Scientist I, Biotherapeutics Expression

About the role

AbbVie Biotherapeutics and Genetic Medicine is a global organization responsible for biotherapeutics drug research across disease areas including immunology, oncology, and neuroscience. Our scope includes the discovery of innovative biologic medicines from the early exploratory stage and their support through clinical development.

We are growing a world-class team of scientists and leaders who will drive the discovery and advancement of innovative biologic-based therapies. Careers in Biotherapeutics and Genetic Medicine provide unique opportunities to work with cross-functional teams that drive exceptional science and deliver innovative medicines to patients.

The Biotherapeutics Production group at AbbVie is seeking an experienced protein expression scientist to join a fast paced, high throughput, large scale (1 to 200L) mammalian cell culture expression group. This role will focus on engineering biologics in CHO cell lines, protein expression, and characterization, while incorporating modern capabilities in data digitization and automation. We are looking for candidates with strong scientific and leadership experience to join the team and can offer exciting and rewarding career opportunities for these candidates.

Key Responsibilities

• Generation, expression, and screening of stable CHO cell lines expressing novel multispecific biologics with optimized attributes (i.e. titer, monomer, chain-pairing) to support therapeutic area drug discovery projects.
• Process development and optimization for fed-batch bioreactor and shake flask expressions of stable CHO cell lines.
• Handling stable CHO pool cell lines including thaw, culture, expression and cryopreservation.
• Apply targeted integration using FACS-based single-cell sorting for screening.
• Characterization of copy number and mRNA transcript levels using ddPCR and related molecular tools.
• Implement and leverage automation platforms and high-throughput workflows to increase efficiency.
• Contribute to data digitization efforts, including electronic data capture, analysis, and concise reporting.
• Work independently on the design, execution, and interpretation of experimental results.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Bachelors or Master's in biology, chemistry, biochemistry or related field with typically 5+ (BS) or 2+ (MS) years of experience.
• Experience with cell culture and protein production (monoclonal antibodies, bispecifics, and multispecifics) in CHO cells lines including thaw, culture, expression, and cryopreservation.
• Prior experience in process development and process optimization in CHO cells.
• Experience with targeted integration, FACS, ddPCR, vector design, and Wave bioreactors is desirable.
• Demonstrated proficiency in overcoming problems (i.e. poor chain pairing, low expression, aggregation, glycosylation) with challenging therapeutic proteins desirable.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate complex scientific concepts.
• Collaborative mindset with a passion for teamwork, scientific rigor, and delivering impactful solutions.
• Strong team player able to operate effectively in a fast-paced environment.

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.