AbbVie's Biotherapeutic and Genetic Medicine (BGM) department is seeking a highly motivated Senior Scientist with deep expertise in computational biology, molecular design, and next-generation sequencing to support siRNA design and off-target assessment. This role will establish and optimize siRNA sequences with enhanced knockdown efficacy and reduced off-target liabilities, develop off-target assessment workflows, and integrate transcriptomic and genomic data. The ideal candidate will combine strong biological insight with quantitative skills to advance siRNA design, identify potential off-target risks, and contribute to the development of safer, more selective RNA-based therapeutics.
Key Responsibilities
- Establish, implement, and improve pipelines for siRNA sequence design, integrating genomic, transcriptomic, and RNA structural data along with other factors that influence siRNA target specificity and efficacy.
- Build machine learning models based on high-throughput siRNA screening data to improve siRNA sequence selection.
- Collaborate with internal teams on NGS library preparation for off-target analysis.
- Interpret transcriptomic data to identify potential off-target signals and biological risk.
- Develop, maintain, and version-control reusable tools, scripts, and pipelines in Python, R, or other programming languages to support analysis, visualization, automation, and reporting.
- Generate clear and traceable data analysis reports, slide decks, and technical summaries.
- Collaborate with in vitro assay scientists, oligonucleotide scientists, and AI colleagues, and cross-functional partners to translate findings into actionable biological insights.
- Support transcriptomic and targeted validation studies relevant to seed-mediated and sequence-dependent off-target effects.
- Stay current on advances in RNAi biology, off-target analysis, transcriptomics, and computational methods relevant to nonclinical safety assessment.