Scientist II, Cell and Molecular Biology

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 I 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:

• Perform CHO cell line development, including transfection, selection, subcloning, flow cytometry analysis, phenotypic and genotypic cell line screening.
• Aseptically culture mammalian cells in suspension cultures across multiple scales and formats, from 96-well plates up to shake flasks.
• Operate instruments like ViCell automated cell counter, Octet, Clone Select Imager, microscope, HPLC.  Share responsibility for equipment maintenance and supplies.
• Perform molecular biology techniques for CHO cell line development and characterization including DNA cloning and vector assembly, various types of PCR and RT-PCR, sequencing (Sanger, MinION and P2 NGS).
• Collaborate with teammates to advance both routine and non-routine projects in which you will have to research, develop and implement new tools, technologies and approaches.
• Display effective organization, verbal and written communication skills, and adherence to good documentation practices, including real time entry of lab work into electronic lab notebook.
• Author detailed technical reports that support regulatory filings at all stages from IND to BLA.
• Present updates at team meetings and collaborate closely with others in the cell line development group.

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent education with typically 7 (or more) years of experience, or Master’s Degree or equivalent education with typically 5 (or more) years of experience.
• Proficiency with stable cell line development, preferably in CHO cells, including transfections, selections, subcloning, flow cytometry, protein measurement by Octet and HPLC.
• Proficiency with molecular biology techniques including molecular cloning; preparative and analytical DNA/RNA PCR/qPCR/RT-PCR; proficiency with associated software, ex Geneious, Sequencher.
• Strong understanding of mammalian cell biology and molecular biology concepts.
• Proficiency in generating 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.
• 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:

• Hands-on experience with NGS (MinION and P2 preferred, both library prep and data analysis); gene editing technologies (CRISPR, ZFN, or other).
• 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.
• Proficiency in operation of ambr15 microbioreactors.
• Proficiency in ddPCR for gene copy number analyses; for mRNA gene expression analyses.
• Familiarity with Chemistry, Manufacturing and Controls (CMC) and specifically CHO cell line development for GMP applications within biotech/pharma industry.  Familiarity with relevant ICH guidelines.

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.​

• 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. ​

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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 an equal opportunity employer and 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.

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