Scientist I, Biological Research

About the company

AbbVie is focused on creating and delivering innovative medicines and solutions that address serious health needs today while also preparing for tomorrow’s medical challenges. The company works across major therapeutic areas such as immunology, oncology, and neuroscience, and also includes offerings from its Allergan Aesthetics portfolio.

Role overview

The Toxin Innovation Group is looking for a driven Scientist I to support novel research in a highly collaborative neurotoxin discovery and innovation program. This role centers on designing, running, and clearly communicating research tied to protein-based therapeutics and their pharmacological profiling. Strong experience with induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) culture and advanced cell-based assays is essential.

The position involves work with select agents and toxins in Biosafety Level 2 laboratory settings. Because access to these materials is regulated by federal rules, all work must follow AbbVie’s internal standards and applicable regulatory requirements.

Key responsibilities

• Maintain cell cultures in sterile conditions, including growing, differentiating, and maturing human iPSC-derived neurons.
• Plan and carry out in vitro pharmacology studies independently, and develop or improve experimental methods when needed.
• Analyze data thoroughly, interpret results, and present conclusions to teams across disciplines.
• Use strong scientific judgment to identify issues, troubleshoot experiments, and propose practical solutions.
• Work closely with colleagues from different functions to support shared goals, prioritize assignments effectively, and deliver high-quality results.

Qualifications

• Hands-on, highly driven scientist who performs well in a collaborative and multidisciplinary environment.
• Adaptable, with a strong commitment to scientific quality and rigor.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and creative problem-solving abilities.
• Able to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Skilled at interpreting multi-step experimental results, identifying meaningful deviations, and using scientific literature to guide follow-up work.
• Careful and consistent in documentation and record keeping.

Education and experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a biological science field and at least 5 years of experience in an academic or industry laboratory environment.
• Required experience with aseptic technique and maintenance of iPSC cell cultures.
• Preferred experience in cell transfection or transduction.
• Required experience with ELISA, complex cell-based assays, and western blotting.
• Preferred experience with immunohistochemistry, microscopy, and/or flow cytometry.
• Proficiency with MS Office tools, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Preferred familiarity with graphing tools such as GraphPad Prism and basic statistical analysis.
• Strong scientific writing and verbal communication skills.

Additional information

The compensation range mentioned for locations with pay disclosure laws represents the company’s good-faith estimate of base pay for this role at the time of posting. Final pay may vary based on factors such as geographic location, and the company may change the range in the future.

Eligible employees receive a benefits package that includes paid time off for vacation, holidays, and sick leave, along with medical, dental, and vision coverage and a 401(k) plan. This position also qualifies for short-term incentive programs.

No compensation is considered earned until it is vested and determinable. Any bonus, commission, incentive, or benefit remains subject to the company’s discretion unless and until paid, consistent with applicable law.

AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer and operates with integrity, innovation, and a commitment to serving the community. Equal opportunity is extended to veterans and disabled individuals.

US and Puerto Rico applicants seeking accommodation may refer to the company’s reasonable accommodation process.

Location

Irvine, California, United States.