Scientist I, Cell and Molecular Biologist Oncology Discovery

AbbVie Inc.; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/dental/vision insurance

401(k)

Job summary

AbbVie Oncology Discovery seeks a highly motivated biologist to explore cancer-targeting strategies and develop platforms for biologics‑based anticancer drugs, aiming to seed future clinical programs. The Scientist I will work in a fast‑paced, multidisciplinary setting and collaborate with experts across disciplines.

The role involves designing and interpreting experiments on biologics such as antibodies and antibody‑drug conjugates, analyzing data, and ensuring milestones are met within a

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with typically five years of experience, or Master’s degree with typically two years of experience, in Cell/Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology, or a related field
• Extensive hands‑on laboratory research experience and a commitment to a lab‑based role that demands rigorous, high‑quality experimentation
• Broad expertise in standard biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, and immunology techniques (e.g., mammalian cell culture, cell‑based and biochemical assays, flow cytometry)
• Able to contribute independently within a team while actively collaborating with partners
• Demonstrated strength in verbal and written communication
• Strong organizational skills and experience using data analysis software (e.g., Microsoft Excel, FlowJo, GraphPad Prism)

Responsibilities

• Serve as a key source of technical expertise and laboratory techniques
• Explore and develop new methods, techniques, and in vitro cellular and biochemical assays for use in oncology discovery programs
• Design, conduct, and interpret controlled experiments to investigate biology and mechanisms of action of biologics‑based therapeutics (e.g., antibodies, multi‑specifics, antibody‑drug conjugates)
• Rigorously analyze, interpret, and troubleshoot data; document results accurately and communicate them promptly
• Stay closely aligned with project goals and adjust experimental plans as needed; complete studies on schedule to support milestone decisions
• Contribute and collaborate as a key member of a matrixed team, under the guidance of a senior research scientist

Skills

Cell/Molecular Biology

Biochemistry

Immunology

Mammalian cell culture

Flow cytometry

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Cell/Molecular Biology/Biochemistry/Immunology

Master’s degree in related field

Tools

FlowJo

GraphPad Prism

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Company 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.

Job Description

AbbVie Oncology Discovery seeks a highly motivated, skilled biologist with expertise in Oncology or Immuno-Oncology. The successful candidate will play a key role in discovering novel cancer-targeting strategies and developing technology platforms that enable biologics-based anti‑cancer drugs, with the aim of generating future clinical programs. Working in a fast‑paced, multidisciplinary environment, the Scientist I will collaborate with diverse experts both within and beyond their own scientific discipline.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as a key source of technical expertise and laboratory techniques
• Explore and develop new methods, techniques, and in vitro cellular and biochemical assays for use in oncology discovery programs
• Design, conduct, and interpret controlled experiments to investigate the biology and mechanisms of action of biologics-based therapeutics (e.g., antibodies, multi‑specifics, antibody‑drug conjugates)
• Rigorously analyze, interpret, and troubleshoot data; document results accurately and communicate them promptly
• Stay closely aligned with project goals and adjust experimental plans as needed; complete studies on schedule to support milestone decisions
• Contribute and collaborate as a key member of a matrixed team, under the guidance of a senior research scientist

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree with typically five years of experience, or Master’s degree with typically two years of experience, in Cell/Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology, or a related field
• Extensive hands‑on laboratory research experience and a commitment to a lab‑based role that demands rigorous, high‑quality experimentation
• Broad expertise in standard biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, and immunology techniques (e.g., mammalian cell culture, cell‑based and biochemical assays, flow cytometry)
• Able to contribute independently within a team while actively collaborating with partners
• Demonstrated strength in verbal and written communication
• Strong organizational skills and experience using data analysis software (e.g., Microsoft Excel, FlowJo, GraphPad Prism)

Preferred:

• Prior experience in profiling immune cell composition, phenotypes, and functional status within the tumor microenvironment in mouse models
• Proficient in culturing primary immune cells (e.g., macrophages, T cells) and conducting in vitro functional immunoassays
• Strong skills in multi‑color flow cytometry
• Previous experience in biologics or biologic‑based drugs, either in an academic or industrial setting
• Working knowledge of bioinformatics databases and tools

Key Leadership Competencies:

• Builds strong relationships with peers and cross functionally with partners outside of team to enable higher performance
• Learns fast, grasps the 'essence' and can change the course quickly where indicated
• Raises the bar and is never satisfied with the status quo
• Creates a learning environment, open to suggestions and experimentation for improvement
• Embraces theideas of others, nurtures innovation and manages to reality

Additional Information

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.
• 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 benefits that are allocable to a particular employer 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