Scientist II, Discovery Neuroscience at AbbVie — Cambridge, MA

We are seeking a highly motivated and accomplished in vitro biologist to join our Discovery Neuroscience organization. This scientist will contribute to early discovery research efforts focused on identifying and advancing novel therapeutic approaches for neurodegenerative diseases, with a focus on Parkinson's disease. This laboratory-based role will support in vitro assay execution, cell culture-based model development, compound evaluation, and proof-of-concept studies in a collaborative discovery environment. The successful candidate will work closely with scientists across discovery biology and translational functions to generate high-quality data that inform program decisions.

Key Responsibilities

• Independently design, execute, and interpret critical in vitro experiments supporting discovery neuroscience programs, with an emphasis on cell-based assay systems.
• Maintain and perform routine work with primary neuronal cultures, recombinant cell lines, and other neuroscience-relevant in vitro models.
• Support compound testing, assay development, and proof-of-concept studies through careful execution of experimental workflows.
• Lead assay optimization efforts, troubleshooting, and implementation of new or modified in vitro methods.
• Generate, organize, and analyze experimental data with a high degree of accuracy and reproducibility.
• Maintain detailed and compliant experimental records, observations, and study documentation.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional project teams to support program objectives and data interpretation.
• Adhere to applicable safety, quality, and data integrity standards.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Neuroscience, Biology, Pharmacology, Biochemistry, or a related scientific discipline with 7 or more years of experience; or an M.S. or equivalent degree with 5 or more years of experience in an academic, biotech, or pharmaceutical setting.
• Hands-on experience with neuroscience-relevant readouts such as high-content imaging, viability assays, reporter assays, ELISA, qPCR, or similar techniques.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and commitment to high-quality data generation.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with primary cell culture, recombinant cell systems, or other in vitro model platforms.
• Exposure to compound screening, assay development, or proof-of-concept studies in a discovery setting.
• Experience analyzing and presenting experimental data.
• Knowledge of neuroscience disease biology and early drug discovery workflows.
• Familiarity with statistical analysis or data visualization tools.

Core Competencies

• Scientific rigor and experimental discipline
• Strong attention to detail and follow-through
• Curiosity, initiative, and problem-solving mindset
• Collaboration and adaptability
• Commitment to data quality, reproducibility, and compliance

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.

AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives and serving our community.  Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled.

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