Senior Scientist I

AbbVie's Cambridge Research Center in Boston, MA is seeking a Scientist to join their team to design and perform both routine and complex cell culture work to contribute to research in drug discovery to treat neurodegenerative diseases. Using both manual and automated means, you will collaborate with other scientists to develop iPSC derived cellular models, and prepare materials for in vitro research work. Automating these processes using advanced robotics will be a key goal and responsibility. Identifying and evaluating new technologies and methods will also be a component of the successful candidate's responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities Include

• Development of methods for differentiation of iPS cells to models of neurodegenerative disease
• Scaleup and maintenance of cultured cells by automated and manual means
• Scaleup and maintenance of established cell lines
• Preparation of primary cells from rodent preclinical models
• Adaptation of cell culture methods to lab automation
• Collaborate with functional groups at the AbbVie FNC and other sites, requiring a full understanding of the uses to which cultured materials will be put
• Proactively monitor new developments in cell culture and automation, and incorporate this into individual projects
• Understand and adhere to corporate standards regarding code of conduct, safety, appropriate handling of materials, etc.

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent education and typically 10 years of experience, Master's Degree or equivalent education and typically 8 years of experience, PhD and no experience necessary.
• A significant record of accomplishment in cellular models for drug discovery. Expertise with neural or microglial models preferred.
• Experience with primary, iPSC, complex cell models, and immortalized cell culture.
• Expertise and interest in cell biology and assay development
• The successful candidate must be highly collaborative, enjoying a dynamic, multi-disciplinary project team environment.

Desired Skills :

• Preference will be given to candidates with expertise in the use of automated cell culture robotic hardware and software, particularly the Sartorius CompacT SelecT. Training or interest in software and hardware engineering is a plus.
• Experience with tissue dissection from rodent models to prepare ex vivo primary cell cultures is a plus.
• Also preferred is industrial experience in early drug discovery including the identification of small molecules and/or biologic reagents, to validate targets and as leads toward the identification of human clinical candidates.