Senior Scientist I, Cell/Molecular Biology

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About the role

The Biologics CMC Development organization at AbbVie has a long and rich history of biologics development, leveraging comprehensive end-to-end CMC capabilities to advance complex biologic therapies, such as bi-specifics and novel modalities, from discovery through human clinical studies and eventual licensure.  The Cell Line Development (CLD) Innovation Group is seeking a Senior Scientist I to join a talented and collaborative team developing next-generation CHO cell line platforms for the production of recombinant antibodies and complex biologics. This is a hands-on, laboratory-focused role for a versatile molecular biologist who will independently drive expression-optimization projects across both the vector and the host cell — from experimental design through execution and data interpretation. The successful candidate will design and test vector constructs, engineer host cells, conduct transfection and clone-generation campaigns in CHO cells, and apply a deep theoretical understanding of recombinant protein expression to improve titer in stable cell lines. This is not a single-technique position: the role spans the full set of levers that govern expression, and the candidate is expected to think, read, and propose, then carry the work out at the bench with a high degree of independence.  Responsibilities:  • Independently conceive ideas and designs to investigate CHO expression technical improvements across both vector and host cell.  • Design and test dozens of vector constructs in recombinant stable CHO cell lines for increased mAb titer. Rapidly execute the associated transfections, screening, and clone-characterization studies to generate decision-quality data.  • Employ a variety of hands-on laboratory techniques, including transfection, aseptic CHO cell culture, DNA gene copy number analysis, RNA expression analysis (ddPCR / RT-qPCR), mAb titer measurement, cell engineering to knock in/out target genes.  • Operate and interpret data from core CLD instrumentation, including Octet (BLI titer), ViCell, CloneSelect Imager, microfluidic clone-screening platforms such as the Beacon, flow cytometry. Share responsibility for equipment maintenance.  • Apply a rigorous theoretical and practical understanding of recombinant protein expression from the genome to the protein — including genomic loci, epigenetics, transcription, mRNA stability, translation, the organelles and secretory machinery involved, and the engineering constraints specific to industrial CHO cell line development.  • Author and co-author cell line development technical reports and present data to the group and to leadership; contribute scientific insight to project teams.  • Collaborate closely with cell culture, analytical, purification, and bioinformatics colleagues to meet project timelines, and adhere to corporate standards for code of conduct, safety, materials handling, and good documentation practices.  • BS with a minimum of 10+ years, or MS with a minimum of 8+ years of experience, or PhD with 0-4 years’ experience, in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, or a related discipline.  • Demonstrated ability to read the literature, review external sources, and gather inputs to synthesize technically sound ideas and design proper experimental controls.  • Demonstrated ability to independently analyze experimental data, draw appropriate conclusions, and communicate them to a wide audience.  • Demonstrated proficiency with designing and implementing vector improvements to increase recombinant antibody expression levels in stable CHO cells.  • Proficiency with Geneious Prime or similar software for designing and annotating DNA vectors, primers, and probes, and performing sequence alignments.  • Proficiency with most or all of the following t

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