Senior Scientist I/II, RNA Platform

Biopharma Careers; Maryland; On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

AbbVie in Worcester, MA is seeking a Senior Scientist I/II to lead the RNA Platform team, driving mRNA production from IVT to purification and spearheading platform innovations.

The role emphasizes independent experimentation, cross-functional collaboration with molecular biology, formulation and analytics, and mentorship of junior researchers while delivering high-quality data for publications and patent disclosures.

Qualifications

• Experience with mRNA production techniques including IVT and purification.
• Deep knowledge of analytical methods for mRNA characterization.
• Proven ability to design and optimize gene expression in mammalian systems.
• Strong scientific communication and documentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead hands-on production of high-quality mRNA, including IVT and purification workflows.
• Design and execute experiments to develop strategies for sustained payload expression.
• Drive payload innovation and evaluate new approaches for stability and applicability.
• Collaborate with molecular biology, formulation, and analytics teams to meet timelines.
• Mentor 1-2 junior scientists and communicate findings through reports and presentations.
• Maintain meticulous lab records and ensure safety, quality and regulatory compliance.

Skills

mRNA production techniques

Analytical characterization

Payload design principles

Independent experimentation

Scientific communication

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Master’s Degree

PhD

Tools

Chromatography

Filtration

HPLC

RT-qPCR

Spectrophotometry

Electrophoresis

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

The Discovery Research group is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Scientist I/II to join the RNA Platform team in Worcester, MA. The ideal candidate combines deep technical expertise in mRNA biology and manufacturing with the creativity and initiative to independently lead platform innovation projects from concept through experimental execution with the goal of advancing next-generation RNA therapeutics. You will play a pivotal role in translating scientific concepts into tangible research progress while contributing to a collaborative and fast-paced research environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead hands-on production of high-quality mRNA, including in vitro transcription (IVT) and purification workflows.
• Design and execute experiments to develop and optimize strategies for sustained payload expression in target cell types, leveraging a strong foundation in molecular biology.
• Drive payload innovation by identifying, evaluating, and implementing cutting-edge approaches to improve payload performance, stability, and therapeutic applicability.
• Collaborate closely with molecular biology, formulation, and analytical teams to ensure production timelines are met.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with internal teams to advance integrated project goals.
• May involve supervision and mentorship of a small team of 1-2 research scientists, providing scientific guidance, experimental oversight, and professional development support.
• Communicate research findings clearly through internal presentations, scientific reports, and contributions to publications and patent disclosures.
• Maintain meticulous laboratory records and ensure compliance with relevant safety, quality, and regulatory standards.
• Stay current with emerging trends and technologies in mRNA design, production, and LNP delivery to inform platform strategy.

Qualifications

Required

• Senior Scientist I: Bachelor’s Degree and typically 10 years of experience, Master’s Degree and typically 8 years of experience, PhD and no experience.
• Senior Scientist II: Bachelor’s Degree and typically 12 years of experience, Master’s Degree and typically 10 years of experience, PhD and typically 4 years of experience.
• Hands-on experience with mRNA production techniques such as in vitro transcription and purification methods (e.g., chromatography, filtration).
• Experience with analytical characterization of mRNA (e.g., electrophoresis, HPLC, RT-qPCR, spectrophotometry).
• Deep expertise in payload design principles, production methods, and functional testing assays.
• Proven ability to develop and optimize methods for sustained gene expression in mammalian cell systems.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently to design and execute experiments, troubleshoot problems, and drive projects to completion.
• Excellent scientific communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail in experimental design, execution, and documentation.

Preferred

• Hands-on experience with multiple payload modalities, such as: mRNA, circRNA, ssDNA, or analogous platforms.
• Experience with lipid nanoparticle (LNP) or other delivery systems for nucleic acid payloads.
• Track record of publications, patents, or presentations in relevant fields.

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 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 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