Senior Principal Research Scientist: Rheumatology

$151,500 - $288,000/Yr

AbbVie - Worcester, MA

Full-time - Senior

Worcester, MA

Chemical Manufacturing

About the position

The Senior Principal Research Scientist will lead AbbVie's Rheumatology team within the Immunology Discovery Research organization, focusing on patient-centric drug discovery for autoimmune diseases. This role involves overseeing a team conducting in vitro and in vivo pharmacological research to identify and validate new therapeutic targets, driving projects through discovery phases into GLP tox and first-in-human studies.

Responsibilities

• Direct team members in designing and conducting in vitro and in vivo assays, analyzing and interpreting results.
• Formulate and implement strategies that align with functional goals and key scientific objectives in discovery immunology research.
• Collaborate with colleagues from various departments including chemistry, biotherapeutics, and clinical development.
• Develop strategic plans to mitigate risks collaboratively with key stakeholders to advance programs towards clinical development.
• Oversee project activities and the professional growth of a team of scientists through effective mentoring and guidance.
• Enhance scientific expertise within the function and work with cross-disciplinary teams to transition programs from research to development.
• Ensure the quality and effectiveness of key project outcomes through robust design and early risk assessments.
• Provide expert advice and share insights with direct reports, peers, and senior management.
• Guide direct reports in skill development and career progression.
• Train and mentor colleagues within the function and assess current and emerging business challenges to meet functional objectives.
• Recognize and incorporate emerging scientific trends into functional goals.
• Present program updates and research strategies to leaders and partners.
• Establish and manage external partnerships with leading research labs globally.
• Stay informed about emerging literature and advancements in the field, and author scientific disclosures/publications.

Requirements

• Minimum of 15 years of experience with in vitro and in vivo immunological assays, including team management and leading cross-functional projects.
• Proven capability in driving discovery programs from early to late stages.
• Deep knowledge and hands-on experience in immunology and autoimmune diseases.
• Highly organized and self-directed, adept at leading multiple complex research programs concurrently.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication abilities, coupled with strong analytical and data-driven decision-making skills.
• Highly collaborative nature, considerate of the needs of others, and effective in team settings.
• Strong ability to work effectively with diverse groups within the organization and with external partners.
• Proficient in assessing internal and external research and development programs.
• Demonstrated experience in team leadership and management, including mentoring and developing scientific personnel with diverse backgrounds and training levels.
• Ability to foster an inclusive environment that values diverse ideas and viewpoints.

Benefits

• Paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick)
• Medical/dental/vision insurance
• 401(k)
• Short-term incentive programs
• Long-term incentive programs