Senior Principal Scientist, Head of Checkpoint Immunology, Immunology Discovery

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.

The Immunology Discovery Department is seeking an accomplished and experienced Scientist to lead the Checkpoint Immunology Group within the Immune Tolerance Therapeutics Discovery team based in Cambridge MA. In this role you will lead a multidisciplinary team of highly talented scientists with experimental, technical and scientific expertise in ITIM-bearing inhibitory immune checkpoint receptors. The candidate should have a demonstratable track-record in this scientific discipline alongside a strong knowledge of preclinical drug discovery spanning target discovery / validation through to GLP tox phases. The ability to effectively collaborate and deliver results across multi-disciplinary line functions both internally and with external leading experts is required.  Proven expertise leading preclinical drug discovery programs targeting inhibitory receptors in autoimmune disease is an advantage. Applicants should have a strong publication record and have proven experience in leading (managing) & developing bench-based scientists.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the Checkpoint Immunology Group within Immunology Discovery. Responsible for refining the strategy and biology focus within this area to support and advance the portfolio
• Provide biology expertise to internal teams that helps pave the way for next-generation therapies that target inhibitory immune checkpoints in rheumatological, dermatological and gastroenterological diseases
• Key member of the Immune Tolerance Leadership Team, to support advancement of Immune Tolerance biology into the drug discovery pipeline
• Proven experience in managing, growing and developing highly talented scientists
• Drive performance by Leading from the Bench. Including the ability to design and execute on key experiments to inform decision-points (GO / NO-GO) at critical stages of projects
• Proven track record of leading and influencing early to late-stage discovery programs
• Deep immunology expertise, with emphasis on understanding mechanisms of ITIM-bearing checkpoints in immune tolerance & autoimmune disease
• Help develop and execute a strategy in alignment with functional goals and key scientific objectives in discovery immunology research.
• Highly collaborative, team-oriented, and considerate of the needs of others
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate with diverse groups within the organization and external partners.
• Highly organized & self-directed, capable of leading multiple complex research programs in parallel.
• Excellent written and verbal communication is required as well as critical evaluation and data-driven decision making.
• Provide expert advice and share knowledge with direct reports, peers, and senior leadership
• Establish and manage external collaborations with leading research labs around the world. Includes attendance / presentation at conferences and submission of publications.

• 18 +(BS), 16+ (MS), or 10+ (PhD) years of related work experience in academia, biotech or pharma
• Extensive experience in Immune Checkpoint Biology and Immunology drug discovery within a high-caliber research environment with 4+ years of related work experience in biotech or pharma
• Ability to create an inclusive environment where diverse ideas, viewpoints and backgrounds are valued. Willingness and ability to lead inclusively and demonstrate a commitment to listen and consider all points of view
• Ability to work, influence, lead and deliver results in cross-functional teams
• Excellent written, presentation and interpersonal communication skills. Ability to be effective in a highly collaborative environment.

Key AbbVie Competencies:

• Builds strong relationships with peers and cross functionally with partners outside of the team to enable high performance.
• Learns fast, grasps the “essence” and can change course quickly where indicated.
• Raises the bar and is never satisfied with the status quo.

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. ​

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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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