Principal Research Scientist I Full-time

Principal Research Scientist I

At DJS-AbbVie, we are committed to advancing new therapeutics and translating novel immunological science into innovative R&D programs. As a UK-based R&D hub within AbbVie Immunology, we combine the agility, scientific focus and entrepreneurial spirit of a specialist discovery team with the scale, resources and ambition of a global pharmaceutical company.

Having already advanced a number of drug candidates, we are now entering an exciting phase of portfolio progression and growth in Oxford. As such we are seeking an experienced and highly capable drug hunter to join our team. Reporting to the Head of Novel Therapeutics the successful candidate will lead a team of 3+ drug discovery scientists, to deliver key translational pharmacodynamic data packages and drug candidates to drive programs from conception to candidate nomination.

The successful candidate will provide both people leadership and strategic scientific direction, working across a portfolio of assets and collaborating closely with key stakeholders across immunology discovery research and beyond. They must have strong drug discovery experience, excellent people leadership skills, and a passion for turning novel immunology into impactful programs.

In this role you will be expected to lead a team of multi-disciplinary scientists to deliver a pipeline of novel therapeutics to drive functional reprograming of inflammatory cells. You will be expected to mentor and develop colleagues from a range of scientific backgrounds and foster a strong drug discovery mindset across the team. You will also act as a molecule lead on pipeline programs, helping to shape cross-functional strategy and ensuring high-quality scientific execution. Over time, you will contribute to building a coherent portfolio of molecules with related mechanisms of action and maximizing cross-program learnings.

We are looking for a drug hunter who is highly expert in the area of therapeutics discovery, with a strong working knowledge of immunology and a proven ability to operate effectively in a drug discovery environment. You will be comfortable taking ownership of complex scientific challenges, assessing emerging trends, and identifying innovative approaches that support functional and portfolio goals.

Successful applicant's key responsibilities include:

• Develop and deliver drug discovery strategy in alignment with AbbVie's overall immunology strategy
• Lead and develop a team of 3+ direct reports, ranging from entry level to senior scientist level
• Build scientific capability within the team and foster a strong drug discovery mindset
• Act as molecule lead on pipeline programs, providing cross-functional leadership as teams form around assets
• Collaborate with colleagues across immunology discovery research, clinical development, development sciences and precision medicine
• Serve as a leading scientist at the DJS-AbbVie Oxford site, and act as a recognized scientific expert within the wider AbbVie R&D organization in your specialist mechanism of action
• Proactively share knowledge, mentor colleagues and support the development of functional capability
• Ensure high-quality project planning through sound experimental design, early risk assessment and robust contingency planning
• Identify and evaluate emerging scientific trends and translate relevant insights into functional objectives
• Apply imagination and innovation to create and implement new or improved approaches and breakthrough ideas
• Present scientific concepts and results to scientific and non-scientific audiences, including senior stakeholders and external partners

Qualifications include:

• Demonstrated experience across multiple drug discovery programs
• Demonstrated ability to function as a principal investigator, generating original technical ideas and development strategies
• Creative and practical problem-solving skills, with the ability to champion new technologies
• Recognized as an expert in your discipline, internally and ideally externally
• Strong publication, presentation, regulatory and/or patent record
• Excellent scientific communication and presentation skills, including experience presenting at leading scientific conferences

Education:

• BS/ MS or PhD or equivalent experience in a relevant scientific area

Apply today:

Alongside your CV, we kindly ask that you include a covering letter telling us about the key strengths you'd bring to the role, what makes you well-suited, and your motivation for wanting to join us.

DJS-AbbVie is part of AbbVie Immunology and is focused on advancing novel therapeutics to address serious and challenging diseases. Our work is driven by scientific excellence, collaboration and a commitment to delivering meaningful impact for patients.

Working at DJS-AbbVie offers the opportunity to join a dynamic and ambitious team, with exposure to a broad range of scientific challenges, close collaboration with experts across the wider organization, and the chance to help shape the future of our discovery portfolio.

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.

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https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/reasonable-accommodations.html

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Pay Range: $-

Where We Work

Role is exclusively performed at a site or office and onsite presence is required. Employees who are site/office-based and can occasionally perform their role virtually work both in the office and remotely*, following the policies and regulations in place at their location. US Employees must be in the office on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday with flexibility to work remotely on Mondays and Fridays. Three days in the office is the minimum; some individuals or teams may require more in-office days due to meetings, business/project needs or their role.