Associate Scientist II orScientist I, CMC Drug Substance Cell Line Development Group - AbbVie

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 Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.

The Development Sciences Biologics CMC Drug Substance Cell Line Development Group in South San Francisco, CA is seeking a Scientist to join a talented and collaborative team developing CHO cell lines for GMP applications.

In this laboratory position, the candidate will perform hands-on molecular characterization studies in a well-supported and dynamic environment to help advance novel therapies to human clinical studies.  The work will encompass molecular, cellular, and bioprocess development studies relating to the generation and characterization of optimized CHO cell lines for production of our pipeline candidates.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and generate DNA vector constructs for protein expression (including monoclonal antibodies and antibody-like molecules)
  • Optimize the vector workflow to increase speed and throughput
• Perform genetic characterization of CHO cell banks to confirm identity and evaluate quality of transgene DNA and RNA.
• Review DNA sequencing data (including NGS), Southern/Northern blots, quantitative PCR results
• Perform routine molecular screens of CHO cell lines using ddPCR and MinION, P2 sequencers
• Author technical reports that meet expectations of regulatory agencies for all stages from IND to BLA
• Present updates at team meetings and collaborate closely with others in the cell line development group.
• Actively seek opportunities to optimize or enhance the molecular characterization workflow.
• Display effective organization, verbal and written communication skills, and adherence to good documentation practices.

Associate Scientist II - Bachelor’s Degree, or equivalent education, with typically 3 or more years’ experience or Master’s Degree or equivalent education (no additional experience)

Scientist I - Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent education with typically 5 years of experience, or Master’s Degree or equivalent education with typically two years of experience.

• Proficiency with basic molecular biology techniques (molecular cloning, plasmid preps, DNA digests/gels, PCR/qPCR, DNA sequencing), sterile technique, and mammalian cell culture.
• Strong understanding of mammalian cell biology and molecular biology concepts.
• Independently generate precise, reliable and reproducible data in a timely manner. Demonstrate experimental precision and strong data interpretation skills and should possess understanding of core discipline.

• Excellent attention to detail and ability to keep detailed written records in lab notebook on a daily basis.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office software, ability to learn new software applications.
• Proficiency with Geneious software.
• 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:

• Background in CHO cell line development for GMP applications within biotech/pharma industry.
• Hands-on experience using Illumina and Nanopore sequencers running RNA-seq workflow and analysis
• Experience with ddPCR
• Experience in bioinformatics software to analyze DNA and RNA for sequence confirmation and expression analysis
  • Familiarity with genome browser (IGV) and familiarity with NGS data file formats
  • Ability to use bioinformatics tools such as "FASTQC", Samtool, and other related tools to carry out basic NGS analysis
• Proficiency in programming/data science languages, such as R, Python, and Java
• Understanding of cell biology and bioprocess engineering concepts

Applicable only to applicants applying to a position in any location with pay disclosure requirements under state or local law: 

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  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.



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  We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick), medical/dental/vision  insurance and 401(k) to eligible employees.



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  This job is eligible to participate in our short-term incentive programs. 














 
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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. 

AbbVie is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives, serving our community and embracing diversity and inclusion.  It is AbbVie’s policy to employ qualified persons of the greatest ability without discrimination against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy), physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, status as a protected veteran, or any other legally protected group status.