Staff Research Scientist

Abbott; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 114,000 - 228,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free medical coverage

Retirement contributions

Tuition reimbursement

FreeU education benefit

Great place to work

Job summary

Abbott is seeking a Staff Research Scientist in La Jolla, CA to lead verification and validation studies for NGS-based multi-cancer early detection solutions, improving clinical test access, quality, and performance for patients.

You will design and execute NGS experiments, mentor scientists, guide project direction, and present findings to cross-functional teams and senior management in a fast-paced diagnostics environment.

Qualifications

• PhD in Life Sciences, Chemistry, Mathematics, or related field; or Master’s with 4 years of experience; or Bachelor’s with 6 years of experience.
• 8+ years of industry or academia experience in biology/chemistry.
• 6+ years in medical device/IVD/biotech life science/pharma.
• 3+ years of direct people leadership and management experience.
• Deep knowledge of molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, NGS, and related sciences.
• Bioinformatics knowledge related to nucleic acid analysis and assay development.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute NGS experiments and studies integrating clinical, analytical, and operational requirements.
• Lead, mentor, and train scientists and research associates; guide study planning and execution.
• Analyze and interpret complex experimental data; propose next steps and direction.
• Develop and communicate research plans, experimental designs, and project plans; manage milestones across multiple projects.
• Prepare and approve technical procedures, protocols, and reports ensuring ISO and quality compliance.
• Present findings to data groups, cross-functional teams, and senior management; publish articles and abstracts.

Skills

People leadership

Molecular biology

Biochemistry

Cell biology

NGS

Bioinformatics

MS Office

Communication

Education

PhD in Life Sciences

MS in Life Sciences

Bachelors in Life Sciences

Tools

Lab instrumentation

Job description

Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 122,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.

Working at Abbott

At Abbott, you can do work that matters, grow, and learn, care for yourself and your family, be your true self, and live a full life. You'll also have access to :

• Career development with an international company where you can grow the career you dream of.
• Employees can qualify for free medical coverage in our Health Investment Plan (HIP) PPO medical plan in the next calendar year.
• An excellent retirement savings plan with a high employer contribution.
• Tuition reimbursement, the Freedom 2 Save student debt program, and FreeU education benefit - an affordable and convenient path to getting a bachelor’s degree.
• A company recognized as a great place to work in dozens of countries worldwide and named one of the most admired companies in the world by Fortune.
• A company that is recognized as one of the best big companies to work for as well as the best place to work for diversity, working mothers, female executives, and scientists.

The Opportunity

This position works out of our La Jolla location in the Cancer Diagnostics Division.

As the Staff Research Scientist, you'll lead verification and validation studies for innovative NGS-based multi-cancer early detection solutions that improve clinical test access, quality, and performance for patients.

Main Responsibilities

• Serve as technical/scientific lead, designing and executing NGS experiments and studies that integrate clinical, analytical, and operational requirements, independently developing methods for new or highly complex assignments
• Investigate the feasibility of applying scientific principles and concepts to potential new technologies, materials, processes, and products, planning and executing research to prove out concepts
• Lead, mentor, and train scientists and research associates, guiding study planning/execution, providing work direction, and fostering an open, collaborative team environment
• Analyze and interpret complex experimental/study data (including nonconforming data and trends), drawing conclusions and recommending next steps and project direction
• Develop and communicate research plans, experimental designs, and project plans; plan, organize, and prioritize project assignments and milestones/schedules across multiple projects with shifting priorities and timelines
• Prepare, review, and approve detailed technical procedures, protocols, reports, and lab documentation, ensuring compliance with legal, ISO, and quality requirements
• Present and defend scientific findings and technical analyses to data/group/project meetings, cross-functional teams, senior management, and varied audiences, creating high-quality, cohesive presentations; write and submit professional articles/abstracts for technical journals and conferences
• Act as subject matter expert and technical leader on complex projects, exercising independent judgment to select methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria, recognizing that erroneous decisions could impact major organizational objectives
• Operate scientific instrumentation, troubleshoot issues, and maintain substantial knowledge of state-of-the-art principles, industry trends, and the broader business environment to improve processes and techniques
• Contribute to intellectual property portfolio, including participation in IP evaluations and patent application development, through innovative, creative problem-solving
• Consult and interact with internal and external experts, and coordinate interdepartmental activities and research efforts across organizational units
• Apply strong analytical, communication, and collaborative skills to work independently and with teams across the organization

Minimum Qualifications

• PhD in Life Sciences, Chemistry, Mathematics, or related field; or Master’s degree in Life Sciences, Mathematics, or related field and 4 years of experience in lieu of PhD; or Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences, Mathematics, or related field and 6 years of experience in lieu of PhD.
• 8+ years of industry or academia experience in biology and/or chemistry.
• 6+ years of experience in medical device/IVD, biotech, life science, or pharmaceutical industry.
• 3+ years of direct people leadership and management experience.
• Deep knowledge of molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, next-generation sequencing (NGS), and related sciences.
• Bioinformatics knowledge related to nucleic acid analysis and assay development.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office to including Excel, Word, and Power Point.
• Demonstrated ability to perform the Essential Duties of the position with or without accommodation.
• Authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD
• Experience in Product Development

Learn more about our health and wellness benefits, which provide the security to help you and your family live full lives : https ://abbottbenefits.com/

Follow your career aspirations to Abbott for diverse opportunities with a company that can help you build your future and live your best life. Abbott is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to employee diversity.

Connect with us at abbott.com, on LinkedIn at https ://www.linkedin.com/company/abbott-/, and on Facebook at https ://www.facebook.com/AbbottCareers.

The base pay for this position is $114,000.00 - 228,000.00. In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted.