Senior Scientist II, Precision Medicine Oncology

Sr. Scientist , Translational Oncology, Precision Medicine

The Precision Medicine (PMed) Translational Oncology group is committed to drive translational and biomarker efforts for our pre-clinical and clinical stage programs. The translational research group is a critical component of the Abbvie Oncology department and uses advanced technologies to study cancer biology, discover biomarkers and validate mechanisms of action of different drugs in AbbVie’s innovative IO and non-IO Oncology pipeline to inform clinical decisions including indications and patient selection and combinations.   We are seeking a highly motivated Senior Scientist with a strong scientific background in immunology / cancer biology, a passion for translational research, and a proven track record of research accomplishments to join this dynamic team.  The successful candidate will work both within the Translational Oncology group and as a member of cross-functional interdisciplinary teams. The candidate is expected to design and execute experiments independently to enhance our translational and biomarker research.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• Independently devise, execute, and analyze hypothesis-driven translational research experiments to identify PD biomarkers, mechanisms of resistance, inform patient selection and test novel drug-combinations to advance the Abbvie oncology pipeline.
• Routinely utilize broad technical expertise in tumor cell/immune cell biology to advance translational research for both pre-clinical and clinical stage oncology projects.
• Initiate and maintain collaborations with cross-functional teams such as clinical biomarkers, in-vivo pharmacology, bioinformatics and DMPK to ensure alignment on scientific rationale and data generation workflows.
• Effectively communicate hypotheses, work plans and data generated to diverse audiences in both oral and written communications.
• Train and guide colleagues on established methodologies, troubleshoot assays and establish novel techniques within Abbvie or at CROs.
• May mentor/supervise one or more scientists

Basic Qualifications Include:

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent education and typically 12 years of experience, Master’s Degree or equivalent education and typically 10 years of experience, PhD and typically 4 years of experience.

• Exceptional technical precision using standard immunological techniques (flow cytometry, intracellular staining, cytotoxicity assays, ELISA, etc.) primary cell culture, tissue processing, as well as standard molecular biology and biochemical techniques.
• Ability to:
  • Demonstrate and implement critical thinking skills.
  • Learn, understand, and master new areas of biology and experimental techniques.
  • Articulate scientific rationale with clarity.
  • Work independently and proactively on multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
  • Ability to thrive in a multi-disciplinary, matrixed environment.

• Expertise in human immunology, cancer immunotherapy, oncology, cancer signaling pathways or prior exposure to translational research/biomarker discovery.
• Knowledge of analytical software for routine data analysis, and a level of exposure to programming languages, such as R, is desirable.
• Demonstrated scientific writing skills and strong verbal communication skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience in immuno-oncology or related field and/or postdoctoral cancer research experience in academia or pharma industry.
• Demonstrated excellence and productivity in independent research.

• Hands-on experience in generating and analyzing multi-parameter gene and protein datasets is highly desirable (RNASeq, Nanostring, high-dimensional FACS, scRNASeq, etc.)
• Be versed in the current state of the science of the tumor microenvironment and the interplay between immune cells, stroma, and tumor cells.

May fill role as Senior Scientist I or II depending on experience. Can be located in Lake County, IL or South San Francisco, CA. 

AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer including disability/vets. 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 disabled veteran, recently separated veteran, Armed Forces service medal veteran or active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran or a person’s relationship or association with a protected veteran, including spouses and other family members, or any other protected group status. We will take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified minorities, women, individuals with a disability, disabled veterans, recently separated veterans, Armed Forces service medal veterans or active-duty wartime or campaign badge veterans. The Affirmative Action Plan is available for viewing in the Human Resources office during regular business hours.