Principal Research Scientist II, siRNA Full-time

Principal Research Scientist

The Biotherapeutic and Genetic Medicine (BGM) team at AbbVie is seeking an accomplished Principal Research Scientist to lead the overall strategy for a group and multi-disciplinary project teams. In this role, you will establish a high-throughput siRNA screening platform, drive pipeline innovation through next-generation delivery modalities, and deliver therapeutic leads across multiple disease areas.

Responsibilities:

• Strategy: Define and drive the multi-year roadmap for the siRNA screening platform, ensuring alignment with therapeutic goals in neuroscience, oncology, and immunology. Collaborate with key stakeholders to balance resources between “platform-building” and “pipeline-driving.”
• Execution: Oversee the transition of manual assays into robust, automated high-throughput screening (HTS) workflows to identify high-potency siRNA leads. Act as the primary contact between Discovery and Development Sciences (DMPK, Tox, and CMC) to ensure seamless molecule transition and scale-up readiness.
• Innovation: Design and evaluate next-gen delivery modalities, specifically Antibody, Oligonucleotide Conjugates (AOCs) and tissue-specific ligand conjugates, utilizing advanced chemical modification patterns. Establish “fast-fail” in vivo screening models to rapidly validate functional siRNA delivery to extrahepatic tissues.
• Leadership: Build, lead and develop a high-performing team of ~ 10 scientists, fostering a culture that is collaborative, agile, and courageous while managing laboratory infrastructure to maximize throughput.

Qualifications:

• BS, MS, or PhD in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, or a related field with typically 8+ (PhD), 14+ (MS), or 16+ (BS) years of industry experience in biotech or pharma, and at least 5 years in a leadership/management role.
• Proven track record in siRNA design and the application of chemical modifications for stability and hands-on experience with automation platforms and HTS data analysis.
• Previous experience leading siRNA platform or portfolio programs targeting tissues beyond the liver is strictly required.
• Demonstrated ability to advise discipline experts and functional leaders on identifying and mitigating technical and strategic risks.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with a proven ability to maintain productive working relationships with diverse internal teams and external collaborators.
• A strong track record of presenting complex scientific data to internal and external stakeholders.

Applicable only to applicants applying to a position in any location with pay disclosure requirements under state or local law:

• 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 program.
• This job is eligible to participate in our long-term incentive program.

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.

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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Travel: Yes, 5% of the Time

Pay Range: $137500 – 261000 USD

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.