Senior Scientist, siRNA Therapeutics & Delivery

BioSpace; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

AbbVie in Cambridge, MA seeks a Senior Scientist I/II to advance siRNA therapeutics within the Biotherapeutics and Genetic Medicine group. You will design experiments to enable extrahepatic delivery and drive RNA-based therapy development across multiple programs.

Responsibilities include leading cross-functional research, developing delivery platforms, and generating high‑quality data for publications and patents. Strong RNA biology expertise is essential for success.

Qualifications

• PhD/MS/BS with relevant experience in molecular biology and RNA biology.
• Hands-on experience designing in vitro and in vivo siRNA studies and delivery evaluations.
• Experience with siRNA delivery platforms, biodistribution and target knockdown.
• Strong ability to develop, troubleshoot, and refine assays for sensitivity and throughput.

Responsibilities

• Lead research efforts within a cross-functional team to advance siRNA therapeutics development for ex-hepatic pipelines.
• Design, evaluate, and develop ex-hepatic siRNA delivery platforms for targeted tissue delivery.
• Conceive and execute proof-of-concept experiments to validate hypotheses and address technical challenges.
• Develop in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo assays to assess siRNA candidates and delivery technologies for program objectives.
• Collaborate and communicate results with stakeholders and cross-functional teams.
• Mentor and support junior scientists within the team.

Skills

siRNA therapeutics

RNA biology

experimental design

cross-functional collaboration

communication

Education

PhD in molecular biology or related

MS in related field

BS in related field

Tools

RT‑PCR

qPCR

NGS

ELISA

Western Blot

Flow cytometry

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

At AbbVie, we are dedicated to solving some of the world’s most complex and serious diseases. Our mission is to develop and deliver advanced therapeutics that change lives. We are looking for talented, passionate, and driven individuals to join our Biotherapeutics and Genetic Medicine (BGM) team. As a Senior Scientist in our siRNA group, you will be part of an innovative team focused on advancing RNA-based therapies that have the potential to revolutionize patient care.

AbbVie is looking for a Senior Scientist I/II to join our siRNA group within the Biotherapeutics and Genetic Medicine (BGM) department. This role will involve designing and executing innovative experimental approaches to address key scientific challenges related to oligonucleotide therapeutics and to enable siRNA delivery for extrahepatic pipeline development. The successful candidate will drive scientific innovation, identify new methods and techniques, and collaborate across functions to support the development of novel RNA-based therapies.

Responsibilities

• Lead research efforts within a cross-functional team to advance siRNA therapeutics development for ex-hepatic pipelines
• Design, evaluate, and develop novel ex-hepatic siRNA delivery platforms for targeted delivery to tissues of interest
• Conceive and execute proof-of-concept experiments to validate scientific hypotheses and address technical challenges with high-quality results.
• Develop in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo assays to assess siRNA candidates and delivery technologies in support of program objectives.
• Work independently and maintain a high level of productivity in the laboratory, ensuring efficiency and scientific rigor.
• Analyze and interpret multidisciplinary data to generate actionable conclusions and guide future experimental directions.
• Acquire deep knowledge of RNA biology and siRNA therapeutics to support programs across multiple stages of development.
• Collaborate and effectively communicate results with key stakeholders and cross-functional teams throughout the organization.
• Contribute as a primary author to scientific publications, presentations, and/or as a primary inventor of patent applications.
• Mentor and support junior scientists within the team.

Qualifications

• BS, MS, or PhD in molecular biology, RNA biology, cell biology, pharmaceutical sciences, biomedical engineering, or or a related scientific discipline, with typically 0-4+ (PhD), 8-10+ (MS), or 10-12+ (BS) years of relevant experience.
• Hands-on experience in designing and executing in vitro and in vivo studies to evaluate siRNA delivery platforms, including assessments of cellular uptake, target knockdown, delivery efficiency and biodistribution.
• Demonstrated expertise in siRNA therapeutics, including the design, development, characterization and optimization of siRNA sequences and delivery systems.
• Proven experience with siRNA and antibody-oligo-conjugates (AOCs) is highly desirable.
• Extensive hands‑on experience and techniques for molecular and RNA biology, including cell culture, RNA extraction, RNA quantification (RT-PCR, qPCR, ddPCR), next‑generation sequencing (NGS), protein quantification (ELISA, Western Blot, JESS), flow cytometry and other biomarker quantification.
• Proven ability to develop, troubleshoot and refine assays to enhance sensitivity, reproducibility, and throughput.
• Highly self‑motivated and capable of thriving in a fast‑paced, collaborative team environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience contributing to technical reports, publications, or regulatory documentation.

Why AbbVie?

AbbVie is a global biopharmaceutical company committed to bringing innovative medicines to patients in need. We offer a collaborative work environment, opportunities for professional growth, and the ability to make an impact on the future of healthcare. Join us and be part of a team that is transforming the landscape of genetic medicine.

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 program.

This job may be eligible to participate in our long‑term incentive program.

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

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https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/reasonable-accommodations.html