Senior Scientist, siRNA Synthesis

Biopharma Careers; Maryland; On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

AbbVie in Maryland is seeking a Principal Research Scientist I to lead the siRNA synthesis platform, establishing production and purification capabilities to support genetic medicine studies. You will oversee gram-scale synthesis, purification workflows, and collaboration with analytical and conjugation teams to drive progress.

You will mentor junior scientists, ensure data integrity, and uphold quality standards while contributing to cutting-edge RNA therapeutics in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• BS/MS/PhD in chemistry, chemical biology, or biochemistry with biotech experience.
• Proven gram-scale oligonucleotide synthesis and purification using LC systems.
• Strong knowledge of RNA chemistry and cross-functional work.
• Excellent communication and data presentation skills.
• Senior Scientist level commensurate with education and experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead the siRNA synthesis platform to support various stages of siRNA studies.
• Perform solid-phase oligonucleotide synthesis, deprotection, purification, and desalting of siRNA.
• Troubleshoot synthesis and purification challenges to improve yield, purity, and scalability.
• Work closely with the siRNA analytical colleagues to support characterization, data interpretation, and quality assessment of siRNA materials.
• Collaborate closely with the conjugation team to advance siRNA conjugate development and support platform and project objectives.
• Ensure rigorous documentation, data integrity, and compliance with internal quality standards.
• Track emerging technologies and best practices in oligonucleotide and RNA-based therapeutics.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to a collaborative, high-performing team environment.

Skills

Oligonucleotide synthesis

RNA chemistry

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication skills

Education

Chemistry/Biochemistry degree

Tools

Oligonucleotide synthesizers

LC purification systems

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 Biotherapeutic and Genetic Medicine (BGM) department at AbbVie is seeking a motivated Principal Research Scientist I to join the growing siRNA team. In this role, you will work with the genetic medicine teams to establish siRNA synthesis, purification, and analytical capabilities. This individual will serve as a subject matter expert in oligonucleotide synthesis and purification, with responsibility for generating high-quality siRNA materials for advancing genetic medicine studies.

Responsibilities

• Lead the siRNA synthesis platform to support various stages of siRNA studies.
• Perform solid-phase oligonucleotide synthesis, deprotection, purification, and desalting of siRNA.
• Troubleshoot synthesis and purification challenges to improve yield, purity, and scalability.
• Work closely with the siRNA analytical colleagues to support characterization, data interpretation, and quality assessment of siRNA materials.
• Collaborate closely with the conjugation team to advance siRNA conjugate development and support platform and project objectives.
• Ensure rigorous documentation, data integrity, and compliance with internal quality standards.
• Track emerging technologies and best practices in oligonucleotide and RNA-based therapeutics.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to a collaborative, high-performing team environment.

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.
• Proven track record in gram-scale oligonucleotide synthesis using oligonucleotide synthesizers, as well as development of oligonucleotide purification methods using liquid chromatography systems.
• Strong knowledge of oligonucleotide chemistry and RNA chemistry.
• Experience working cross-functionally with analytical and conjugation teams.
• Demonstrated ability to independently solve complex technical problems and drive projects forward.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.
• Strong track record of presenting scientific data to internal and external stakeholders.
• 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 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 is may be eligible to participate in our long-term incentive programs.
• 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