Senior Scientist, siRNA Screening Automation and Molecular Analytics

AbbVie; Worcester (MA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Paid time off

401(k) plan

Job summary

AbbVie in Worcester, MA is looking for a highly motivated Senior Scientist to support the high-throughput siRNA screening platform. This role involves leading execution of workflows and contributions to innovative data analysis. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in laboratory automation and RNA biology.

The position offers competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits, promoting a collaborative and dynamic work environment.

Qualifications

• 0-4 years of experience for PhD; 8-10 years for MS; 10-12 years for BS in biotech or pharmaceutical industry.
• Strong hands-on experience with laboratory automation and high-throughput screening.
• Deep experience with RNA extraction and assay development.

Responsibilities

• Lead execution of high-throughput siRNA screening workflows.
• Develop and optimize automated methods for sample preparation.
• Design experiments to evaluate siRNA activity and potency.

Skills

Laboratory automation

High-throughput screening workflows

RNA extraction

Bioinformatics collaboration

Excellent communication skills

Education

BS, MS, or PhD in Molecular Biology, Genomics, Bioinformatics, or related field

Tools

Automation systems

RT-qPCR

Next-generation sequencing (NGS)

Job 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 to support the development and operation of a high-throughput siRNA screening platform. This role will focus on automation-enabled screening workflows and data analysis. The successful candidate will work closely with platform and program teams to build robust, scalable workflows that accelerate siRNA lead discovery and optimization across multiple therapeutic areas.

Responsibilities

• Lead execution of high-throughput siRNA screening workflows using automated liquid-handling and other laboratory automation systems.
• Develop, optimize, and troubleshoot automated methods for sample preparation workflows, including RNA extraction, RT-qPCR, and RNA-seq library preparation.
• Design and execute experiments to evaluate siRNA activity, potency, and selectivity using molecular biology assay platforms.
• Establish and maintain data analysis workflows for screening datasets, including assay QC, normalization, hit assessment, and interpretation of experimental results.
• Drive development and implementation of next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based strategies using automation for gene expression profiling.
• Partner with different groups, cross‑functional scientists and bioinformatics, to support analysis and interpretation of large screening and sequencing datasets.
• Contribute to the improvement, standardization, and documentation of screening workflows, assay protocols, and automation procedures.
• Identify technical issues proactively and implement solutions to improve assay robustness, throughput, and reproducibility.
• Present results clearly to project teams and platform leadership, and contribute to scientific discussions, experimental planning, and strategy.
• Mentor junior scientists or research associates as needed and contribute to a collaborative, high-performing laboratory environment.

Qualifications

• BS, MS, or PhD in Molecular Biology, Genomics, Bioinformatics, Bioengineering, or a related discipline with typically 0‑4+ years (PhD), 8‑10+ years (MS), or 10‑12+ years (BS) of relevant biotech or pharmaceutical industry experience.
• Strong hands‑on experience with laboratory automation, high‑throughput screening workflows, and coding for automation systems.
• Deep experience with RNA extraction and RT‑qPCR assay development, execution, and troubleshooting.
• Familiarity with NGS workflows for library construction and gene expression profiling, including integration of automation with NGS library preparation or other downstream molecular workflows.
• Experience with siRNA screening, oligonucleotide therapeutics, or RNA biology strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with scripting, data processing tools, or bioinformatics collaboration models.
• Prior experience supporting platform buildout in a matrixed drug discovery environment.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Excellent communication skills and demonstrated ability to work effectively in cross‑functional 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 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 short‑term incentive programs.
• This job may be eligible to participate in our long‑term incentive plan.

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 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.

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