Senior Scientist I, Cell/Molecular Biology - Cell Line Development

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 – immunology, oncology, neuroscience, and eye care – and products and services in our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and Tik Tok.

Sr. Scientist I Cell/Molecular Biology

The Development Sciences Biologics CMC Drug Substance Cell Line Development Group in South San Francisco, CA is seeking a Senior Scientist to join a talented and collaborative team developing CHO cell lines for GMP applications. The successful candidate will have multi-faceted skills and experience across CHO cell line development and genetic characterization; Next Gen Sequencing methodologies (short- and long-read); cell engineering for gene knock-in/out/down; setting up automated workflows.  

In this laboratory position, the candidate will design and perform hands-on studies in a well-supported and dynamic environment to help advance novel therapies to human clinical studies.  The work will encompass cell and molecular studies relating to the generation and characterization of optimized CHO cell lines for production of our pipeline candidates. Additionally, the candidate will identify and evaluate new techniques, instrumentation and workflows to improve timelines, throughput and quality. The candidate will help set up automation of molecular biology workflows for NGS library preps and PCRs. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, test and optimize DNA vector constructs and vector workflows for protein expression (including monoclonal antibodies and antibody-like molecules) in CHO cells. Apply deep knowledge of expression vector design principles to optimize RNA expression levels and assembly of multi-chain biologics.
• Design experiments and perform genetic characterization of CHO cell lines/banks using multiple methods (ddPCR, NGS by Illumina MiSeq and Nanopore PromethION 2, TLA, occasionally Southern/Northern blotting) to confirm identity, quality, and stability of transgene DNA and RNA. Manage and analyze all associated data, including NGS data.
• Optimize genetic characterization workflows for technological advancement, efficiency and timeline improvement. Set up automation of wet lab and data analysis workflows.
• Design and perform experiments for engineering gene knock-in/-out/-down in CHO cells.
• Display effective organization, verbal and written communication skills, and adherence to good documentation practices, including real time entry of lab work into electronic lab notebook.
• Author detailed technical reports that support regulatory filings at all stages from IND to BLA.
• Present updates at team meetings and collaborate closely with others in the cell line development group.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree with 10 years of relevant experience, OR Master’s Degree with 8 years of relevant experience, OR PhD with no experience.
• Proficiency with molecular biology techniques including complex molecular cloning; PCR, qPCR, ddPCR on DNA and RNA(RT); NGS (MiSeq and PromethION 2 preferred, both library prep and data analysis); gene editing technologies (CRISPR, ZFN, or other).
• Hands-on experience using Illumina and Nanopore sequencers running DNA and RNA-seq workflows, from library prep, to instrument operation, to data analysis and data management.
• Experience with NGS data analysis software, including genome browser (IGV) NGS data file formats, "FASTQC", Samtool, and other related tools to carry out basic NGS data analysis.
• Familiarity with automated liquid handling work stations, such as Hamilton, Tecan, Biomek, or other. Familiarity with writing scripts to set up new automated workflows. Ability to troubleshoot software and hardware issues in collaboration with other specialists.
• Deep understanding of cell and molecular biology concepts underpinning protein expression in CHO cells, including transfection and DNA integration; RNA transcription and its control; protein translation and its control; protein folding, glycosylation and secretion; mechanisms of genotypic instability in CHO cells.
• Proficiency with sterile mammalian suspension cell culture; cell transfection; analytical flow cytometry.
• Independently design experiments with proper controls, sample size and statistical analysis to reach sound conclusions. Independently generate precise, reliable and reproducible data in a timely manner. Demonstrate strong data interpretation skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to keep detailed written records of protocols, raw materials, equipment, etc. in electronic lab notebook on a daily basis.
• Proficiency with the following software: Microsoft Office, Geneious Prime, Spotfire, Sequencher, bioinformatics tools.
• Proficiency in one or more programming/data science languages, such as R, Python, Java, C/C++ .  Familiarity with Linux/Unix.
• Ability to learn, understand, and execute new scientific techniques.
• Ability to multi-task and work within timelines.
• Ability to work collaboratively within and outside of group.
• Strong communication skills – verbal, written, scientific data presentation.

Preferred:

• Experience with synthetic biology screens
• Familiarity with Chemistry, Manufacturing and Controls (CMC) and specifically CHO cell line development for GMP applications within biotech/pharma industry.  Familiarity with relevant ICH guidelines.

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. ​​​

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. ​

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