Scientist I, Molecular Biology – Cell Line Development
AbbVie
Summary
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, collaborative team developing CHO cell lines for GMP applications. In this laboratory-based role, the Scientist I will independently plan and execute molecular characterization studies that help advance novel therapies to clinical development.
Job description
Key Responsibilities
- Independently design, conduct, analyze, and document critical experiments supporting CHO cell-line development, cell-bank qualification, and candidate progression; assess data quality, troubleshoot results, and recommend next steps.
- Design and generate expression vectors for monoclonal antibodies and antibody-like molecules; improve cloning, plasmid QC, and whole-plasmid sequencing workflows.
- Characterize CHO cell banks for identity and transgene DNA/RNA quality using PCR/qPCR, ddPCR, DNA/RNA isolation, sequencing, and related assays.
- Develop and optimize NGS workflows, including RNA-seq and molecular screening; interpret sequencing data and establish fit-for-purpose quality controls.
- Author and review technical reports and documentation supporting regulated development from IND through BLA, following good documentation practices.
- Maintain protocols, tools, trackers, reference datasets, and inventories that improve reproducibility, traceability, and laboratory efficiency.
- Communicate scientific plans, results, and recommendations to cross-functional partners and external collaborators; document workflows and train colleagues as appropriate.
- Read, critically evaluate, and adapt scientific literature to guide experimental design and technical progress; independently implement appropriately scoped method and workflow improvements.
Qualifications
Basic: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent education with typically 5 years of relevant experience, or a master’s degree or equivalent education with typically 2 years.
- Strong understanding of molecular and mammalian cell biology, CHO cell-line development, and relevant bioprocess concepts.
- Ability to independently design and conduct critical experiments, generate reliable and reproducible data, draw sound conclusions, and troubleshoot experiments and instrumentation.
- Hands-on proficiency in cloning, plasmid preparation, DNA digests/gels, PCR/qPCR, ddPCR, DNA/RNA isolation and sequencing, and mammalian cell culture using sterile technique.
- Ability to manage concurrent deliverables and timelines, maintain detailed laboratory records, and communicate scientific findings and recommendations in writing and presentations.
- Hands-on experience with Illumina and/or Nanopore platforms, RNA-seq, sequence analysis, data-quality assessment, and molecular characterization of mammalian cell banks.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Geneious; ability to learn new software and scientific techniques.
Preferred: Biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry experience developing CHO cell lines for GMP applications. Familiarity with bioinformatics workflows for DNA/RNA sequence confirmation and expression analysis, including IGV, NGS file formats, FASTQC, Samtools, or related tools. Experience with computational, data-analysis, or scripting tools such as R, Python, or Java.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent education with typically 5 years of relevant experience, or a master’s degree or equivalent education with typically 2 years
- Strong understanding of molecular and mammalian cell biology, CHO cell-line development, and relevant bioprocess concepts
- Ability to independently design and conduct critical experiments, generate reliable and reproducible data, draw sound conclusions, and troubleshoot experiments and instrumentation
- Hands-on proficiency in cloning, plasmid preparation, DNA digests/gels, PCR/qPCR, ddPCR, DNA/RNA isolation and sequencing, and mammalian cell culture using sterile technique
- Ability to manage concurrent deliverables and timelines, maintain detailed laboratory records, and communicate scientific findings and recommendations in writing and presentations
- Hands-on experience with Illumina and/or Nanopore platforms, RNA-seq, sequence analysis, data-quality assessment, and molecular characterization of mammalian cell banks
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Geneious; ability to learn new software and scientific techniques
- Preferred: Biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry experience developing CHO cell lines for GMP applications
- Preferred: Familiarity with bioinformatics workflows for DNA/RNA sequence confirmation and expression analysis, including IGV, NGS file formats, FASTQC, Samtools, or related tools
- Preferred: Experience with computational, data-analysis, or scripting tools such as R, Python, or Java
Benefits
- Paid time off
- Medical, Dental & Vision
- 401(k)
- Short-term incentive programs
Company overview
AbbVie is a global biopharmaceutical company that discovers, develops, and markets advanced therapies for some of the world's most complex and serious diseases. Founded in 2013 as a spin-off from Abbott Laboratories, AbbVie has established itself as a leader in immunology, oncology, neuroscience, eye care, and virology. The company's flagship product, Humira (adalimumab), was one of the world's top-selling drugs for treating autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease. AbbVie maintains a robust pipeline of innovative medicines and has expanded its portfolio through strategic acquisitions, including Allergan in 2020. With research facilities across the United States and globally, AbbVie focuses on advancing science to improve patient outcomes while maintaining strong commercial operations worldwide. The company operates with a patient-centric approach and invests significantly in research and development to address unmet medical needs across multiple therapeutic areas.