Scientist I

Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 115,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

About Abbott

Abbott Rapid Diagnostics is part of Abbott’s Diagnostics family of businesses, bringing together exceptional teams of experts and industry-leading technologies to support diagnostic testing, which provides essential information for the treatment and management of diseases and other conditions.

The Opportunity

The role of Scientist in San Diego, executes and conducts, research, development, or scientific/ technical activities in the fields of Molecular Biology, and Biochemistry. Designs, tests, analyzes, optimizes, characterizes, troubleshoots and validates assays for use in decentralized settings, including integration with upstream sample preparation technologies. May facilitate, develop or recommend improvements and/or new procedures related to products or processes. Provides technical review, direction and feedback to others and may lead small to medium projects. Independently develops data presentations for use within organization.

What You'll Work On

• Investigate, create, and develop new methods and technologies to advance projects with limited assistance. Design and execute experiments, perform data analyses, and implement follow‑up actions to achieve established milestones.
• Conduct moderately complex experiments and seek guidance from more experienced colleagues as needed to address technical and experimental design challenges. Demonstrate the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of independence.
• Perform core Scientist responsibilities and contribute to more complex scientific studies typically led by more experienced scientists.
• Address problems of moderate complexity and diverse scope related to qPCR, RT‑PCR, qPCR, rapid PCR, multiplex PCR, and nested PCR. Analyze experimental results to support data interpretation, draw conclusions, and initiate troubleshooting and root‑cause analyses.
• Plan and execute projects of smaller scope under limited supervision.
• Participate in routine laboratory maintenance activities and adhere to laboratory safety requirements.
• Prepare technical reports and experimental documentation; independently document scientific data in compliance with the Quality System. Apply critical thinking and sound judgment. With minimal guidance, develop protocols, write reports, and prepare summaries and presentations for peers and stakeholders.
•  No formal supervisory responsibilities; however, may provide day‑to‑day guidance to less experienced research associates (RAs) and assist in problem solving.

Required Qualifications

• B.S. or M.S. degree in Biological Sciences or a related discipline.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible laboratory or industry experience.
• Demonstrated practical laboratory skills with increasing technical complexity gained through experience.
• Proven problem‑solving abilities with increasing independence and scope as experience grows.
• Solid understanding of scientific principles with the ability to apply more advanced concepts, techniques, and methodologies through hands‑on experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field; Ph.D. with no industry experience, or M.S. with four (4) or more years of relevant industry experience, or B.S. with six (6) or more years of relevant industry experience.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience developing rapid molecular diagnostic assays.
• Demonstrated knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures related to molecular amplification technologies, including isothermal, PCR, qPCR, RT‑PCR, dPCR, rapid PCR, multiplex PCR, and nested PCR, with experience in data evaluation, analysis, and interpretation.
• Working knowledge of experimental approaches, protocols, and scientific methods, including experimental design and data interpretation, with increasing technical depth through experience.
• Proficiency in data analysis using Excel and JMP, with strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced, cross‑functional environment.
• Experience with assay Verification and Validation preferred.

WHAT WE OFFER

At Abbott, you can have a good job that can grow into a great career. We offer:

• Training and career development, with onboarding programs for new employees and tuition assistance.
• Financial security through competitive compensation, incentives, and retirement plans.
• Health care and well-being programs including medical, dental, vision, wellness, and occupational health programs.
• Paid time off.
• 401(k) retirement savings with a generous company match.
• The stability of a company with a record of strong financial performance and a history of being actively involved in local communities.

An equal opportunity employer, Abbott welcomes and encourages diversity in our workforce.

The base pay for this position is

$81,500.00 – $141,300.00

In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted.

     

JOB FAMILY:

Research and Discovery

DIVISION:

ID Infectious Disease

LOCATION:

United States > San Diego : 4545 Towne Center Court

ADDITIONAL LOCATIONS:

WORK SHIFT:

Standard

TRAVEL:

No

MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE:

Not Applicable

SIGNIFICANT WORK ACTIVITIES:

Keyboard use (greater or equal to 50% of the workday), Work with human blood or other potentially infectious materials

Abbott is an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities/Women/Individuals with Disabilities/Protected Veterans.

     

EEO is the Law link - English: http://webstorage.abbott.com/common/External/EEO_English.pdf

     

EEO is the Law link - Espanol: http://webstorage.abbott.com/common/External/EEO_Spanish.pdf