Senior Scientist I, Cell Line Development / Molecular Biology

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.