Senior Principal Research Scientist - Optimization Team Lead

This position offers an opportunity to make innovative contributions defining how AbbVie leverages AI-enabled drug discovery across its small molecule portfolio. The role reports to the Head of Computational Drug Discovery and leads the computational Lead Optimization team. It requires implementing collaborative design between Optimization team members and Global Medicinal Chemistry teams.

The leader must possess strong expertise in modern medicinal chemistry, including deep understanding of computational and experimental strategies, property-based drug design, and pharmacology for low-dose small molecule candidates. Responsibilities include consulting with project teams to establish quantitative optimization targets and assigning team members for accelerated drug candidate identification. Daily work involves guiding benchmarking experiments to evaluate model performance.

Team members collaborate closely with GMEC leadership to identify gaps needing computational predictions and advance scientific expertise across cross-disciplinary teams from CDD and Information Research. The environment fosters proactive leadership, providing expert advice to direct reports, peers, and senior management. Clear communication of model rationales ensures best-suited applications for project tasks.

Growth opportunities include leading development of internal models and workflows addressing AbbVie's small molecule needs, such as binding affinities and PK parameters. Proven track record in leading diverse teams from exploratory discovery through candidate nomination is essential, along with mentorship experience. The role integrates emerging scientific trends and presents strategies to leaders and partners.