Senior Scientist, siRNA Analytical Development

Initial Therapeutics, Inc.; Massachusetts; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Paid time off

401(k) plan

Job summary

Initial Therapeutics, Inc. is looking for a highly motivated Senior Scientist to contribute to the siRNA platform team. In this role, the candidate will develop and optimize analytical methods for siRNA and oligonucleotide therapeutics, collaborating with cross-functional partners to ensure high-quality material delivery.

Applicants should have relevant experience in biotechnology or pharmaceuticals and strong skills in analytical techniques such as HPLC and LC-MS. This position offers a comprehensive benefits package and opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

• 0-4+ years (PhD) or 8-10+ years (MS) or 10-12+ years (BS) of relevant biotech or pharmaceutical industry experience.
• Strong understanding of RNA chemistry and oligonucleotide modifications.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for presenting scientific findings.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize analytical methods for siRNA and oligonucleotide compounds.
• Perform purity assessment, identity confirmation, and quantification of siRNA.
• Generate, review, and interpret analytical data with a focus on data integrity.

Skills

Analytical characterization of siRNA

HPLC techniques (RP-HPLC, IEX, IP-RP)

LC-MS

UV spectroscopy

Data analysis software for chromatographic data

Education

BS, MS, or PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Biology, Biochemistry, or related field

Tools

HPLC

LC-MS

Job description

Company Description

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, as well as products and services in our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio.

For more information about AbbVie, visit www.abbvie.com. Follow AbbVie on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube.

Job Description

The Biotherapeutic and Genetic Medicine (BGM) department at AbbVie is seeking a highly motivated Senior Scientist to join the growing siRNA platform team. In this role, you will work closely with the siRNA synthesis team and cross‑functional partners to develop, optimize, and execute analytical methods for the characterization of siRNA and oligonucleotide therapeutics. This individual will serve as the analytical subject matter expert on the siRNA platform, ensuring the delivery of high‑quality, well‑characterized siRNA materials in support of genetic medicine programs.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize analytical methods for the characterization of siRNA and oligonucleotide compounds, including HPLC, IEX‑HPLC, IP‑RP‑HPLC, LC‑MS, and UV/fluorescence spectroscopy.
• Perform purity assessment, identity confirmation, quantification, and impurity profiling of siRNA and modified oligonucleotide materials.
• Develop and implement analytical strategies for novel siRNA modifications, conjugates such as antibody‑siRNA conjugates, and delivery formats.
• Generate, review, and interpret analytical data with a high level of rigor, ensuring data integrity and compliance with internal quality standards.
• Maintain thorough laboratory documentation, including experimental records, SOPs, and analytical reports.
• Partner with cross‑functional teams, including siRNA synthesis, antibody conjugation, screening, and CMC, to support platform and project objectives.
• Monitor emerging analytical technologies and best practices in oligonucleotide characterization and RNA‑based therapeutics.
• Contribute to a collaborative, innovative team environment and present scientific data to internal stakeholders.

Qualifications

• BS, MS, or PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field, with typically 0‑4+ years (PhD), 8‑10+ years (MS), or 10‑12+ years (BS) of relevant biotech or pharmaceutical industry experience.
• Hands‑on experience with analytical characterization of siRNA, ASO, or related modalities.
• Strong proficiency in HPLC techniques (RP‑HPLC, IEX, IP‑RP), LC‑MS, and UV spectroscopy for oligonucleotide analysis.
• Experience with data analysis software for chromatographic and mass spectrometric data.
• Solid understanding of RNA chemistry, oligonucleotide modifications, conjugation chemistry, and associated analytical challenges.
• Demonstrated ability to independently troubleshoot complex analytical problems and drive continuous method improvement.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and commitment to data quality and integrity.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to present scientific findings to internal teams.

Position will be filled at level commensurate with extent of education, experience, and accomplishment – Senior Scientist I or Senior Scientist II.

Additional Information

• 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 the Company 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, and vision insurance, and a 401(k) plan to eligible employees.
• This job is eligible to participate in our short‑term incentive programs.
• This job may be eligible to participate in our long‑term incentive plan.

Note: No amount of pay is considered wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinate. 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 in the Company’s sole and absolute discretion 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.

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

U.S. & Puerto Rico applicants seeking a reasonable accommodation, learn more at https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/reasonable-accommodations.html