The Discovery Rheumatology group within AbbVie is responsible for identifying and validating novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of many rheumatic diseases. We have an exciting opportunity available for an Associate Scientist to join our team at our Cambridge site near Boston, MA. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and executing a broad range of in vitro cell-based and molecular experiments, including cell culture, plate-based assays, and cellular/molecular profiling using the latest instrumentation from real-time cell imaging to highly sensitive multiplex protein characterization. This role requires the analysis, interpretation, communication, and presentation of high-quality, reproducible data sets to support multiple programs across the rheumatology portfolio. This is a lab-based position and requires full-time on-site presence. Successful candidates will thrive in a collaborative lab environment. Key responsibilities include: • Optimize & support cell-based functional studies: work within the target identification & validation team to develop and execute on multiple functional studies with primary human cells using real-time cell imaging and flow cytometric profiling to track cell growth, survival and migration. Broaden skills to enable effective planning and execution of high throughput screens and gain experience with the latest technologies in cell-based profiling. • Perform analytical assays & support troubleshooting: conduct analytical assays to evaluate both RNA and protein composition from in vitro cell cultures and patient-derived biospecimens by qPCR and ELISA-type technologies, respectively. Generate high-quality data to support selection of disease relevant cell culture and stimulation conditions to drive target candidate nominations. Develop the skills to independently troubleshoot assays and instruments to ensure consistent quality data output. • Analyze & communicate results: analyze study results, organize and document the results in an electronic lab notebook (ELN), and effectively communicate updates, troubleshooting, and results to the team. Interpret results and draw conclusions from multistage experiments with support from study owners and project leads. Communicate aberrant data and lab issues to management to gain input and alignment on solution. • Collaboration: Collaborate closely with highly matrixed team members to support pipeline programs and participate in project teams as a study owner Qualifications • Degree in cell biology, immunology, pharmaceutical sciences or equivalent • Bachelor's Degree with 3 or more years' experience or Master's Degree (no additional experience) • Strong technical background encompassing sterile tissue culture techniques, cell-based assays and cellular/molecular characterization methods. • Hands-on experience with running and troubleshooting analytical techniques used for RNA and protein characterization such as qPCR, Western and ELISA as well as cell profiling techniques including flow cytometry and microscopy. • Ability to work in cross-matrixed team supporting multiple projects and participate in project-focused teams. • Technical ability to execute and troubleshoot experiments through rational and critical thinking. • Must be highly organized and detail oriented. • Eagerness to learn and apply new scientific techniques. • Excellent verbal and written communication skills. • Strong collaborative skills for working effectively within the team. • Prior experience developing primary cell-based assays and executing high-throughput screening workflows is highly preferred. Additional Information Applicable only to applicants applying to a position in any location with pay disclosure requirements under state or local law: • The compensation range described below is the range of possible base pay compensation that the Company believes in good faith it will pay for this role at the time of this posting based on the job grade for this position. Individual compensation paid within this range will depend on many factors including geographic location, and we may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This range may be modified in the future. • We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick), medical/dental/vision insurance and 401(k) to eligible employees. • This job is eligible to participate in our short-term incentive programs. Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, incentive, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole and absolute discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company's sole and absolute discretion, consistent with applicable law.