Associate Scientist I, Immunology Biorepository Operations

The Biorepository for Immunology (BRIM) group within Transformational and Translational Immunology Discovery is seeking an enthusiastic, skilled, and dedicated team member to support biorepository operations and key disease area projects. The primary function carried out for the BRIM is to support procurement, inventory, and management of patient biospecimens from suppliers, collaborators and Abbvie clinical trials to researchers for scientific interrogation, with an overall goal to support the advancements in treatment of Immunological disease.  The associate scientist will work closely with the operations lead to manage and deliver biospecimens essential to discovery efforts and pipeline project needs. Key activities will include the coordination of specimen collections and biorepository requests. This role includes essential activities including the creation of electronic manifests and management of project documentation, patient data, and inventory for the biorepository. The Associate Scientist will be an essential part of the BRIM team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist with processing biospecimen orders, which may include querying databases, dispensing, and delivering specimens to end user(s).
• Performing basic operations activities in accordance with study needs including assembly of sample collection materials and coordinating shipping logistics to bring in specimen collections.
• Specimen shipping/receiving, chain of custody tracking, aliquoting, storage assignment, data verification using a database and disposing and documenting specimens as required.  
• Maintaining accurate inventory of specimens and associated information in the database.
• Will handle patient-derived biological specimens such as cells, biofluids, nucleic acid, tissue etc. to be used for drug discovery experiments.   
• Patient data formatting and preparation of electronic manifests for loading into a database.
• Participating in routine lab maintenance and supply ordering.
• Understanding and adhering to corporate standards regarding code of conduct, safety, appropriate handling of materials, operating procedures, GxP compliance and best practices for quality assurance.

Qualifications:

• Working knowledge of theories, principles, and concepts acquired through completion of a bachelor’s degree in Biology or Chemistry or a closely related field, with laboratory experience
• Analytical skills to resolve problems that require the use of basic scientific, mathematical, or technical principles
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple ongoing activities
• Ability to communicate effectively with multidisciplinary groups in a fast paced team setting.
• Demonstrated attention to detail
• Familiarity with biospecimen handling, molecular biology techniques, and/or laboratory automation are preferred
• Strong computer application skills in major MS Office applications such as Excel, Word, Powerpoint, and Outlook; expertise in excel and Smartsheet is a plus

Key Abbvie Competencies:

• Builds strong relationships with peers and cross functionally with partners outside of the immediate team to enable higher performance
• Learns quickly, grasps the 'essence' and can change the course quickly where indicated
• Raises the bar and is never satisfied with the status quo
• Creates a learning environment, open to suggestions and experimentation to drive the science in the field of interest
• Embraces a learning environment, open to suggestions and experimentation for continuous improvement

This role will be located out of Worcester, MA and move to Cambridge, MA in December 2023.

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.