Staff Research Scientist

Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 122,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries. Working at Abbott At Abbott, you can do work that matters, grow, and learn, care for yourself and your family, be your true self, and live a full life. You’ll also have access to: Career development with an international company where you can grow the career you dream of. Employees can qualify for free medical coverage in our Health Investment Plan (HIP) PPO medical plan in the next calendar year. An excellent retirement savings plan with a high employer contribution. Tuition reimbursement, the Freedom 2 Save student debt program, and FreeU education benefit - an affordable and convenient path to getting a bachelor’s degree. A company recognized as a great place to work in dozens of countries worldwide and named one of the most admired companies in the world by Fortune. A company that is recognized as one of the best big companies to work for as well as the best place to work for diversity, working mothers, female executives, and scientists. The Opportunity This position works out of our La Jolla location in the Cancer Diagnostics Division. As the Staff Research Scientist, you’ll lead verification and validation studies for innovative NGS-based multi-cancer early detection solutions that improve clinical test access, quality, and performance for patients. Main Responsibilities Serve as technical/scientific lead, designing and executing NGS experiments and studies that integrate clinical, analytical, and operational requirements, independently developing methods for new or highly complex assignments. Investigate the feasibility of applying scientific principles and concepts to potential new technologies, materials, processes, and products, planning and executing research to prove out concepts. Lead, mentor, and train scientists and research associates, guiding study planning/execution, providing work direction, and fostering an open, collaborative team environment. Analyze and interpret complex experimental/study data (including nonconforming data and trends), drawing conclusions and recommending next steps and project direction. Develop and communicate research plans, experimental designs, and project plans; plan, organize, and prioritize project assignments and milestones/schedules across multiple projects with shifting priorities and timelines. Prepare, review, and approve detailed technical procedures, protocols, reports, and lab documentation, ensuring compliance with legal, ISO, and quality requirements. Present and defend scientific findings and technical analyses to data/group/project meetings, cross-functional teams, senior management, and varied audiences, creating high-quality, cohesive presentations; write and submit professional articles/abstracts for technical journals and conferences. Act as subject matter expert and technical leader on complex projects, exercising independent judgment to select methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria, recognizing that erroneous decisions could impact major organizational objectives. Operate scientific instrumentation, troubleshoot issues, and maintain substantial knowledge of state-of-the-art principles, industry trends, and the broader business environment to improve processes and techniques. Contribute to intellectual property portfolio, including participation in IP evaluations and patent application development, through innovative, creative problem-solving. Consult and interact with internal and external experts, and coordinate interdepartmental activities and research efforts across organizational units. Apply strong analytical, communication, and collaborative skills to work independently and with teams across the organization. Minimum Qualifications PhD in Life Sciences, Chemistry, Mathematics, or related field; or Master's degree in Life Sciences, Mathematics, or related field and 4 years of experience in lieu of PhD; or Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences, Mathematics, or related field and 6 years of experience in lieu of PhD. 8+ years of industry or academia experience in biology and/or chemistry. 6+ years of experience in medical device/IVD, biotech, life science, or pharmaceutical industry. 3+ years of direct people leadership and management experience. Deep knowledge of molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, next-generation sequencing (NGS), and related sciences. Bioinformatics knowledge related to nucleic acid analysis and assay development. Proficient in Microsoft Office to including Excel, Word, and Power Point. Demonstrated ability to perform the Essential Duties of the position with or without accommodation. Authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship. Preferred Qualifications PhD Experience in Product Development Learn more About Our Health and Wellness Benefits Follow your career aspirations to Abbott for diverse opportunities with a company that can help you build your future and live your best life. Abbott is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to employee diversity. Connect with us at abbott.com, on LinkedIn at and on Facebook at The base pay for this position is $114,000.00 - $228,000.00. In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted. #J-18808-Ljbffr