Senior Scientist I, Early Target Generation

Company Description

About 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 including immunology, oncology and neuroscience - and products and services in our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at  . Follow @abbvie on  LinkedIn, Facebook ,  Instagram ,  X and  YouTube.

Job Description

Are you passionate about making a difference in patients’ lives? Are you interested in being part of a team that helps craft innovative solutions to complex problems? AbbVie's Discovery Biotherapeutics and Genetic Medicine (BGM) invites you to join us as a Senior Scientist I in the Exploratory Target Generation group of Protein Sciences team at the Cambridge Research Center (CRC) site based in Cambridge, MA. This position offers the unique opportunity to participate in early program design and strategy, with a strong impact on our future pipeline. As a Senior Scientist you will be responsible for expression of complex protein antigens (cytokines, extracellular domains, membrane proteins, etc.) supporting exploratory programs in our Immunology and Neuroscience therapeutic areas. The ideal candidate will have a strong protein biochemistry background, particularly in mammalian protein expression systems, and demonstrate a proven track record of innovative problem solving as a contributor in cross-functional collaborations. Strong verbal and written communication skills are required for effectively presenting scientific concepts and results to both scientific and non-scientific leaders. A significant research background, evidenced by a track record of publications, presentations, and scientific accomplishments, is highly desirable. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Strategically engaged at the early exploratory stages of target selection within the Immunology and Neuroscience therapeutic areas 

• Recombinant protein expression of antigens and cytokines supporting exploratory Immunology and Neuroscience therapeutic areas 

• Innovatively design and produce soluble and membrane protein targets with enhanced stability for functional studies and antibody discovery 

• Collaboration with Immunology and Neuroscience colleagues as representative of Protein Sciences, fostering the generation of innovative ideas and solutions 

• Contribute to scientific excellence through dedication to multiple projects simultaneously, in a fast-paced, multi-disciplinary environment 

• Demonstration of strong organizational and record keeping skills, ensuring timely delivery of requested material 

• Clearly and effectively explain research findings and strategies, prioritizing transparency  

• Collaborate with protein vendors and Contract Research Organizations (CROs) to secure, produce, and evaluate high-quality antigens 

• Cultivate innovative problem-solving by generating original technical ideas and responding to scientific, regulatory, and competitive developments 

• Maintain a strong knowledge of relevant publications pertaining to technological advancements, with an eye towards improving our workflows 

Qualifications

• Ph.D., M.S. or B.S. in Biochemistry, Molecular and Cell Biology or related disciplines with typically 0-4 (Ph.D), 8-10 (M.S.), or 10-12+ (B.S.) years of experience 

• Hands-on experience with mammalian suspension cell culture (HEK293 and CHO preferred) transient transfection, harvest and expression profiling is required 

• Strong molecular biology skills and experience with sequencing tools and construct design is required (Geneious, Genedata) 

• Experience using and interpreting standard protein analytical techniques (SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, BCA assays, endotoxin readings, size exclusion chromatography) is required 

• Experience with a broad spectrum of protein purification techniques (affinity, ion exchange, size exclusion chromatography, etc), preferably using AKTA instrumentation is a plus 

• Experience applying AI/ML workflows to improve laboratory workflows is desired 

• Expertise in navigating and managing relationships with different protein vendors and CROs, ensuring alignment with project goals and timelines, is a plus  

• Experience using GeneData Biologics is a plus 

• Strong Immunology and/or Neuroscience background is a plus 

• Experience in protein expression from e. coli is a plus 

• Proven research excellence demonstrated through a strong track record of publications, presentations and scientific achievements 

• Demonstrated ability to actively participate and collaborate across cross-functional teams 

Key Competencies: 

• Builds strong relationships with peers and cross-functionally with partners outside the team to deliver high performance 

• Learns fast, grasps the "essence" and can change course quickly where indicated 

• Raises the bar and is never satisfied with the status quo 

• Creates a learning environment, open to suggestions and experimentation for improvement 

• Embraces the ideas of others, nurtures innovation and manages innovation to reality 

AbbVie is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse work environment. Be part of our team that is curious, open-minded, and ready to tackle the biotherapeutic challenges of tomorrow! 

Additional Information

​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. ​

AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives and serving our community.  Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled. 

US & Puerto Rico only - to learn more, visit 

US & Puerto Rico applicants seeking a reasonable accommodation, click here to learn more:

AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives and serving our community.  Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled. 

US & Puerto Rico only - to learn more, visit 

US & Puerto Rico applicants seeking a reasonable accommodation, click here to learn more: