Senior Scientist I/II, RNA Platform

Allergan; Worcester (MA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Long-term incentives

Job summary

AbbVie Worcester, MA is seeking a Senior Scientist I/II to join the RNA Platform and advance next-generation RNA therapeutics. You will lead hands-on mRNA production (IVT) and purification, guiding platform innovations from concept through experimentation.

You will collaborate with molecular biology, formulation, and analytical teams, mentor junior scientists, and document findings for publications and patents while ensuring compliance.

Qualifications

• Hands-on mRNA production with IVT and purification methods.
• Analytical characterization of mRNA including HPLC and RT-qPCR.
• Payload design, production methods and functional testing.
• Experience optimizing gene expression in mammalian cells.
• Ability to independently design and execute experiments.
• Excellent scientific communication and meticulous documentation.

Responsibilities

• Lead hands-on production of high-quality mRNA via IVT and purification.
• Design and execute experiments to optimize payload expression in target cells.
• Drive payload innovation to improve performance and delivery.
• Collaborate with molecular biology, formulation, and analytical teams to meet timelines.
• Mentor 1–2 researchers and provide scientific guidance.
• Communicate findings through presentations, reports, publications and patents.
• Maintain meticulous lab records and ensure safety and regulatory standards.
• Stay current with trends in mRNA design and LNP delivery.

Skills

mRNA production

Analytical mRNA testing

Payload design

Gene expression in mammalian cells

Independent experimentation

Scientific communication

Documentation & organization

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

PhD

Tools

IVT purification

HPLC

RT-qPCR

Spectrophotometry

Chromatography

Filtration

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 experimentsto develop and optimize strategies for sustained payload expression in target cell types, leveraging a strong foundation in molecular biology.


• Drive payload innovationby 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-functionallywith internal teams to advance integrated project goals.


• May involve supervision and mentorship ofa small team of 1–2 research scientists, providing scientific guidance, experimental oversight, and professional development support.


• Communicate research findingsclearly 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 10years of experience, Master’s Degreeand typically 8years of experience, PhD and no experience.


• Senior Scientist II: Bachelor’s Degreeand typically 12 years of experience, Master’s Degreeand 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 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 thisposting 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 long-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 anduntil 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.

US & Puerto Rico only - to learn more, visit https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/equal-employment-opportunity-employer.html

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