Principal Scientist II, AI-Guided Antibody Drug Conjugate Design Full-time

Job Title

We are seeking an innovative and highly experienced scientist to lead the application of artificial intelligence and machine learning to the design of next-generation antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs).

The role will integrate computational biology, antibody engineering, linker-payload chemistry, and translational drug discovery to create ADCs with improved efficacy, safety, and manufacturability.

The successful candidate will collaborate across biologics, medicinal chemistry, data science, and translational research teams to design and optimize antibody architectures, conjugation strategies, and linker systems for oncology, immunology, and emerging therapeutic areas.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement AI/ML models to guide ADC discovery and optimization, including target selection, antibody engineering, linker design, and payload selection.
• Build predictive models for critical ADC properties, including stability, internalization, efficacy, pharmacokinetics, toxicity, and therapeutic index.
• Apply generative AI, protein language models, and structure-based design approaches to create novel antibody formats and conjugation strategies.
• Integrate sequence, structural, biophysical, chemical, and biological datasets to accelerate iterative design-build-test cycles.
• Inform engineering of monoclonal antibodies and advanced biologic formats to improve affinity, selectivity, internalization, developability, and manufacturability.
• Design strategies for site-specific conjugation and optimized drug-to-antibody ratio (DAR).
• Guide experimental validation of engineered antibodies through close partnership with discovery and characterization teams.
• Develop predictive frameworks connecting linker chemistry and conjugation properties to efficacy, safety, biodistribution, and resistance mechanisms.
• Partner with chemistry teams to advance novel conjugation technologies and next-generation payload delivery platforms.
• Establish data strategies and computational workflows that improve decision quality and reduce experimental cycle times.
• Communicate findings and recommendations to project teams, senior leadership, and external scientific audiences.
• Maintain awareness of advances in AI, protein engineering, linker-payload technology, conjugation chemistry, and computational drug discovery.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Science related field with 16 years of related work; Master's Degree Science or PharmD with 14 years of related work; PhD in Science or related field with 8 years of related work experience.
• PhD in computational biology, bioengineering, protein engineering, chemistry, chemical biology, pharmaceutical sciences, or a related discipline.
• 8+ years of relevant industry experience in biologics, ADCs, protein engineering, computational drug design, or related therapeutic modalities.
• Demonstrated expertise in antibody engineering, including humanization, affinity maturation, format engineering, and developability optimization.
• Proven track record applying machine learning, deep learning, generative AI, or computational design methods to therapeutic discovery.
• Strong understanding of ADC pharmacology, intracellular trafficking, pharmacokinetics, safety drivers, and resistance mechanisms.
• Experience leading or influencing multidisciplinary drug discovery teams.
• Strong record of publications, patents, platform innovation, or advancement of drug discovery programs.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with protein language models, generative molecular design, graph neural networks, multimodal learning, or biological foundation models.
• Expertise in structural biology and modeling approaches, including AlphaFold-based modeling, molecular dynamics, cryo-EM, or X-ray crystallography.
• Experience developing scalable AI platforms for biologics or multimodal therapeutic design.
• Knowledge of next-generation ADC modalities, including bispecific ADCs, immune-stimulating ADCs and targeted delivery systems.
• Demonstrated leadership of cross-functional discovery programs and scientific teams.

Additional Information

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 long-term incentive programs.

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, visit https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/equal-employment-opportunity-employer.html

US & Puerto Rico applicants seeking a reasonable accommodation, click here to learn more:

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

Recruitment Fraud Alert

We have recently become aware of various recruitment phishing scams targeting job seekers. Please be advised:

• AbbVie will never request sensitive personal information (such as bank account details, social security numbers, or payment of any kind) during the recruitment process.
• If you suspect you have received a fraudulent offer or communication claiming to be from AbbVie, please do not respond, open any attachments, or click on any hyperlinks.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the authenticity of a communication alleged to have been made by or on behalf of AbbVie, please contact us immediately.

Protect yourself by verifying job offers and communications. Your safety is important to us.

1. Yes, 5% of the Time

Pay Range:

$ 141500 – 268500 USD

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.