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Senior Principal Research Scientist, CDD Optimization Team Lead

BiospaceChicago, ILApril 16th, 2026
Company DescriptionAbout AbbVieAbbVie'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 including immunology, oncology and neuroscience - and products and services in our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us atwww.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie onLinkedIn,Facebook,Instagram,XandYouTube.PurposeJob DescriptionThis position brings an opportunity to make innovative contributions that will define how AbbVie leverages AI-enabled drug discovery across our small molecule portfolio.Reports to Head of Computational Drug Discovery (CDD) and will lead thecomputational LeadOptimizationteam.Will implement and enable collaborative design betweenmembersof theOptimizationteamand Global Medicinal Chemistry(GMEC)teams. Mustpossessstrongexpertisein modernmedicinal chemistry, including a deep understanding of modern computational and experimentalstrategies,property-based drug design, and pharmacology needed to develop low-dose small molecule drug candidates. The ideal candidate will have a strong and established background in drug discovery from exploratory throughcandidate nominationincluding an established external footprint, and network as well as a proventrack recordof successfully leading diverseproject teams toidentifynovel drug candidates.Past experiencewillhave includedmentorship of early/mid-career scientists in matrixed and/or direct reporting relationships.ResponsibilitiesConsultwithprojectteamand GMEC leadershiptoestablishquantitative targets for driving optimization, andassigning anOptimization teammember totheproject teamthat can execute these goalsforaccelerated identification of low dose drug candidatesGuideOptimization teammembers inbenchmarkingexperiments to evaluatemodels performance and domain of applicabilityClearly communicatetoproject teamstherationale behind the selection of specificmodels andwhytheyare best suited for thetask at handLead thedevelopment of a cohesivecollection of internal models and workflows, tocomprehensivelyaddress AbbVies small moleculeportfolioneeds (suitable models to predict small molecule binding affinities for protein targets, and topredict pharmacological properties (PK parameters, etc.)Partnerclosely with the GMEC leadership team toidentifyand addressgapswhere computational predictions are neededAdvance scientificexpertisewithin theOptimizationteamand collaborates with cross-disciplinaryteams from CDD and InformationResearchto advance programs and ensure computational capabilities are bestimplemented across programsProactivelydemonstrateleadership by providing expert advice and shared knowledge with directreports, peers, and senior managementIdentifyand integrate emerging scientific trends from internal and external sources into functionalobjectivesPresent program updates and research strategies to functional and non-functional leaders as wellas potential and existing partnersMaintain awareness of emerging literature and science in the field and author scientificdisclosures/publicationsMaintain scientific presence outside AbbVie withappropriate publicationsand conference abstractsubmission highlighting innovativelearnings in computationalmedicinal chemistryQualificationsQualificationsBachelors Degree or equivalent education inSciencerelated field with extensive (typically > 18years) of related work;Masters Degreeor equivalent education with extensive (typically > 16 years) of related work; PhD in Science or related field with typically 10+ years of related workexperienceHighly organized and self-directed, experience leading multiple complex simultaneous research programs or initiativesExtensive knowledge and experience inapplying data science approachesformedicinal chemistryoptimizationExtensive knowledge and experience in moderncomputational approaches formedicinal chemistryExcellent written and verbal communication,as well as critical evaluation and data-driven decision making, particularlyincluding an ability to explain complex ideas to non-specialistsStrong analytical and problem-solving skills withdemonstratedability to think critically and creatively, and provide solutions both individually and collaboratively with internal expertsProven team leadership and management abilities, including experience mentoring, guiding, supervising, and developing scientific personnel with various backgrounds and training levelsHighly collaborative, team-oriented, and considerate of the needs of othersStrong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate with diverse groups within the organization and external partnersAbility to create an inclusive environment where diverse ideas, viewpoints and backgrounds are valued; willingness and ability to lead inclusively anddemonstratea commitment to listen and consider all points of viewPreferred:hasserved as Project Lead for a campaign resulting in candidate nominationPreferred:track recordof driving design of early to late-stage discovery programs with inventive contributions to advanced programsAdditional InformationApplicable only to applicants applying to a position in any location with pay disclosure requirements under state orlocal law:The compensation range described below is the range of possible base pay compensation that the Companybelieves ingood faith it will pay for this role at the timeof thisposting based on the job grade for this position.Individualcompensation paid within this range will depend on many factors including geographic location,andwemayultimatelypaymore or less than the posted range. This range may bemodifiedin thefuture.We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick),medical/dental/visioninsurance and 401(k) to eligibleemployees.This job is eligible toparticipatein our long-term incentiveprograms.Note: No amount of payis considered to bewages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, anddeterminable.The amount and availability of any bonus,commission,incentive, benefits, or any other form ofcompensation and benefitsthat are allocable to a particular employeeremainsin the Company's sole andabsolutediscretion unless anduntil paid andmay bemodifiedat the Companys sole and absolute discretion, consistent withapplicable law.AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives and serving our community. Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled.US & Puerto Rico only - to learn more, visithttps://www.abbvie.com/join-us/equal-employment-opportunity-employer.htmlUS & Puerto Rico applicants seeking a reasonable accommodation, click here to learn more:https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/reasonable-accommodations.html