Senior Scientist, siRNA Design and Off-Target Analysis

Allergan; Worcester (MA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

AbbVie in Worcester, MA seeks a Senior Scientist to advance siRNA design and off-target assessment. You will build and optimize pipelines integrating genomic, transcriptomic, and RNA structural data, and develop machine learning models to improve sequence selection for safer RNA-based therapeutics.

The role requires strong coding in Python/R, experience with NGS analyses, and collaboration with assay scientists to translate findings into actionable insights.

Qualifications

• PhD or higher in computational biology or related field with biotech experience.
• Proficiency in Python and R with reproducible analytical workflows.
• Experience supporting off-target analysis or RNAi-related studies.

Responsibilities

• Establish, implement, and improve pipelines for siRNA sequence design using genomic and transcriptomic data.
• Build ML models based on screening data to improve siRNA selection.
• Collaborate on NGS library preparation for off-target analysis and data interpretation.
• Develop and maintain reusable analysis tools and pipelines in Python/R.
• Generate clear data analysis reports and presentations for cross-functional teams.

Skills

Python

R

NGS analysis

Education

PhD in computational biology

Tools

Git

Docker

Snakemake

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 Senior Scientist with deep expertise in computational biology, molecular design, and next-generation sequencing to support siRNA design and off‑target assessment. This role will establish and optimize siRNA sequences with enhanced knockdown efficacy and reduced off‑target liabilities, develop off‑target assessment workflows, and integrate transcriptomic and genomic data. The ideal candidate will combine strong biological insight with quantitative skills to advance siRNA design, identify potential off‑target risks, and contribute to the development of safer, more selective RNA‑based therapeutics.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish, implement, and improve pipelines for siRNA sequence design, integrating genomic, transcriptomic, and RNA structural data along with other factors that influence siRNA target specificity and efficacy.
• Build machine learning models based on high‑throughput siRNA screening data to improve siRNA‑sequence selection.
• Collaborate within internal teams on NGS library preparation for off‑target analysis.
• Interpret transcriptomic data to identify potential off‑target signals and biological risk.
• Develop, maintain, and version‑control reusable tools, scripts, and pipelines in Python, R, or other programming languages to support analysis, visualization, automation, and reporting.
• Generate clear and traceable data analysis reports, slide decks, and technical summaries.
• Collaborate with in‑vitro assay scientists, oligonucleotide scientists, and AI colleagues, and cross‑functional partners to translate findings into actionable biological insights.
• Support transcriptomic and targeted validation studies relevant to seed‑mediated and sequence‑dependent off‑target effects.
• Stay current on advances in RNAi biology, off‑target analysis, transcriptomics, and computational methods relevant to nonclinical safety assessment.

Qualifications

• BS, MS, or PhD in computational biology, genomics, RNA biology, 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.
• Proficiency in Python and/or R, or other programming languages, with experience developing reproducible analytical workflows and analysis pipelines.
• Experience supporting off‑target analysis, mechanistic interpretation, or risk assessment for siRNA, ASO, or related therapeutic modalities.
• Strong background in NGS library preparation technologies and transcriptomic data analysis.
• Strong understanding of molecular and cellular biology, with the ability to translate transcriptomic findings into biologically meaningful conclusions.
• Experience preparing scientific reports, presentations, or regulatory‑facing documentation.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and contribute effectively in a cross‑functional environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with transcriptome and other multi‑omics data integration.
• Experience with RNA biology, RNAi mechanisms, or nucleic acid therapeutics.
• Prior experience evaluating machine‑learning‑enabled scientific workflows, including LLM‑assisted or agentic tools.
• Experience in pharmaceutical, biotech, or translational research settings.

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

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 Companybelieves ingood faith it will pay for this role at thetimeofthis posting based on the job grade for this position.Individualcompensation paid within this range will depend on many factors including geographiclocation,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.
• This job may be eligible toparticipatein our short-term incentiveprograms.

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 employer remains in 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.

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