2025 PDS&T Cell Line Development Scientist Co-Op (June - December)

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 X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and Tik Tok.

Overview of Cell Line Development Scientist Co-op

Envision spending your summer working with energetic colleagues and inspirational leaders, all while gaining world-class experience in one of the most dynamic organizations in the pharmaceutical industry. This is a reality for AbbVie Interns.

The PDS&T Toxins group within Global Operations - Biologics organization supports manufacturing, process validation, regulatory submission, and continuous improvement for late-stage and commercial manufacturing of biological toxin products in AbbVie. We have an exciting opportunity for a cell line development scientist position based in Irvine, CA. This role involves leveraging scientific and bioengineering principles to develop novel cell lines used in development of bioassays for analytical testing at release and stability time points. The candidate must possess in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience in a range of techniques, including but not limited to molecular cloning, mammalian cell culture, PCR, Western blot, cell sorting, bioassay, microscopy, transfection. Moreover, excellent communication skills and the ability to thrive in a multi-disciplinary and cross-functional team environment are essential for success in this role.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Generate original technical ideas and strategies related to cell line development. 

• Understand the broad objectives of the project and the specific roles in achieving them. Modify the experimental plans as needed to respond to new data or updates on project needs. 

• Independently design, execute, and interpret critical experiments to address scientific questions. 

• Innovate and implement new experimental protocols to advance the project. 

• Exhibit adequate knowledge in relevant scientific and technical fields. 

• Establish and adhere to experimental timelines to ensure timely progress and results. 

• Regularly read and apply relevant scientific literature to stay updated on advancements 

• Contribute to writing and preparing for publications, presentations, and patents. 

• Effectively organize, analyze and present scientific plans and data in meetings, reports, and presentations. 

Minimum Qualifications 

• Currently enrolled in a university, pursuing a PhD in Cell and Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biochemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Biotechnology, Genetics and Genomics, Pharmacology, or other related fields. 

• Must be enrolled in university for at least one semester following the internship. 

• Expected graduation date between December 2025 – July 2026. 

• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently. 

• Ability to develop comprehensive test plans and trouble shoot.  

• Tracking and understanding of relevant scientific literature and ability to apply the theoretical framework to solving problems within the scientific discipline in a timely manner. 

• Detail-oriented with a good track record of delivering reliable and consistent results. 

• Able to work with cross-functional teams, including R & D, Science & Technology, Operations, etc. 

• Good oral communication skills, as well as sound technical writing and documentation competencies, are required. 

• Practical experience and knowledge of molecular cloning, cell culture, PCR, Western blot, cell sorting, bioassay, microscopy, and transfection. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Exposure to cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, biotechnology, immunology, statistics and experimental design, etc.
• Knowledge on CRISPR/Cas9 and genome editing, and statistical data analysis is a plus
• Experience of stable cell line generation and assay development

Benefits and Amenities

• Competitive pay
• Relocation support for eligible students
• Opportunities for professional development

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.​

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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