Scientist II, Transcriptional Profiling

AbbVie’s Foundational Neuroscience Center (FNC) in Cambridge, Massachusetts aims to discover breakthrough treatments for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and other neurodegenerative diseases, by conducting in-depth research into fundamental pathological mechanisms, and targeting those mechanisms with world-leading small molecule and biologic drug discovery capabilities.  Our goal is to produce novel drug candidates that modulate proteostatic mechanisms, protein aggregation, and microglial biology in neurodegenerative diseases by targeting mechanisms that emerge from novel in house-research including transcriptomic profiling using Next-Generation Sequencing and other insights.

We are seeking a scientist responsible for performing molecular biological research on target identification and validation for early drug discovery of neurodegenerative diseases.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and perform advanced molecular biology techniques including gene expression analysis and next-generation sequencing for target identification and validation research in neurodegenerative diseases.
  • Perform RNA and DNA extraction and quality control
  • Perform qPCR or dPCR
  • Construct sequencing libraries, and run Illumina sequencing platform
• Collaborate with colleagues at various AbbVie and external sites
• Analyze and summarize data and participate in the interpretation of results.
• Communicate with colleagues to discuss projects and experiment status and results.
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment, and manage supplies. 
• Develop scientific and technical proficiency as necessary for project completion.

Qualifications

• BS, MS or equivalent in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Neuroscience, or related field, with 5-7+ years of experience.
• Strong skillset in molecular biology techniques (RNA/DNA isolation and QC).
• Experience with medium-throughput screening (qPCR and dPCR).
• Experience with next-generation sequencing (bulk RNA-seq, scRNA-seq, snRNA-seq and CITE-seq)
• Ability to independently execute and analyze experiments and troubleshoot technical challenges.

Preferred

• Experience with automated laboratory system (KingFisher Flex and Bravo workstation).
• Experience in working in multidisciplinary teams, and in external collaboration.

Position will be hired based on level of experience. 

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.