Senior Scientist I/II, RNA Platform

American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy; Worcester, Northern (MA, KY); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

AbbVie in Worcester, MA seeks a Senior Scientist I/II to lead RNA Platform initiatives focused on mRNA production and platform innovation. You will guide IVT workflows, optimize payloads for sustained expression, and collaborate with biology, formulation, and analytics teams to drive progress.

The role requires deep mRNA biology expertise, strong experimental design skills, and a track record of independent project execution in a fast-paced research setting.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Lead hands-on production of high-quality mRNA including IVT and purification workflows.
• Design and execute experiments to develop and optimize strategies for sustained payload expression in target cells.
• Drive payload innovation, evaluating and implementing approaches to improve payload performance and stability.
• Collaborate with molecular biology, formulation, and analytical teams to meet production timelines.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with internal teams to advance integrated project goals.
• Supervise and mentor a small team of 1–2 research scientists, providing guidance and development support.
• Communicate research findings through internal presentations, reports, and publications/patents.
• Maintain meticulous lab records and ensure compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory standards.
• Stay current with emerging trends in mRNA design, production, and LNP delivery to inform platform strategy.

Skills

mRNA production

IVT

Molecular biology

Experimental design

Independent researcher

Scientific communication

Team mentorship

Education

PhD

Master's degree

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Chromatography

HPLC

RT-qPCR

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 mentorshipofa 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.

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

• 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.

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