Scientist II - High-Throughput siRNA Automation & Analytics

BioSpace; Worcester (MA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Job summary

AbbVie is seeking a highly motivated Scientist to advance a high-throughput siRNA screening platform in the Biotherapeutic and Genetic Medicine (BGM) department. You will drive automated screening workflows, optimize RNA extraction and RT-qPCR, and contribute to RNA-seq library preparation and data analysis.

You will partner with platform and program teams to scale workflows, analyze large datasets, and mentor junior staff in a collaborative lab setting, accelerating lead discovery across

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Molecular Biology, Genomics, Bioinformatics, Bioengineering, or a related discipline with typically 7+ years (BS) or 5+ years (MS) of relevant industry experience.
• Strong hands-on experience with laboratory automation, high-throughput screening workflows, and coding for automation systems.
• Deep experience with RNA extraction and RT-qPCR assay development, execution, and troubleshooting.
• Familiarity with NGS workflows for library construction and gene expression profiling, including integration of automation with NGS library preparation or other downstream molecular workflows.
• Experience with siRNA screening, oligonucleotide therapeutics, or RNA biology strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with scripting, data processing tools, or bioinformatics collaboration models.
• Prior experience supporting platform buildout in a matrixed drug discovery environment.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication skills and demonstrated ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead execution of high-throughput siRNA screening workflows using automated liquid-handling and other laboratory automation systems.
• Develop, optimize, and troubleshoot automated methods for sample preparation workflows, including RNA extraction, RT-qPCR, and RNA-seq library preparation.
• Design and execute experiments to evaluate siRNA activity, potency, and selectivity using molecular biology assay platforms.
• Establish and maintain data analysis workflows for screening datasets, including assay QC, normalization, hit assessment, and interpretation of experimental results.
• Drive development and implementation of next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based strategies using automation for gene expression profiling.
• Partner with different groups, cross-functional scientists and bioinformatics, to support analysis and interpretation of large screening and sequencing datasets.
• Contribute to the improvement, standardization, and documentation of screening workflows, assay protocols, and automation procedures.
• Identify technical issues proactively and implement solutions to improve assay robustness, throughput, and reproducibility.
• Present results clearly to project teams and platform leadership, and contribute to scientific discussions, experimental planning, and strategy.
• Mentor junior scientists or research associates as needed and contribute to a collaborative, high-performing laboratory environment.

Skills

Laboratory automation

High-throughput screening

RNA extraction

RT-qPCR

RNA-seq

NGS data analysis

Bioinformatics collaboration

Cross-functional teamwork

Scripting

Education

BS in Molecular Biology

MS in Molecular Biology

Tools

Automation systems

NGS library preparation

Job description

AbbVie is seeking a highly motivated Scientist to advance a high-throughput siRNA screening platform in the Biotherapeutic and Genetic Medicine (BGM) department. You will drive automated screening workflows, optimize RNA extraction and RT-qPCR, and contribute to RNA-seq library preparation and data analysis.

You will partner with platform and program teams to scale workflows, analyze large datasets, and mentor junior staff in a collaborative lab setting, accelerating lead discovery across