Scientist II, siRNA Screening Automation and Molecular Analytics

Allergan; Worcester (MA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

AbbVie is seeking a Scientist to support the development of a high-throughput siRNA screening platform. You will automate workflows, integrate RT-qPCR and RNA-seq steps, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to expand lead discovery across therapeutic areas.

The role emphasizes scalable automation, robust data analysis, and mentoring junior staff in a fast-paced lab at AbbVie’s Biotherapeutic and Genetic Medicine group in Massachusetts.

Qualifications

• BS or MS with 5+–7+ years in molecular biology and related fields.
• Hands-on lab automation and high-throughput screening experience.
• Experience with RNA extraction and RT-qPCR assay development.
• NGS workflows and library preparation familiarity.
• Experience with siRNA screening or RNA biology preferred.
• Proficiency in scripting and data processing tools.
• Experience in a matrixed drug discovery environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead high-throughput siRNA screening workflows using automated liquid handling.
• Develop and troubleshoot automated sample prep, including RNA extraction and RT-qPCR.
• Design experiments to evaluate siRNA activity and selectivity.
• Establish data analysis workflows for screening datasets and QC.
• Drive NGS-based strategies for gene expression profiling with automation.
• Collaborate across platform groups and bioinformatics for data interpretation.
• Document workflows and contribute to protocol standardization.
• Identify issues and improve assay robustness and throughput.
• Present results to teams and contribute to planning and strategy.
• Mentor junior scientists and foster a collaborative lab environment.

Skills

Lab automation

HTS workflows

RNA extraction

RT-qPCR

RNA-seq prep

siRNA screening

Bioinformatics collaboration

Automation scripting

Cross-functional teamwork

Education

BS in Molecular Biology/Genomics/Bioengineering

MS in Molecular Biology/Genomics/Bioengineering

Tools

Automation software

Laboratory automation platforms

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’s Biotherapeutic and Genetic Medicine (BGM) department is seeking a highly motivated Scientist to support the development and operation of a high-throughput siRNA screening platform. This role will focus on automation-enabled screening workflowsanddata analysis. The successful candidate will work closely with platform and program teams to build robust, scalable workflows that accelerate siRNA lead discovery and optimization across multiple therapeutic areas.

Responsibilities

• Lead execution of high-throughput siRNA screening workflows usingautomatedliquid-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 ofnext-generation sequencing (NGS)-based strategiesusing automationfor gene expression profiling.

• Partner withdifferent groups,cross-functional scientistsandbioinformatics,to support analysis and interpretation of large screening and sequencing datasets.

• Contributeto 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.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Molecular Biology,Genomics,Bioinformatics, Bioengineering, or a related discipline with typically 7+ years (BS) or 5+ years (MS)of relevantindustry experience.

• Strong hands-on experience with laboratory automation,high-throughputscreening workflows,andcoding for automationsystems.

• Deep experience with RNA extractionandRT-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.

Additional Information

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

• The compensation range described below is the range of possible base pay compensation that the Companybelieves ingood faith it will pay for this role at the timeof this posting based on the job grade for this position.Individualcompensation paid within this range will depend on many factors including geographic location, andwemayultimatelypaymore or less than the posted range. This range may bemodifiedin thefuture.
• We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick),medical/dental/visioninsurance and 401(k) to eligibleemployees.
• This job is eligible toparticipatein our short-term incentiveprograms.

Note: No amount of payis considered to bewages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, anddeterminable.The amount and availability of any bonus,commission, incentive, benefits, or any other form ofcompensation and benefitsthat are allocable to a particular employeeremainsin the Company's sole andabsolutediscretion unless and until paid andmay bemodifiedat the Company’s sole and absolute discretion, consistent withapplicable 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.

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