiple disease areas.

Responsibilities

• Establish and implement a high-throughput siRNA screening platform using automated liquid-handling systems.
• Serve as a subject matter expert in siRNA screening experimental design, execution, and data interpretation.
• Lead research efforts and mentor scientists to advance siRNA optimization, including sequence design and novel chemical modifications, across multiple programs.
• Generate new scientific hypotheses and proposals, improve existing screening workflows, and evaluate emerging technologies in the siRNA field.
• Communicate clearly and effectively with internal siRNA teams and cross-functional collaborators to identify needs and support platform enhancement and program advancement.
• Manage and develop a team of at least 2-3 scientists, providing technical guidance, mentorship, and day-to-day leadership to support program goals.

Qualifications

• BS, MS, or PhD in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Chemical Biology, or a related field, with typically 6+ years (PhD), 12+ years (MS), or 14+ years (BS) of relevant experience in biotech or pharma.
• Proven track record in siRNA design, in vitro screening, and potency assays with experience using automated high-throughput platforms (e.g., Hamilton, Tecan).
• Experience with assays including, but not limited to, qRT-PCR, ELISA, and flow cytometry.
• Demonstrated experience in cell culture, including the maintenance of diverse cell lines.
• Prior experience leading siRNA platform initiatives or portfolio programs.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to build productive working relationships with diverse internal teams and external collaborators.
• Strong track record of presenting complex scientific data to internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience in animal study design and downstream assays to evaluate genetic medicines is a plus.
• Prior people management experience is a plus.

Compensation Range

Applicable only to applicants applying to a position in any location with pay disclosure requirements under state or local law: 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.

Benefits

• paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick)
• medical/dental/vision insurance
• 401(k) to eligible employees
• eligible to participate in our short-tern and long-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 benefits 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