Associate Director

Job Description

The Toxin Innovation Group at AbbVie seeks an accomplished scientist and leader for the Toxin Innovation Pharmacology Group. The Associate Director/ Principal Research Scientist II will lead discovery research activities to generate novel biotherapeutics. She/He/They will be responsible for developing methods and capabilities for complex in vitro and in vivo pharmacological studies.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in peripheral neuroscience and a proven record of successfully leading discovery projects to produce novel biotherapeutics. They will have experience with project conception, strategic planning, budgeting, and leading cross-functional and matrixed teams. The candidate will also have experience managing leaders of others. Additionally, the candidate will have a working knowledge of various research areas including protein engineering, biophysical characterization, and pre-clinical pharmacological testing.

The candidate will be able to lead by influence and maintain a productive, collaborative, and inclusive laboratory environment in compliance with regulatory and company expectations. Experience managing projects from early-stage discovery research through the transition of lead molecules to development is a plus.

A key role for the position is partnering with senior management to conceive and provide strategic direction and vision for the program while leading a discovery research team responsible for executing the technical aspects of the plan. Strong communication skills are essential as the candidate must be able to tailor interactions with technical teams and represent the program and strategy to executive-level management.

Key responsibilities:

Drive functional performance by designing and implementing studies aimed at new or improved products

Develop and execute discipline strategy in alignment with functional goals and key scientific objectives

Manage project activities and professional development of a team of scientists through effective mentoring, guidance, and supervision

Advance scientific expertise within the function and collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to advance programs from research to development

Ensure the quality and effectiveness of key project results through sound design, early risk assessments, and implementation of fallback strategies

Provide expert advice and share knowledge with direct reports, peers, and senior management

Train and mentor functional colleagues and assesses current and emerging business challenges to achieve functional goals

Identify and integrate emerging scientific trends from internal and external sources into short-term functional objectives

Ensure compliance with Federal Regulations for key documentation and inventories

Present program updates and research strategies to functional and non-functional leaders as well as potential and existing partners.