Senior Scientist I - Molecular Biology

Cell Line Development, PDS&T 

AbbVie is seeking a highly motivated and innovative Senior Scientist to join the Molecular Biology team within Cell Line Development in PDS&T. This role supports the development of AbbVie’s biologics pipeline by designing novel plasmids and optimizing genetic elements and vector architectures to enable robust recombinant protein expression and high-performing cell line development workflows. 

The successful candidate will bring strong molecular biology expertise, a deep understanding of gene regulation and expression control, and the ability to independently develop creative, scientifically rigorous solutions to complex technical challenges. This position offers the opportunity to shape platform capabilities through thoughtful construct engineering, experimental design, data-driven decision-making, and collaborative problem-solving in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment.

 

Key Responsibilities 

• Lead the design and optimization of novel plasmid constructs for recombinant protein expression across multiple platforms. 
• Optimize genetic parts, regulatory elements, and vector architecture to improve expression performance, construct behavior, and platform compatibility. 
• Apply strong molecular biology expertise to support sequence analysis, construct design strategy, and experimental interpretation. 
• Analyze complex sequence, construct, and experimental data to inform design decisions and next-step strategies. 
• Contribute to platform optimization through innovation, process improvement, and scientific rigor. 
• Support genetic characterization efforts, including activities relevant to regulatory filing and development documentation. 
• Partner effectively with cross-functional teams across PDS&T and related functions to align scientific strategy with program and operational goals. 
• Communicate findings, recommendations, and scientific rationale clearly to internal stakeholders and leadership. 

• BS with 10+  years, MS with 8+ years, or PhD with 0-2 years 
• Strong expertise in molecular biology with extensive hands-on laboratory and design experience 
• Demonstrated experience in vector design, expression construct optimization, and construct validation 
• Strong understanding of gene regulation, sequence-element-driven expression control, and vector architecture 
• Proven ability to independently design experiments, troubleshoot technical issues, and deliver high-quality scientific output 
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and organizational skills 
• Demonstrated scientific creativity, ownership, and ability to work with minimal supervision 

 

Preferred 

• Experience supporting cell line development or related platform development activities 
• Familiarity with late-stage genetic characterization and support for regulatory filing activities 
• Experience with multiple integration systems and platform-specific construct requirements 
• Exposure to advanced sequence analysis tools, design software, or high-throughput molecular biology workflows 
• Familiarity with bioinformatics, data-driven modeling, and model development 
• Experience mentoring scientists or contributing to team development