Senior Principal Research Scientist: Rheumatology - AbbVie

AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines and solutions that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas – immunology, oncology, neuroscience, and eye care – and products and services in our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and Tik Tok.

We are seeking a highly accomplished scientist to join our Rheumatology team in AbbVie's Immunology Discovery Research organization. Our mission is to lead patient-centric drug discovery efforts in autoimmune diseases, enhancing the chances of successful clinical therapies. In this role, the Senior Principal Research Scientist will oversee a team conducting both in vitro and in vivo pharmacological research to identify and validate new therapeutic targets, as well as to drive projects through the discovery phases into GLP tox and first in human studies.

The candidate’s responsibilities include managing a diverse team of scientists to design and execute in vitro and in vivo studies using current assays and developing novel assays to evaluate target hypotheses and disease biology. These studies will focus on rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and other rheumatological conditions. The team will devise strategies to identify new targets for underserved patient populations by leveraging mechanisms and pathways identified through molecular profiling of patient bio-samples. Additionally, they will create human-based assays that reflect disease biology, aiding the characterization of potential novel therapeutic modalities.

The ideal candidate will possess experience in project conception, strategic planning, and leadership within cross-functional, matrixed team environments. They should exhibit profound expertise in immunology and autoimmune disease biology, coupled with a thorough understanding of in vitro cellular and in vivo assay development. Familiarity with techniques such as flow cytometry, ELISA, cell-based assays, and molecular approaches is crucial.

A robust background in drug discovery and a proven track record of leading diverse and matrixed teams to progress novel therapeutics towards clinical stages is essential. The candidate should demonstrate an ability to influence and lead within a matrixed structure while fostering a productive, collaborative, and inclusive environment compliant with regulatory and corporate standards. Experience managing projects from early-stage research to development is required.

Excellent communication skills are critical, as the candidate must effectively interact with technical teams and present strategies and programs to executive-level management.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead Performance and Research: Direct team members in designing and conducting in vitro and in vivo assays, as well as analyzing and interpreting results.
• Strategic Development: Formulate and implement strategies that align with the functional goals and key scientific objectives in discovery immunology research.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate with colleagues from chemistry, biotherapeutics, genetic medicine, bioanalytical, clinical development, precision medicine, other therapeutic areas, and core support groups.
• Risk Management: Develop strategic plans to mitigate risks collaboratively with key stakeholders to advance programs towards clinical development.
• Project and Team Management: Oversee project activities and the professional growth of a team of scientists through effective mentoring, guidance, and supervision.
• Scientific Advancement: Enhance scientific expertise within the function and work with cross-disciplinary teams to transition programs from research to development.
• Quality Assurance: Ensure the quality and effectiveness of key project outcomes through robust design, early risk assessments, and the implementation of contingency plans.
• Knowledge Sharing: Provide expert advice and share insights with direct reports, peers, and senior management.
• Mentorship and Career Development: Guide direct reports in skill development and career progression.
• Training and Mentorship: Train and mentor colleagues within the function and assess current and emerging business challenges to meet functional objectives.
• Trend Integration: Recognize and incorporate emerging scientific trends from internal and external sources into functional goals.
• Communication: Present program updates and research strategies to functional and non-functional leaders, as well as current and potential partners.
• External Collaborations: Establish and manage external partnerships with leading research labs globally.

Scientific Awareness: Stay informed about emerging literature and advancements in the field, and author scientific disclosures/publications.

• Extensive Industrial Research Experience: Minimum of 15 years of experience with in vitro and in vivo immunological assays, including team management and leading cross-functional projects.
• Discovery Program Leadership: Proven capability in driving discovery programs from early to late stages.
• Immunology Expertise: Deep knowledge and hands-on experience in immunology and autoimmune diseases.
• Organizational and Self-Management Skills: Highly organized and self-directed, adept at leading multiple complex research programs concurrently.
• Strong Communication Skills: Exceptional written and verbal communication abilities, coupled with strong analytical and data-driven decision-making skills.
• Collaborative and Team-Oriented: Highly collaborative nature, considerate of the needs of others, and effective in team settings.
• Interpersonal and Collaborative Skills: Strong ability to work effectively with diverse groups within the organization and with external partners.
• Program Evaluation Experience: Proficient in assessing internal and external research and development programs.
• Leadership and Mentoring Skills: Demonstrated experience in team leadership and management, including mentoring and developing scientific personnel with diverse backgrounds and training levels.
• Inclusive Leadership: Ability to foster an inclusive environment that values diverse ideas and viewpoints, with a commitment to leading inclusively and considering all perspectives.

Education & Experience:

• PhD, MD or MD/PhD in Immunology, Biology, or equivalent field with 15+ years of related work experience in biotech or pharma

Applicable only to applicants applying to a position in any location with pay disclosure requirements under state or local law: ​

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• 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. ​

• This job is eligible to participate in our long-term incentive programs​

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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, serving our community and embracing diversity and inclusion.  It is AbbVie’s policy to employ qualified persons of the greatest ability without discrimination against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy), physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, status as a protected veteran, or any other legally protected group status.

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